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Women's Health

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Women’s Health Physiotherapists are experienced and highly trained physiotherapists who specialize in musculoskeletal issues associated with pregnancy, birth, post-partum, breastfeeding and menopause. They also specialize in pelvic floor muscle issues and pelvic pain.

Women’s Health Physiotherapists have post-graduate training and specialized skills in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor function and dysfunction. The life-stages and changes experienced by women can have a wide-ranging impact on their bodies and Women’s Health Physiotherapists are trained to understand this.  An evidence-based approach ensures up-to-date research is used to choose the most effective treatment techniques for you. Pelvic issues (for men and women) can be a sensitive topic and many people take a long time to seek treatment, but help is available! You can expect a thorough and complete pelvic assessment, diagnosis and explanation of your pelvic issue and a management and treatment plan that you can be actively involved in to improve your pelvic health concern.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU:

Commited, passionate and highly trained physiotherapists would love to help you improve and manage any of the following conditions:

Pregnancy and postpartum:

  • Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PRPGP or Pelvic Instability)
  • Pregnancy-related back or neck pain
  • Birth related injuries
  • Coccyx pain and injury
  • Abdominal muscle separation (DRAM)
  • Rib pain
  • Hip pain (Femoro-acetabular impingement, FAI)
  • Carpal tunnel and wrist pain
  • Mastitis and blocked ducts
  • Return to sport and exercise after childbirth

Pelvic issues:

  • Genito-pelvic pain disorder (vaginismus)
  • Vulvodynia
  • Sexual pain
  • Overactive (tight) pelvic floor muscles
  • Pudendal neuralgia
  • Pelvic muscle pain / spasm
  • Pain associated with Endometriosis
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Faecal incontinence
  • Prolapse
  • Surgery – prolapse, continence sling, hysterectomy or prostatectomy

OPSMC offers Women’s Health Physiotherapy services at our Olympic Park Campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
01

Do I need a referral?

No, you do not need a referral to see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist.

To ensure great communication with your healthcare team your physiotherapist will communicate with and work in conjunction with your Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, G.P, Surgeon or other relevant medical health-care provider throughout your treatment.

02

What do I need to bring?

  • Relevant scans and accompanying reports (Eg. Urodynamics, Endo-anal ultrasound, surgery report,  x-ray or MRI)
  • Non-invasive real time ultrasound may be used as an assement and treatment tool during your consultation
  • Please drink 300ml of water prior to your consultation
03

How long will the session take?

60 minutes for New patients (Pelvic floor concerns)

30 minutes for New patients (Musculoskeletal issues)

30 minutes for Review appointments

04

Can I get a (Medicare) rebate?

Patients who have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs may be eligible for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) rebate through Medicare. (Formerly known as an EPC plan). CDM services and Team Care arrangements (TCA) are arranged by a patient’s G.P. Please discuss your suitability for this plan with your G.P. Present any CDM/TCA plan to your Physiotherapist at the time of consultation. A gap fee will apply.

05

Is this service covered by Private Health Insurance?

Yes, patients with Private Health Insurance that includes ‘Extras Cover’ may be covered for Women’s Health Physiotherapy services. Please check with your health fund.

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What does a pelvic floor muscle check involve?

After spending time understanding your symptoms and medical history, in consultation with you, an internal vaginal or rectal assessment or non-invasive Real-Time Ultrasound (RTUS) scan may be used to assess your pelvic floor muscle health and function.

Assessment may also include evaluation of your external pelvis, abdominal muscles, bladder and bowel function, lifestyle and exercise factors.  Diagnosis and explanation of your pelvic issue is an integral part of the process.  You can expect a sensitive approach and an individually tailored treatment and management plan.

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Should I do pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy or wait until after the birth?

Do both. Performing regular pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy can be protective of incontinence symptoms. Some women worry that strong pelvic floor muscles will not allow them to give birth vaginally. There is no scientific evidence that this is the case. Pelvic floor exercises are an essential part of your postnatal recovery whether you have a vaginal or caesarean birth. Your pelvic floor muscle exercise technique can be checked by a qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapist. It is important that you are exercising your pelvic floor muscles correctly to achieve these benefits.

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Can pelvic floor muscles be too tight?

Yes, some women (and men) have pelvic floor muscles that are tight and painful. These tight muscles may contribute to coccyx pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, sexual pain and bladder and bowel issues. These symptoms can be quite distressing and affect a person’s quality of life significantly. Your pelvic floor muscles can be checked by a qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapist who can identify tight and painful pelvic floor muscles and prescribe the correct treatment program for you.

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Can men have pelvic floor problems too?

Yes! It may sound surprising but men can have pelvic floor issues resulting in pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction bladder or bowel issues too. Pelvic floor muscle training is also essential for preparation and recovery after prostate surgery. Groin pain, Pubic overload (Osteitis pubis) and Hip pain, Femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) can also be with associated pelvic floor dysfunction.

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For general FAQs relating to our campuses, please see below:

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Melbourne Campus
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Telehealth Campus
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