Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a Women’s Health Osteopath or Physiotherapist?
No, you do not need a referral to see a Women’s Health practitioner. However, your practitioner can communicate with and work in conjunction with your obstetrician, gynecologist, general practitioner, surgeon, or other relevant healthcare provider throughout your treatment to ensure a patient-centred, team approach to your healthcare.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring any relevant scans and accompanying reports, such as urodynamic studies, ultrasounds, surgery reports, x-rays, or MRIs, to your appointment. Please also wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to take off if required.
How long will my appointment take?
New patients appointments will run up to one hour, to allow your practitioner time to make sure they have covered everything about your presenting concern. Return appointments will take 30 minutes. Extended appointments are available upon request and are recommended if treating various areas of the body. Feel free to contact our friendly reception team to discuss which appointment type is best for you.
What can I expect from my first consultation?
Your first consultation with your practitioner will consist of a lengthy discussion about your concerns. We will ask a lot of questions about a range of different symptoms and your health history to best understand you and your body. We will do an assessment of your whole body, and formulate a treatment plan tailored to you to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Can I come to a consultation if I have my period?
This is your own personal choice. Our practitioners are comfortable to treat you during menstruation, including internal work if required, as long as you are comfortable with being treated.
Do I need to have internal work in a women’s health consult?
Pelvic health treatments can be done both internally and externally. There are many different ways that techniques can be modified to suit your specific preferences. Sometimes certain muscles benefit from a more direct approach to acquire the desired treatment outcomes, but this doesn’t mean it is a requirement if you are not comfortable with it. Some people may even agree to internal treatments one session, but don’t want it done the next, which is totally fine!
Treatment options are always tailored to the patient, and will be discussed with you at length in your appointment, and we give plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions to ensure you are comfortable with the approach. We strive to make our consultation room a safe and comfortable environment for all.
Can I have internal treatment done if I haven’t had any children?
Absolutely. Internal treatment isn’t exclusive to those who have had children. Internal techniques, while sometimes uncomfortable, can be used on any person with a vagina, if they consent to it. It is often more comfortable for those who have experienced penetration before, whether via cervical screen (pap smear), sexual intercourse, or previous internal assessment or treatment.
Any concerns about this can be answered within your appointment.
Is internal pelvic treatment painful?
Like any treatment performed to muscles that are tight externally, internal treatments to the pelvic floor may cause some discomfort. Your practitioner will check in regularly on the pressure being applied/techniques being applied to see how you are feeling. Treatment techniques are tailored to how you feel and the body’s responsiveness to treatment, so no more pressure than necessary will be applied.
Can I get a Medicare rebate for this service?
Patients with chronic medical conditions and complex care needs may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) rebate through Medicare. CDM services and Team Care Arrangements (TCA) are arranged by a patient’s general practitioner. Please discuss your eligibility for this plan with your GP.
Is this service covered by Private Health Insurance?
Yes, patients with private health insurance that includes “Extras Cover” may be covered for Women’s Health services. Please check with your health fund to determine your coverage.
What does a pelvic floor muscle assessment involve?
An assessment of the pelvic floor involves a variety of steps. Your practitioner will ask you lots of questions to best determine which approach will work best for you. They may suggest an internal assessment to you, but agreeing to this will be at your discretion. They may also assess your pelvis, low back, hips, and abdominals, as well as asking questions about your bladder and bowel function, lifestyle and exercise habits. All of this information will help your practitioner to determine the best course of action for your concerns, and a thorough treatment and management plan will be created based on your goals.
Should I do pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy or wait until after the birth?
The easy answer is – it depends! Performing regular and coordinated pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy can protect against incontinence symptoms and aid in your recovery post birth. Like any exercise prescription, it is important to make sure you are conduction your exercises properly and effectively, as well as making sure that what you are doing is appropriate for what your body needs. Consult with your women’s health practitoner to help create a tailored plan that fits your body’s needs.
Can pelvic floor muscles be too tight?
Yes, some people have pelvic floor muscles that are tight and can also be painful. Tight pelvic floor muscles can contribute to a variety of conditions, including coccyx pain, pelvic pain, hip pain, sexual pain, and bladder and bowel issues. A tight pelvic floor is more common in certain populations, such as elite athletes, hypermobile people, those with painful pelvic health conditions such as endometriosis, or in those with increased stress or anxiety.
The symptoms of a tight pelvic floor can be distressing and significantly impact quality of life. A qualified women’s health practitioner can identify tight and painful pelvic floor muscles and provide a treatment plan to address this.
