Women’s Health Physiotherapist for bladder weakness

Over our lifetime, our pelvic floor is subjected to many stresses that can contribute to weakness and dysfunction. Lifestyle factors, structural abnormalities, ageing and injury can contribute to bladder and bowel weakness, prolapse or pain. Women’s health physiotherapy can help.

Telehealth & online physiotherapy now available! Contact us to find out more!

About

One in three women who have had a baby have experienced bladder leakage or weakness, and as many as 50% of women suffer from some level of prolapse, according to the Continence Foundation of Australia. Women’s health physiotherapy is an evidence based treatment available to help.

Pelvic floor and women’s health physiotherapy is the most recommended and evidence-based therapy available to treat pelvic floor, bladder and bowel dysfunction, leakage or weakness. Pelvic floor, continence and women’s health physiotherapy can help clients achieve better physical and mental outcomes, and ultimately lead a more meaningful and fulfilled life.

Our physiotherapists hold post-graduate certificates & clinical masters degrees in pelvic floor and continence physiotherapy, are registered physiotherapists and members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, The Continence Foundation of Australia and Women’s Health Training Associates. Read more about our team.

Discover pelvic health & book online.

Booking

Book your appointment at our Gerringong clinic online now. If you have any questions please call 0497 098 881 or hello@calmandconnection.com.au.

Pricing

Initial Pelvic Floor & Continence Physiotherapy consultation: $130
Standard Pelvic Floor & Continence Physiotherapy consultation: $100

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What can a women’s health physiotherapist help with?

A pelvic floor and women’s health physiotherapist can help you with the symptoms of bladder, bowel and pelvic floor weakness, and pre/post-natal rehabilitation, including:

Bladder and bowel weakness, leakage and dysfunction
Excessive night waking to urinate
Excessive urination frequency
Prolapse or pelvic organ descent
Pelvic pain and bladder pain
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Pre and post-natal pain and weakness
Obstetric and perineal tears or episiotomy
Pelvic and abdominal weakness
Post-natal abdominal muscle separation
Pre and post-prostatectomy rehabilitation
Pre and post-gynaecological surgery rehabilitation
Post-natal return to sport assessments and recommendations

Why pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor muscle training is the most recommended and evidence-based therapy available to treat pelvic floor, bladder and bowel dysfunction or weakness.

Like any other muscle group in the body, such as your biceps or hamstrings, the pelvic floor muscles can be trained and strengthened. By training the pelvic floor muscles that extend from your pubic bone at the front to your tail bone at the back, you provide greater support and an upward lift to your pelvic organs, much the same as the water in the ocean supports and lifts a ship from underneath.

Our physiotherapists are highly trained and can help you get started in an individualised program to train your pelvic floor muscles.

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FAQs

What is involved in individual pelvic floor physiotherapy consultations?

During your first consultation, your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your symptoms and health. They may ask you questions about your bladder, bowel, prolapse, pregnancies and childbirth, and other meaningful events in your life.

After gaining a better understanding of your concerns and goals, your physiotherapist will help you understand your health condition, and the processes which may have contributed.

Your physiotherapist will help you understand the action of the pelvic floor muscles. They may show you how well your muscles are contracting using a ‘real time ultrasound’ machine, where they get an image of your pelvic floor muscles through a sensor which is held on your lower tummy.

You may be asked to fill out some diaries or forms at home which give your physiotherapist more information about your bladder and bowel health.

During the second consultation, we consolidate our learning from the first session. Your physiotherapist will analyse any diaries they sent home with you and will give you further information on your condition. If you feel comfortable, our physiotherapist can perform an internal vaginal examination to accurately determine the strength and condition of your pelvic floor muscles. Your physiotherapist can use this information to give you a personalised exercise program and accurate treatment advice.

What if I don’t feel comfortable having an examination but would like to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?

Your comfort and safety is Calm & Connection’s first priority. If you do not feel comfortable having an internal vaginal examination, your physiotherapist can provide you with some information and a basic, generalised program based on your discussions and your ‘real time ultrasound’ results. They may also give you some instruction on how you can briefly assess your pelvic floor muscles yourself, in the privacy of your home.

What do I have to do to prepare for my individual physiotherapy consultation?

Please empty your bladder 1 hour before, and drink 500mls of water in the hour leading up to your consultation. This will help give a clear image of your bladder if your physiotherapist decides to use the ‘real time ultrasound’ machine to assess your pelvic floor muscles. If you feel more comfortable, you are welcome to arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to drink your 500mls of water at the clinic.

Can I claim treatments or classes from my private health fund?

If you have extras cover, you can generally claim a rebate for your individual physiotherapy consultation from your health fund by either submitting your receipt directly to your fund, or swiping your health fund card in our HICAPS machine at the clinic. The amount of rebate will depend on the health fund and your level of cover. Some levels of cover will provide a rebate for the exercise classes and this can be claimed directly from the health fund.

Do I need a referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist?

No. Physiotherapists in Australia are primary care practitioners, meaning you do not need a referral. You simply ring up to book a consultation, or book online. Many people choose to get a referral from their specialist or general practitioner to assist their physiotherapist in understanding their condition and medical history.

Will my physiotherapist share information with my doctor or health care practitioner?

Our physiotherapists aim to provide progress updates and information regarding your treatment to your general practitioner or specialist to ensure your health care team is working toward the same goals. If you have any concerns or you do not wish your information to be shared with other health care providers, please let your physiotherapist know.