Common Questions About Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

No referral is required to see a physiotherapist in Australia. You can book directly with us. However, if you want to claim Medicare rebates, you’ll need a referral from your GP as part of a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM/EPC). Private health insurance claims don’t require a referral.

Your initial appointment is a comprehensive 60-minute consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, medical history, and goals in detail. An internal pelvic floor examination may be offered (with your full consent) to assess muscle function, but this is always optional. We’ll then develop a personalised treatment plan together and teach you initial exercises to begin your recovery.

Please bring your referral letter (if applicable), Medicare card, private health insurance card, any relevant medical reports or imaging, and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdomen if needed. If you’re coming for a postnatal appointment, you’re welcome to bring your baby.

The number of sessions required varies depending on your symptoms, goals and how long the issues has been present. Some people achieve their goals in just one or two appointments, while others benefit from ongoing support over a longer period.

Our aim is to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage your condition independently wherever possible.

Yes! If your GP provides a referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM, formerly known as EPC), you’re entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year. Ask your GP about whether you’re eligible for a CDM plan. Note – there will be an out-of-pocket or “gap” cost even with a GP referral.

Yes, we have HICAPS facilities for immediate on-the-spot claiming with most private health insurers. Simply bring your health fund card to your appointment. The rebate amount depends on your level of cover – check with your insurer for details.

We accept cash, EFTPOS, all major credit cards, and Apple/Google Pay. Payment is required at the time of your appointment.

Not at all. While pregnancy and childbirth are common reasons women seek pelvic health care, these conditions can affect women of all ages and life stages. Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur due to menopause, surgery, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, or other factors. You don’t need to have had children to benefit from treatment.

Not at all. Pelvic health physiotherapy is for both men and women and can be beneficial at many different stages of life.

For men, pelvic health physiotherapy can help with concerns such as bladder leakage, urinary urgency or frequency, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain and recovery following prostate surgery.

While pregnancy and postnatal care are a large part of what we do, pelvic health physiotherapy can also help women of all ages. We commonly assist with bladder leakage, urgency, frequency, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, abdominal muscle separation, exericse-related symptoms, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

An internal examination can provide valuable information about pelvic floor function, but it is never mandatory. We always obtain your explicit consent before any examination, and you can change your mind at any time. Effective treatment is still possible without an internal assessment.

Yes! Pelvic floor physiotherapy is the first-line treatment recommended by medical guidelines for urinary incontinence. Research shows that targeted pelvic floor exercises, when taught correctly by a trained physiotherapist, are highly effective for treating stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence.

We typically recommend a postnatal check at around 6 weeks postpartum, once you’ve had your GP check-up. However, you can be seen earlier if you have concerns, or later if that works better for you. For breastfeeding issues like mastitis or blocked ducts, you can be seen at any time.

Absolutely! Pelvic floor physiotherapy is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. We can help you prepare for birth, address any bladder or pelvic concerns, and provide exercises tailored to each trimester. Many women find antenatal pelvic floor preparation helps with birth and recovery.

Yes, babies and children are always welcome! We understand that arranging childcare isn’t always easy. You’re welcome to bring your baby in their capsule or pram. We also have a small activity table with toys and colouring in available to help keep older children occupied during your appointment.

Diastasis recti (also called rectus abdominis diastasis or “tummy separation”) is a separation of the abdominal muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy. Yes, we can definitely help! We assess the separation and provide targeted exercises to help restore core function and reduce the gap.