Pelvic Floor

As women, it can be difficult to open up about our pelvic floor concerns. Sarah has created a space where women can speak comfortably about their health and learn to take back control.

Pelvic floor consultations can benefit women of all ages who suffer from:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Faecal incontinence
  • Prolapse
  • Vaginal heaviness
  • Pregnancy-related pain (hip, back, wrist, neck, shoulder)
  • Diastasis Rectus Abdominis
  • Lower back pain
  • Post-operative gynaecological surgery
  • Sexual pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Vaginismus
  • Endometriosis
  • Menopause
  • Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

Sarah has post-graduate qualifications in treating all areas of the pelvic floor. She will take your history and conduct a thorough assessment to ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment.

Pregnancy

Pelvic floor strength is crucial during pregnancy, particularly to prevent issues such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In addition, common conditions such as pelvic girdle pain, SIJ pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD), vulval varicosities, wrist pain, rib pain and pelvic floor weakness can also occur.

When you attend a Pre-natal Physiotherapy Assessment, you will be asked a series of questions about your bladder health, bowel health, sexual health, past medical conditions, gynaecological history, pelvic floor symptoms and any other concerns you may have. This will help Sarah guide you safely through your pregnancy.

Sarah can also assess the integrity and strength of your pelvic floor via an internal vaginal examination. This is important to get your baseline strength so when you are postnatal, Sarah will know exactly what needs to be done to restore your pelvic health. If you chose not to have an internal vaginal examination, there are many other ways Sarah can assess your core and pelvic floor so you feel most at ease.

Postnatal

Sarah recommends a 6-week Postnatal Physiotherapy Assessment to assess your abdominal separation, your pelvic floor strength and your overall core stability. Sarah will educate you on the correct evidence-based guidelines to safely return to exercise post baby.

When you attend a Post-natal Physiotherapy Assessment, you will be asked a series of questions about your bladder health, bowel health, sexual health, past medical conditions, gynaecological history, pelvic floor symptoms and any other concerns you may have. This will help avoid any pelvic health issues such as urinary incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain in the short and long term.

Prolapse

As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, I understand how common pelvic organ prolapse can be. This is most prevalent after having a baby but can also occur if you haven’t had a baby. Sarah will help reassure you that as women, we have the right to take control of our body.

She will discuss with you the many options you have when it comes to the management and treatment your condition.

Bladder

Whilst urinary incontinence is not normal, it is extremely common. Whether you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump or simply leak when you least expect it, Physiotherapy can help.

We have an incredible amount of good quality evidence that proves pelvic floor muscle training can help cure incontinence. Sarah will assess your condition and help formulate an individualised treatment plan to assist with your symptoms.

Bowel

Bowel health is one of Sarah’s special interest areas. She has had extensive post-graduate training in Advanced Anorectal Disorders and can help with constipation, diarrhoea, faecal incontinence, incomplete emptying, dyssynergic defecation, rectal prolapse, intussusception, haemorrhoids, anal fissures and obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Sexual Pain and Dysfunction

Sarah understands that pelvic and sexual pain is a sensitive topic. Sexual intercourse should be enjoyable, but it can be quite uncomfortable for a large majority of women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Sarah can sensitively guide you through a thorough assessment and treatment plan to help you regain your sexual function without pain.

Pelvic Pain

Generalised pelvic pain can arise in many women where the cause may be known or unknown. Sarah will conduct a comprehensive assessment and an individualised treatment plan to help reduce your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Your bladder, bowel and sexual health can be affected by pelvic pain and this is why it is important to see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist to help identify the root cause of the issue.

Physiotherapy and Exercise

Do you find yourself constantly in pain after an exercise class or even after simply moving about from day to day? Is your lower back pain or shoulder pain from years ago still bothering you? Sarah has extensive knowledge in sports and musculoskeletal injuries of all kind and has the ability to assess your condition and formulate an individualised treatment plan and rehabilitation program.

Sarah also conducts exercise assessments. This will include a comprehensive assessment of your strength, range of motion, proprioception (balance) and coordination. She will identify your strengths, areas of improvement and goals to help get you back to pain free exercise.

Teleheath

Telehealth is a way to deliver a health service with a patient in a remote location usually over the phone or via video call. Telehealth is a great option when you are simply unable to access a Physiotherapist face to face. Sarah is now available for online Telehealth consultations. This is available to anyone in Australia. 

Can I use my private health insurance?

Yes! As part of our Telehealth policy, we will have to take full payment before your consultation begins. We will then email you the invoice and you can submit this to your health insurance agency to claim your benefit.

Is it safe and secure?

Yes, Sarah uses a safe and secure software program called Cliniko. You can learn more about Telehealth services with Cliniko at https://www.cliniko.com/security/

How do you assess my pelvic floor?

Self assessment will be utilised to help the assessment process. Sarah will not ask you to show her your vagina on the screen, however, if you have something you would like Sarah to look at she is happy for you to do so, or take a photo and send it to her if you feel more comfortable. 

Will it be effective if I am not in the room with my Physio?

During a Women’s Health consultation, we spend a lot of time simply talking to you. In addition, Covid-19 has taught us to assess our clients effectively when we are not in the room, so we have many tools to use during your online consultation. 

Where can I do this?

Anywhere! As long as you have an internet connection and can hear and see the screen appropriately.

What do I need?

You need a laptop, mobile phone or an iPad with a working microphone and video.