Women's Health Physiotherapy

What is Women's Health Physiotherapy?

Women's health physiotherapy (also called pelvic health physiotherapy) is a specialised area of physiotherapy focusing on conditions affecting women's bodies throughout different life stages. Our physiotherapists have specific training in pregnancy care, postnatal recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, and women's musculoskeletal health.

Unlike general physiotherapy, women's health physio addresses conditions unique to female anatomy and hormonal changes, including pelvic floor weakness, pregnancy-related pain, postpartum recovery, and menopause-related concerns.

Treatment is always conducted in a private, supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing sensitive health matters.

Who Benefits from Women's Health Physiotherapy?

Our women’s health physiotherapy services support women at every stage of life, from pregnancy to menopause and beyond.

Pregnant Women

• Managing lower back and pelvic pain during pregnancy

• Preparing the body for labour and delivery

• Maintaining strength and mobility throughout pregnancy

• Learning safe exercise modifications

• Pelvic floor assessment and training during pregnancy

• Managing bladder and bowel control issues (e.g. leakage, urgency)

• Guidance on perineal massage to support vaginal birth and reduce tearing risk

New Mothers

• Recovering after vaginal birth or caesarean section

• Comprehensive assessment of pelvic floor muscles after childbirth

• Addressing pelvic floor weakness and dysfunction

• Assessment and rehabilitation of abdominal separation (DRAM / diastasis recti)

• Supporting abdominal wall recovery and core function

• Postural assessment (e.g. rib flare, anterior pelvic tilt) and correction

• Breathing assessment and retraining (e.g. abdominal / diaphragmatic breathing patterns)

• Safe return to exercise postpartum

• Managing breastfeeding-related neck and shoulder pain

Women with Pelvic Health Concerns

• Stress urinary incontinence (leaking with cough, sneeze, or exercise)

• Urgency urinary incontinence

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

• Pelvic pain or discomfort

• Pain during intercourse

Women Experiencing Menopause

• Managing joint pain and stiffness

• Addressing pelvic floor changes

• Addressing pelvic floor changes related to reduced estrogen (e.g. urinary incontinence, urgency)

• Maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis

• Staying active and mobile

Active Women & Athletes

• Preventing and treating sports-related pelvic floor issues

• Safe return to high-impact exercise after childbirth

• Managing stress urinary incontinence during high-impact activities (e.g. running or jumping)

Conditions We Treat

Our women's health physiotherapy addresses a comprehensive range of conditions:

Pregnancy-Related Issues

• Managing lower back pain and sciatica during pregnancy

• Treating pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

• Relieving rib and chest discomfort as the body changes

• Addressing pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome

• Providing safe, tailored exercise guidance for each trimester

• Preparing the body for labour, birth, and postnatal recovery

Postnatal Care

• Assessment and treatment of diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation following childbirth

• Caesarean section recovery and scar tissue management

• Managing pelvic instability and ongoing pelvic girdle pain

• Relieving upper back and neck pain related to feeding and carrying your baby

• Supporting a safe, progressive return to exercise and sport

• Providing guidance on lifting, carrying, and daily activities

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

• Managing stress urinary incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise)

• Treating urge urinary incontinence (sudden, strong urgency to urinate)

• Supporting and managing pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, or bowel)

• Addressing pelvic pain and ongoing discomfort

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation for chronic or persistent conditions

• Managing pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)

• Treating overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles

Menopause-Related Concerns

• Managing joint pain, stiffness, and muscle aches

• Addressing pelvic floor changes (e.g. weakness, bladder control issues)

• Supporting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis

• Improving strength, balance, and overall mobility

• Providing exercise guidance to support healthy weight management

Our Women's Health Physiotherapy Approach

At Fisio Moves, we provide personalised, evidence-based care that respects your privacy and addresses your specific concerns.

Comprehensive Assessment

Every treatment begins with a thorough assessment where we:

• Listen to your health history, symptoms, and goals

• Discuss any pregnancy, birth, or surgical history

• Conduct a physical assessment (always with your consent)

• Assess posture, movement patterns, and muscle strength

• Perform pelvic floor assessment when appropriate and consented

Personalised Treatment Plans

Your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen or relax muscles as needed

• Manual therapy for pain relief and tissue healing

• Abdominal rehabilitation for diastasis recti and core strength

• Postural correction and ergonomic advice

• Breathing techniques for pelvic floor coordination

• Scar tissue massage for C-section or perineal scars

• Education about your condition and self-management strategies

Progressive Exercise Programs

We design safe, progressive exercise rehabilitation programs including:

• Pelvic floor muscle training (including Kegel exercises and advanced progressions)

• Core strengthening that supports and protects pelvic floor function

• Functional movement training for daily activities and load management

• Guided, safe return to running, gym training, and sport

• Pregnancy-safe exercise modifications tailored to each trimester

• Structured postnatal exercise progressions for recovery and rebuilding strength

Ongoing Support

Your journey doesn't end after one appointment. We provide:

• Regular progress reviews and plan adjustments

• Education and resources for home management

• Guidance on when to progress activities

• Long-term strategies for pelvic health maintenance

Why Choose Fisio Moves for Women's Health Physiotherapy?

Specialised Expertise

Our physiotherapists have specific training in women's health physiotherapy and stay current with the latest evidence-based practices. Sylvie Zhang, one of our experienced physiotherapists, has particular expertise in women's health alongside skills in pregnancy and postpartum care.

Sensitive, Private Care

We understand that discussing pelvic health can feel uncomfortable. Our approach is:

• Always conducted in a private treatment room

• Respectful and sensitive to your comfort level

• Consent-based - you're in control of your treatment

• Supportive and non-judgmental

Holistic, Multi-Disciplinary Approach

As part of our holistic care philosophy, we can connect you with other team members when needed, including our dietitian for nutritional support during pregnancy or weight management guidance.

Evidence-Based Practice

All our treatments are grounded in current research and clinical best practice, ensuring you receive the most effective care available.

Convenient Location

Based in Scoresby, we're just minutes away from Rowville, Knoxfield, Ferntree Gully, and Wantirna South - making quality women's health physiotherapy accessible and convenient.

Multiple Funding Options

We accept:

• Private Health Insurance (claim instantly via HICAPS)

• Medicare GP Plans (Chronic Disease Management Plans)

• DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs)

• WorkCover and TAC

• NDIS for eligible participants

• Private payment options

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

We want you to feel comfortable and informed from your very first visit:

1. Initial Consultation (30-40 minutes)

   • Detailed discussion of your concerns and health history

   • Physical assessment including posture, movement, and strength

   • Pelvic floor assessment may involve internal and/or external examination depending on your needs, and is always conducted with your informed consent and comfort as the priority

   • Clear explanation of findings in language you understand

   • Development of your personalised treatment plan

2. What to Bring

   • Any relevant medical reports or imaging

   • List of current medications

   • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

   • Your health insurance card for on-the-spot claiming

3. After Your Appointment

   • You'll leave with a clear understanding of your condition

   • Written or demonstrated home exercises

   • A plan for ongoing treatment and progress milestones

   • Resources and education materials

Common Questions About Women's Health Physiotherapy

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed for private physiotherapy appointments. However, if you're using a Medicare GP Plan or certain other schemes, your GP will need to provide a referral.

Is a pelvic floor assessment always necessary?

Not always. Internal pelvic floor examinations are only performed when clinically necessary and always with your explicit consent. We can often achieve great results with external assessment and treatment alone.

Can I bring my baby to appointments?

Absolutely! We understand that finding childcare can be challenging for new mums. You're welcome to bring your baby along to your postnatal physiotherapy sessions.

When should I start physiotherapy after giving birth?

You can begin gentle postnatal physiotherapy as soon as you feel ready. A full comprehensive postnatal assessment is recommended at around 6 weeks after birth. However, you are welcome to seek support earlier if needed, especially for concerns such as breastfeeding-related neck or shoulder pain, general aches and pains, or discomfort during recovery.

For specific issues such as diastasis recti or pelvic floor dysfunction, early assessment and intervention may help improve outcomes and support a smoother recovery.

Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?

Yes! Pregnancy physiotherapy is safe and highly beneficial. Our physiotherapists are trained to provide appropriate treatment at every stage of pregnancy.