Women's pelvic health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, and there are many benefits to prioritizing it. By taking steps to improve pelvic health, women can alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life. Women's pelvic health physiotherapy is one effective way to achieve these goals.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction
Urinary or faecal incontinence
Pelvic pain
Sexual pain
Prolapse
Image- Australian Physiotherapy Association 2022.
Women's health physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that aims to assist women in achieving optimal pelvic health, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum periods. The benefits of women's health physiotherapy are numerous and can improve women's quality of life by addressing issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and other related conditions. It is essential to seek the help of a women's health physiotherapist as early as possible to ensure that any symptoms are managed and addressed promptly.
One of the primary benefits of women's health physiotherapy is its ability to prevent or treat pelvic floor dysfunction, which affects up to one in three women at some point in their lives. This dysfunction can lead to a range of symptoms, including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Women's health physiotherapy uses various techniques such as pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, and education to improve pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. This, in turn, can alleviate symptoms and improve overall pelvic health.
Women's health physiotherapy can also help with a range of pre- and post-natal issues. During pregnancy, women's bodies undergo significant changes that can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly in the pelvic area. Women's health physiotherapists can provide advice and support on exercise and posture modifications to manage these symptoms. After childbirth, women's health physiotherapy can help with recovery, particularly if there are complications such as diastasis recti or pelvic organ prolapse.
Overall, women's health physiotherapy is an effective way to manage a range of conditions that can significantly impact women's lives, particularly during and after pregnancy.
Women's health at Physica
We treat a wide range of Women's health issues:
- Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain, lumbo pelvic pain and pubic symphysis pain.
- Other common musculoskeletal conditions during the child bearing year such as carpal tunnel syndrome and de quervain’s tenosynovitis.
- Prescribe pre and post natal education regarding exercise and recovery from vaginal and caesarean birth.
- Assessment and management of DRAM
- Issues pertaining to the lactating breast such an engorgement and mastitis.
- Assessment and management of bladder and bowel conditions (urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, pelvic organ prolapse, constipation) as it relates to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
- Implement the use of real time ultrasound in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and use in as a biofeedback tool in rehabilitation.
- Perform an external visual anal examination in the assessment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Our team
In 2018, Maddie successfully completed her studies at La Trobe University, and she is currently pursuing her Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the same institution. Additionally, she has received training in pilates through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and consistently incorporates movement principles into her treatment approaches.
Throughout her career, Maddie has been dedicated to working in private practice, prioritizing patient-centered care. Her focus is on ensuring her clients achieve their maximum potential during their rehabilitation process.
Maddie possesses a particular passion for women’s health and specializes in treating spinal conditions, with a particular emphasis on neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and thoracic (upper back) pain. Her expertise also extends to effectively managing vertigo and handling complex cases involving underlying health conditions.
Beyond her professional life, Maddie enjoys engaging in various activities. She relishes socializing, camping, hiking, and playing netball. Additionally, she has a love for baking. To stay active, Maddie frequents the gym and enjoys long walks with her groodle, Otis.
Clinical interests:
- Spinal conditions
- Neck and Lumbar pain
- Women’s health Neck pain
- Cervicogenic headaches
- Mid back pain
- Vertigo
- Clinical Pilates
Special Interests
- Women’s Health
- Neck & back pain
- Football injuries
- Post-op rehabilitation
- Clinical pilates
- Functional training
- Falls prevention
To read more about Sarah Goh click here
Laura graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences/ Master of Physiotherapy in 2015. She completed her post graduate Masters degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2022. Laura additionally has a Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Deakin University.
Laura has a special interest in acute and chronic lower back pain presentations. She also enjoys treating hip and knee pain, particularly assessing the biomechanical relationship of these regions and correcting movement dysfunction of lower limb conditions. Following the birth of her son in 2023, Laura has further developed an appreciation for the demands of pregnancy and enjoys supporting women both pre and post-natally. As an avid Pilates attendee and advocate, Laura implements her passion for therapeutic exercise as an important part of rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal conditions.
Laura believes in a holistic and balanced approach to health. She incorporates manual physiotherapy treatment, dry needling, and targeted exercise prescription to optimise strength, movement, and general wellbeing for all clients.
Clinical Interests
- Acute & chronic low back pain
- Hip & knee pain
- Pre/Post Natal Musculoskeletal Care
- Clinical Pilates
- Biomechanics & Corrective Exercise Therapy
Our Physiotherapists have completed level 1 training in women's pelvic health and possesses the expertise to attend to patients with pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, pre- and post-natal conditions, diastasis recti, lactating breast issues such as engorgements and mastitis, as well as pelvic floor dysfunctions like urinary and bowel disorders, pelvic organ prolapses, and dyspareunia.
Furthermore, our team are proficient in conducting external assessments and utilizing real-time ultrasound for assessment and biofeedback. Sarah is delighted to receive patients with any of these concerns at Knoxfield or Ringwood and encourages you to contact your nearest location for an appointment.
Why Physica?
At Physica, we are dedicated to providing exceptional women's health physiotherapy services in various locations, including Scoresby, Ringwood, Knox, Ferntree Gully, and Melbourne.
Our experienced team of women's health physiotherapists offers comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans tailored to meet your specific needs.
Whether you are seeking postpartum pelvic floor exercises, guidance for pelvic floor muscle exercises, or assistance with pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our services encompass a wide range of pelvic floor exercises, including exercises for prolapse, incontinence, and strengthening.
With the use of cutting-edge technologies such as pelvic floor ultrasound and biofeedback, we ensure accurate assessment and effective treatment.
Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your current routine, our expert physiotherapists will guide you through step-by-step exercises to achieve optimal results.
Experience the best in women's health physiotherapy by choosing Physica for your pelvic floor health needs.