HOW DOES A PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST DIFFER FROM A 'WOMEN'S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST'?

All of our physiotherapists have postgraduate training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, having completed either a Master of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health), or a Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation). This means that they have been formally assessed in vaginal and rectal examinations, and many of the intra (within) pelvic devices that may be used to treat your symptoms.
 

WILL MY VISIT INVOLVE A VAGINAL OR RECTAL EXAMINATION?

If you have bladder, bowel, prolapse or deep pelvic pain symptoms then you would most likely benefit from a vaginal (or rectal) assessment. This does not have to happen at the first session but gives really good feedback on what is happening with your pelvic floor muscle function which can guide your treatment.

If you are bleeding we are happy to undertake a vaginal examination however understand if you do not feel comfortable with this and wish to reschedule your appointment. Bleeding will not distinctly change our assessment findings.

DO YOU RECOMMEND A ROUTINE REVIEW to learn how to correctly activate your pelvic floor antenatally?

It has been shown that pelvic floor muscle training in women having their first baby can prevent urinary incontinence in late pregnancy and post partum. This effect is greater with targeted training (ie. supervised by a pelvic floor physiotherapist).