QUESTIONS FOR YOUR WOMENS HEALTH PHYSIO

FAQs

  • Women’s health physiotherapists are experts in pelvic floor conditions and are trained to assess and treat women at every stage of life.

    With extra training in pelvic anatomy, pelvic conditions, and the female hormonal system they are able to treat and diagnose the following conditions:

    • Pelvic floor dysfunction;

    • many forms of incontinence;

    • Pelvic pain;

    • Pregnancy and postnatal care - including pelvic girdle pain, blocked ducts, and mastitis treatment (often in conjunction with your GP if medication is needed);

    • PCOS;

    • Endometriosis;

    • Vaginismus,

    • pelvic organ prolapse;

    • Advice and individualised plans for returning to exercise after pregnancy;

    • Advice and treatment for many menopausal symptoms;

    • Treatment of musculoskeletal conditions specific to females, including injury reduction planning (sport specific and individualised to menstrual cycles if appropriate)

    Book in to see Selena at Womens Wellbeing Physio today!

  • YES! If done properly and for the right pelvic floor issues.

    Kegels get a good workout in popular culture but they are only one of the many exercises for the pelvic floor, and may not be specific to your pelvic health needs. Some people’s symptoms are worsened by doing kegles so it’s important to know if they are the right exercises for you.

    We recommend an individual pelvic floor assessment and training in strength, endurance, and speed exercises (kegels targets mainly speed).

    Book your pelvic floor assessment here!

  • Period pain - it’s normal right? It’s assumed normal a lot of the time, but generally should not be an agonising monthly or daily occurrence. Our amazing uterus does contract during a period to help expel the lining (blood/endometrium). This is its job! ( if no egg was fertilised and implanted of course.)

    Usually, this results in cramps which may give you discomfort or mild pain but doesn’t interrupt your day-to-day life. There are many reasons why some women experience more symptoms than others and some are in significant life-altering pain!If this is you, seek out professional help (pelvic pain gynecologist, GP, women’s health physio) and they should be able to provide you with some life-altering management and treatment options.

    For pelvic and period pain, Women’s Health Physiotherapists will usually assess your pelvic floor, general body muscle tension, bowel and bladder habits, menstrual cycle, and lifestyle. Often they can provide some life-changing treatments to help your situation!

    Some things that can provide relief:

    🩸 Pelvic/ back/ hip relaxation stretches

    🩸 Learning about your pelvic floor and how to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscle

    🩸 Good bowel habits and how your personal situation affects your symptoms

    🩸 Bladder management

    🩸 Lots of other options for pain relief (such as TENS machine)

    If your pain is interrupting your day-to-day life - book in to see our women’s health physiotherapist for an assessment.

  • 1 in 10 women in Australia have endometriosis and it takes on average 7 years to get diagnosed (!!!!)

    Endometriosis can often lead to debilitating and painful symptoms. There are quite a few things you can do to manage or elevate your symptoms, some include:

    • Start daily hip and pelvic stretches (these can help relax the abdominal, pelvic, and hip areas.)

    • An individual plan may give you the best results

    • Start deep breathing exercises, you would be surprised at how much consistent stretching and deep breathing may improve your symptoms.

    • You may a need pelvic floor relaxation program (from your pelvic physio)

    • Adjust to your personal dietary or fluid needs (this may be able to improve bowel and bladder health or the inflammatory component of endo (see a pelvic physio or dietitian for individualised care)

    • Have you tried a TENS machine?? These can be a huge help in managing your pain, definitely worth a try! The pads stick to your lower abdomen. If unsure, get your pelvic physiotherapist to trial it with you and find a machine for you! Some are chunky but there are a few discreet machines in the market..you can even wear them to work!

    • You may need hormonal medication/devices and sometimes laparoscopic surgery may be helpful (see GP or gynecologist) or to supplement things like magnesium

    Make sure you are connected with health professionals that are educating, supporting, and empowering you! (Eg your GP, gynecologist, pelvic physio, dietitian) and book in to see our womens health physio today!

  • This is where the vaginal wall may become lax and any of the bladder, bowel, or uterus descends downwards. This can be very common for women but not always symptomatic.

    Symptoms of vaginal heaviness and discomfort MAY mean this is occurring. Common times for prolapse to become symptomatic are vaginal delivery, menopause, and chronic respiratory conditions.

    A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment and management plan can provide great treatment options for managing symptoms.