You’re considering or have already booked your physiotherapy appointment with our women’s pelvic health specialist. Now, you might have some questions before you attend. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide, support, and reassure you before attending your appointment.
Women’s Health
Women’s Health Physiotherapy FAQs
General Appointment Information
Your first appointment will include a very detailed history, a discussion of your concerns around bladder, bowel, pelvic floor, sexual function, and prolapse symptoms, a physical examination (if you consent), and a discussion of your goals. You’ll leave with a clear plan for managing your condition and reaching your goals.
Initial appointments are typically 60 minutes, while follow-up sessions may vary between 30, 45, or 60 minutes based on your needs.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely. If a pelvic floor examination is necessary, your physiotherapist will ensure privacy.
Please bring any relevant medical reports, imaging results, referral letters, and a list of medications, if applicable.
Yes, all appointments are private, away from the general patient flow, and everything discussed is confidential
Treatment Options & Comfort
We respect your comfort levels and understand that pelvic examinations and treatments can be sensitive subjects. The physiotherapist will explain the process to you, and you will have time to decide and ask any questions. We can observe the pelvic floor externally or use real-time ultrasound if you prefer not to have an internal examination.
We see women through all their stages of life and hormonal changes, including during their menstruation period. If you are comfortable with assessment and treatment whilst menstruating, we are more than comfortable.
Assessment and treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises or manual therapy, should not be painful. However, if you are experiencing discomfort, it is important to let your physiotherapist know. We will work with you to ensure optimal comfort. You can choose to stop the assessment or treatment at any time.
We offer real-time ultrasound to visualise your pelvic floor during your consultation. This can provide the therapist with some information; however, to have a deeper understanding of the physical properties of your muscles and tissues, an internal vaginal or rectal examination may be suggested and explained to you.
Yes, if you feel more comfortable, your partner or a support person is welcome to join the session with your consent. We want to ensure you are comfortable discussing your needs openly with the pelvic floor physiotherapist, so most women prefer to attend these appointments on their own.
Conditions & Goals
Our physiotherapists treat a range of conditions, including pelvic pain, urinary and faecal incontinence, urinary and faecal urgency, constipation, and pregnancy-related issues, including birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and hormonal changes into your menopausal years.
Absolutely. Our physiotherapists support pregnant women through tailored exercises and guidance. Birth preparation is a growing field as we understand the mechanics of birth and how to best prepare you for the changes leading up to, during, and after the birth process.
Postpartum physiotherapy helps restore core strength, manage incontinence, address pelvic floor issues and sexual dysfunction, and safely ease back into exercise. We can also treat postpartum-related upper limb pains (including wrist and thumb), as well as new-Mums who are having trouble with breast engorgement pain.
Yes, women’s health physiotherapy can help address issues related to sexual dysfunction, such as pain during intercourse or pelvic floor dysfunction, through all stages of a woman’s life.
Progress & Expectations
Results vary depending on the presenting condition and your personal health. Some women notice improvements after just a few sessions of treatment, while others may need several weeks of ongoing therapy. Every woman’s presentation is unique, and we work closely to achieve your goals.
The frequency of treatments will depend on your condition and personal recovery plan. Typically, we will see you once a week or fortnight and provide you with the tools to help you recover, with less frequent appointments as you improve.
Practical Details
No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to see our women’s health physiotherapist.
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your baby or children to your appointments.
Yes, we offer telehealth consultations for some services. Contact us to find out if this option is suitable for your needs.
We accept various payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and health insurance rebates where applicable. If you are eligible for the Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) referral from your GP, we can also submit your subsidy to Medicare for a rebate.
Yes, if your private health insurance plan covers physiotherapy, rebates may apply. Please check with your provider for details. This women’s health physiotherapy service can be billed and rebated under the Health Fund codes 500 (Initial consultations), 505 (follow-up consultations), and 593 (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy).
We look forward to welcoming you to the clinic and helping you reach your pelvic best.