How can a women’s health physio help me?
“So.. you’re a physio? But you do ‘women’s’ things? How does that work?”
- a real and very valid question I recently faced from a family member over Christmas, which was followed up with “What do you actually do?”
I jump at any opportunity to talk about women’s health, and you bet I chatted this family members ear off about the ins and outs of pelvic health over Christmas lunch!
In this blog post, I hope I can paint a picture of what women’s health and pelvic physiotherapy is all about, and how I might be able to help you, your sister, daughter, Aunty, friend, niece or mother now or sometime in the future!
Who is a women’s health physio?
A women’s health physio or pelvic floor physio is someone who has completed their ‘regular’ physiotherapy training at university and then gone on to complete further training in the area of pelvic health. This could be another university degree or training through private providers. There’s usually a little bit of time in between studying ‘regular’ physiotherapy and delving in to women’s health - for me, it was about three years of working in a few different environments (hospital, aged care and private practice) before I stumbled across the specialty of pelvic health and fell head over heels in love! In my opinion, women’s health is the BEST specialty within physiotherapy - the work we do can be so life changing, and the clients are usually SO motivated (which makes for excellent treatment outcomes)!
What do you do?
Women’s pelvic health physiotherapy covers many different aspects of health including bladder and bowel continence, pelvic pain and sexual pleasure, as well as pregnancy and postpartum care. We explore all of these things through an in-depth interview and individualized physical assessments (with consent!). This often includes an internal vaginal examination, however, can also include an external observation, real time ultrasound or external (clothes on) assessments. We focus heavily on muscle function, which includes looking at strength, endurance, coordination and relaxation of not only the pelvic floor, but surrounding muscle groups as well.
We then tailor a treatment plan with the goal of empowering clients to live a life free of dysfunction. Our treatments within physiotherapy focus on conservative therapies and usually include education, exercise and lifestyle modifications as first priorities. We also LOVE a good gadget or garment - these often make appearances within our consults too!
When should I see you?
If you are troubled by any of the following:
leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, run, lift weights or simply stand up from sitting down
feelings of vaginal heaviness, bulging or dragging, or if you have been told you are worried/been told by a health provider you have a prolapse
pain with intercourse, using tampons or during medical procedures
endometriosis or pain during your period which stops you from attending work or school
leaking of wind or stools
increased urinary frequency or urgency
Within the child-bearing years, I also help women with:
musculoskeletal aches and pains during pregnancy (including pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, thoracic and rip pain, hip pain and pubic symphysis pain)
preparing the pelvic floor and perineum for vaginal birth
preparing for cesarean birth
keeping active during pregnancy
assessment of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles after vaginal or cesarean birth
returning to exercise in the postpartum period
mastitis and blocked ducts!
Phew! What a list!
Cascade Women’s Health can see women of any age. If you or your daughter are under 18 years old, please get in touch before booking an appointment.
Why should I come to Cascade Women’s Health?
I didn’t want to rant and rave about why I’m so good, but I’m aiming to cover off the 5 titles of ‘Who, What, When, Why, How?’…. so I guess I have to!
Cascade Women’s Health is the only women’s pelvic health focused physiotherapy service in the Barossa. A purely women’s health-based patient list, together with my extensive training and experience, commitment to ongoing professional development and access to mentoring with leaders in the field makes me overall a highly knowledgeable and effective clinician (humble, I know).
One of my key aims when starting Cascade Women’s Health was to bridge the gap that exists between women living in regional areas and accessing high quality, specialized healthcare. I hope to provide women in the Barossa with care equal to what they could expect to find in a metro area. I want Barossa women to feel like they can access top tier care without having to drive to the city!
How can I book an appointment?
Phone Barossa Physiotherapy on 8562 3441 or use the ‘Book an Appointment’ button on the website to book online.
I hope you feel like you know a bit more about what women’s health physiotherapy, and Cascade Women’s Health in particular, is all about!
See you soon in the clinic,
Mel x