Physiotherapy across every stage of life
Women's health physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment and management of conditions affecting the pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopause, and women's musculoskeletal health.
At Red Centre Health Focus, we provide evidence-informed physiotherapy assessment, education, and management in a private, supportive, and respectful environment. Every consultation is tailored to your individual presentation, goals, and stage of life.
Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, managing pregnancy-related discomfort, recovering after childbirth, experiencing pelvic floor symptoms, or seeking support during menopause, our physiotherapist will work with you to develop an individualised management plan.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These muscles also contribute to bladder and bowel control, core stability, pressure management, and sexual function.
Changes in pelvic floor muscle function may contribute to a range of symptoms. A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether pelvic floor muscle function is a contributing factor and whether physiotherapy is appropriate as part of your management.
Our physiotherapist provides assessment and management for:
Management may include education, pelvic floor muscle training, exercise prescription, breathing and pressure management strategies, manual therapy where appropriate, and advice to support your individual goals.
Pregnancy is associated with many physical changes that can influence movement, comfort, and daily activities. Physiotherapy may assist in the assessment and management of pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions and provide guidance on remaining active throughout pregnancy.
Our physiotherapist provides assessment and management for:
Management is individualised and may include education, exercise therapy, manual therapy where appropriate, and practical strategies to support daily function throughout pregnancy.
Recovery following childbirth is different for every woman. Postnatal physiotherapy may assist with the assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function, rehabilitation following pregnancy and birth, and guidance when returning to everyday activities, work, exercise, or sport.
Assessment and management may include:
Whether you are six weeks or several years after childbirth, a physiotherapy assessment may help identify ongoing concerns and provide appropriate management options.
Bladder and bowel symptoms are common and can affect people of all ages. A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether pelvic floor muscle function or other musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Our physiotherapist provides assessment and management for:
Management is tailored to your individual presentation and may include education, pelvic floor muscle training, bladder and bowel habit education, lifestyle strategies, and exercise prescription where appropriate.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can influence pelvic health, muscle strength, bone health, and general wellbeing.
Women's health physiotherapy may assist in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal and pelvic health concerns that occur during this stage of life.
Management may include:
Our physiotherapist will work with you to develop strategies that support your health, activity levels, and personal goals.
Real-time diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive assessment tool that may be used, where appropriate, to assess muscle function, movement, and coordination.
Within women's health physiotherapy, ultrasound imaging may assist with assessment of:
Ultrasound imaging may also be used as visual feedback during rehabilitation to assist with exercise technique and muscle awareness where clinically appropriate.
Red Centre Health Focus offers assessment and pessary fitting for suitable patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or selected bladder symptoms.
A pessary is a removable medical device designed to provide support to the pelvic organs. Following a comprehensive assessment, your physiotherapist will discuss whether a pessary is an appropriate management option for your individual presentation.
Our pessary service includes:
Your initial consultation will focus on understanding your concerns, health history, and goals.
Depending on your presentation, your appointment may include:
Your comfort, privacy, and informed consent are prioritised throughout every stage of your appointment.
No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a women's health physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are primary healthcare practitioners, meaning you can book directly. A referral is required if you are accessing physiotherapy through Medicare, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, WorkCover, or another funding provider.
No. A pelvic floor examination is not required for every appointment. Your physiotherapist will discuss whether an internal examination is clinically appropriate for your presentation. An examination is only performed with your informed consent, and you can decline or withdraw consent at any time. Alternative assessment methods may also be appropriate depending on your symptoms.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Depending on the reason for your appointment, your physiotherapist may ask you to perform simple movements or exercises during the assessment.
No. There is no need to remove or trim your pubic hair before your appointment. Your physiotherapist is a healthcare professional, and grooming or hair removal is not expected. Please come as you are most comfortable. If an internal pelvic floor examination is clinically appropriate, your comfort, dignity, and informed consent will remain the priority throughout the assessment.
Many women choose to have a postnatal assessment from around six weeks after birth, following review by their healthcare provider. However, physiotherapy may also be appropriate earlier or later depending on your individual circumstances and your healthcare team's recommendations. If you have ongoing concerns months or years after childbirth, it is not too late to seek an assessment. Babies are welcome to attend postnatal appointments.
A pessary is a removable medical device that is inserted into the vagina to provide support to the pelvic organs. It may be considered as one management option for some people experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or selected bladder symptoms. Your physiotherapist will assess whether a pessary is appropriate for your individual presentation and discuss the available options with you.
Real-time diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive assessment tool that may be used to assess muscle function and movement. Within women's health physiotherapy, it can assist with assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle function and may also be used as visual feedback during rehabilitation where clinically appropriate.
If your health fund includes physiotherapy extras cover, you may be able to claim your appointment. HICAPS claiming is available at the clinic for participating health funds. We recommend checking your level of cover with your private health insurer before your appointment.