Question 1

What happens during a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment? Will there be an internal examination?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is 60 minutes and is part of our discovery phase and will include discussing your health, goals, a physical assessment, treatment, and exercises. Your practitioner will create a tailor-made plan with you to help you reach your health goals.

Your assessment may involve an internal pelvic examination – however, this will only be performed with your consent, following a thorough explanation of the purpose of the examination and what is involved. You may also request to have a chaperone present during the examination

Your care may include us communicating with your existing healthcare professionals or suggesting services to help you achieve your health goals. We want to make sure you are seeing the right person at the right time to set you up for success.

Almost all clients will need a 30 minute follow up consult to help shape their management program and check diagnosis and progress to ensure we help you achieve your goals.

Question 2

Is pelvic health physiotherapy just for women?

Accepted Answer

No. While much of pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on women's health, our Hawthorn team also treats men experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and post-prostatectomy recovery. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect anyone, and our practitioners are trained to assess and treat both men's and women's pelvic health concerns.

Question 3

When should I see a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

You can see a pelvic health physiotherapist at any stage of pregnancy, many people start in the first trimester to establish a baseline and continue through to birth preparation in the final weeks. Common reasons to book include pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, incontinence, and general preparation for labour and delivery.

Question 4

How soon after giving birth should I see a pelvic health physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

We often start our postnatal care with telehealth around the 2 week post birth mark. We generally recommend a postnatal check-up around six weeks after birth, though this can vary depending on your birth experience and any symptoms you're noticing sooner, such as pain, heaviness, or leaking. If you've had a caesarean, significant tearing, or any complications, it's worth checking in with our Hawthorn team for guidance on timing.

Question 5

What is pelvic organ prolapse, and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the bladder, uterus, or rectum weaken, causing one or more organs to shift or press into the vaginal wall. It often presents as a feeling of heaviness, dragging, or bulging. Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle training, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, a pessary, a supportive device fitted and managed by your physiotherapist. Our team will explain your specific type and grade of prolapse and build a treatment plan around your goals.

Question 6

Can pelvic health physiotherapy help with painful sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) is common and very treatable, though it often goes undiscussed. Our physiotherapists provide a safe, private space to explore the cause which, may relate to pelvic floor muscle tension, scar tissue, hormonal changes, or other factors — and build a treatment plan that helps you feel comfortable and confident in your body again.

Question 7

What is a pessary, and how do I know if I need one?

Accepted Answer

A pessary is a removable device inserted into the vagina to provide support for pelvic organ prolapse or to help manage stress incontinence. Not everyone with prolapse needs one, but for many people it can be genuinely life-changing. Our Hawthorn team can assess your suitability, fit you with the right type and size, and make sure you feel confident inserting, wearing, and removing it.

Question 8

Can pelvic health physiotherapy help with bladder leakage (urinary incontinence)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leaking when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise is extremely common but is not something you need to simply live with. Our physiotherapists will assess your pelvic floor function and identify the underlying cause of your incontinence, then build a targeted treatment plan, most commonly involving pelvic floor muscle retraining, to help resolve or significantly improve your symptoms.

Question 9

How can pelvic health physiotherapy help men recovering from prostate surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic floor physiotherapy before and after a prostatectomy can significantly improve continence outcomes and speed recovery. Pre-surgical preparation focuses on pelvic floor strengthening, while post-surgical care supports the return of bladder control and addresses any pelvic pain that may arise during recovery.

Question 10

How many sessions of pelvic health physiotherapy will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on your condition and goals. Most clients have an initial 60-minute assessment followed by a 30-minute follow-up to review progress as a minimum. Some conditions resolve within a handful of sessions, while others, particularly chronic pelvic pain or complex prolapse, benefit from a longer-term, staged approach. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit. Please note the pelvic floor training can be very different to other muslce training and committing to a program and having regular reviews is our way of making sure we get you to your goals.

Question 11

Is pelvic health physiotherapy covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, which must be arranged by your GP before treatment begins. We also accept DVA, TAC, and WorkCover where applicable. Most private health funds with extras cover include physiotherapy, and you can claim your rebate on the day using our on-site HICAPS terminal.

Womens Health Physiotherapy Hawthorn

Womens Health Physiotherapy in Hawthorn

Our Hawthorn Womens health Physios may help with

Our Womens Health Physiotherapy Hawthorn may help with

Pregnancy Support:

Postnatal Recovery:

Birth Preparation:

Prostatectomy Preparation & Recovery:

Urinary Incontinence:

Painful Sex:

Pelvic Pain:

Mastitis:

Pelvic Organ Prolapse:

Pessary Fitting:

Meet the Move Beyond Hawthorn Womens Health Physio Team

Hawthorn Womens Health Physiotherapy Clinic Contact Details

300 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122

(03) 9818 7738

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Opening Hours

Parking is available on Burwood Road for 1 hour. Be aware that they are always giving out tickets. For a longer stay, the Coles carpark near the Hawthorn Aquatic Centre is a good option.

A short walk from Glenferrie train station and also the trams that service Glenferrie road.

Online Womens Health Physiotherapy Booking Hawthorn

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