Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Women’s Health Physiotherapists are experienced in the management of pregnancy and post pregnancy related musculoskeletal conditions. These include coccyx pain, pelvic girdle pain and thoracic pain. They assist with return to sports after childbirth, which if done without the assistance of a professional can be detrimental to your body.
A big focus of Women’s Health Physiotherapists is also the prevention and management of incontinence; wether it be caused by trauma from birth, or simply from weakening from carrying a pregnancy. Women’s Health Physiotherapists are experts in diagnosing and treating prolapse, chronic pelvic pain and perineal trauma. They are also able to assist in the treatment of mastitis, pre and post-operative pelvic surgery rehabilitation and pre and postnatal abdominal muscle dysfunction.
They are also able to assist with antenatal and postnatal education. MAMA’s physiotherapists conduct pregnancy and postnatal specific exercise classes, and provide individual treatments for all continence and women’s health related conditions.
Book Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Clinic: MAMA Kensington, Thursdays until November, then Tuesdays.
Cost
Initial Consultation – 60 minutes $170
Return Consultation – 30 minutes $100
FAQ’s
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Yes, most definitely! There is plenty f evidence to show that pelvic floor muscle training in women during pregnancy can prevent urinary incontinence postpartum. This effect is greater with targeted training (ie. supervised by a pelvic floor physiotherapist).
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If you have bladder, bowel, prolapse or deep pelvic pain symptoms then you would most likely benefit from a vaginal (or rectal) assessment. This does not have to happen at the first session but gives really good feedback on what is happening with your pelvic floor muscle function which can guide your treatment. Consent is obtained before any examination.
If you are bleeding we are happy to undertake a vaginal examination however understand if you do not feel comfortable with this and wish to reschedule your appointment. Bleeding will not distinctly change our assessment findings.
We do not perform vaginal assessments of pelvic floor activity in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle (DRAM) is a normal part of pregnancy. It refers to the separation of the long muscles of the abdomen (the rectus abdominis or 'six pack'). This separation usually occurs as the abdominal wall adjusts to allow room for the growth of your baby.
It occurs because of:
Hormonal changes in pregnancy increasing the stretch of surrounding ligaments
The increased size of your abdomen due to your baby's growth
A genetic predisposition
Excessive weight gain in pregnancy, twin pregnancies and subsequent births.
If you have a DRAM you may notice:
A visible or palpable space running down the centre of the abdomen
Doming of the abdominal muscles when you attempt to sit up
Weakness through your core or back pain
Poor posture.
The physiotherapy team at MAMA are the right people to help guide you through what you should be doing, what to avoid and how to build up your strength and support safely.
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Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast with symptoms that include redness, breast pain, swelling and generalised ‘flu-like’ symptoms. While all mastitis is characterised by inflammation, not all inflammation is due to infection requiring antibiotics.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a quick and effective non-pharmacological treatment for the inflammatory symptoms of mastitis. If an infection is present, studies have shown that ultrasound can increase cell wall permeability of the biofilms caused by infections, making the antibiotic therapy more effective. It works when extremely high frequency sound waves pass beyond the skin barrier, creating a vibration in the soft tissues which has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing pain in the breast. The theory is that the pain then settles down because the swelling is reduced and local circulation through the lymphatics and the blood supply is improved.
Our physiotherapist does not offer ultrasound therapy, our Lactation Consultants do. They are able to do these appointments at the clinic or at your home alongside a regular LC consultation. Click here for more information.
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Yes. This program entitles you to five Medicare-assisted funded visits each calendar year (Medicare rebates part of the cost of the session). Your GP can fax the referral to the clinic or you can bring a copy of the paperwork at the time of your appointment. You can contact Medicare for the current rebate amount or contact reception on 9376 7474 for more information.
