Women’s Pelvic Floor Physio in Sydney
Your trusted pelvic floor physio in Newtown
Did you know that almost half (47%) of Australian women have experienced pelvic pain in the last five years (Jean Hailes)? At Papaya Clinic, we understand the importance of pelvic floor health in women. Our pelvic floor physiotherapy services are designed to address various pelvic floor issues that women may face throughout their lives.
Whether you're experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or preparing for childbirth, our team of experienced physiotherapists is here to provide personalised, collaborative care aimed at improving pelvic floor function and enhancing your overall quality of life. Don't let pelvic floor issues hold you back - schedule an appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist in Sydney today and take the first step towards better pelvic health
Prenatal and Postpartum Support
~
Pelvic Girdle Pain
~
Abdominal Separation
~
Urinary Incontinence
~
Pain with Intercourse
~
Pelvic Tension
~
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
~
Bowel Dysfunctions
~
Vaginal and Vulva Health
~
Prenatal and Postpartum Support ~ Pelvic Girdle Pain ~ Abdominal Separation ~ Urinary Incontinence ~ Pain with Intercourse ~ Pelvic Tension ~ Pelvic Organ Prolapse ~ Bowel Dysfunctions ~ Vaginal and Vulva Health ~
What is a pelvic floor physio?
A pelvic floor physiotherapist, also known as a pelvic health physiotherapist or women’s health physio, is a specialised physiotherapist who focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures.
These physiotherapists undergo additional training beyond basic physiotherapy education to specialise in pelvic health. They work with women who may experience a wide range of issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Most women approach a women’s health physio (also known as a pelvic health physio) during their childbearing years. However, we see women of all ages, from 16 and above, treat everything related to their pelvic floor and organs.
As women's health physiotherapists, we’re trained to provide targeted treatments for conditions such as urinary incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse, pelvic girdle pain, endometriosis, bowel dysfunction, hypersensitivity, pregnancy, postnatal complications and more.
Symptoms in the pelvic area can be complex and long-standing, with different causes related to multiple body systems. We make it our mission to investigate with great attention to detail, addressing all of the different elements that may be contributing to your issue.
What conditions can our pelvic floor physiotherapists in Sydney treat?
Our women’s pelvic health physios work closely with gynaecologists, obstetricians and urologists to better your care.
-
At Papaya we have a structured comprehensive care program for pregnancy and postpartum mamas.
We can help with both musculoskeletal symptoms, such as pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, abdominal separation through to and pelvic floor symptoms, such as vaginal heaviness, prolapse, incontinence, etc.
We are often an active member of the medical care team to ensure smooth delivery and recovery.We encourage women to see us at 13 weeks gestation till 6 months postpartum.
-
Pelvic girdle pain can be pain in the side hips, at the base of the spine, and in the front pubic region. You can experience pelvic girdle pain during and after your pregnancy. This is managed by specific exercise, manual therapy, and medical graded compression garments to provide external support. While not all pain subside during pregnancy, it can be managed very well with physiotherapy to ensure it stays as minimal as it can be.
-
Pelvic health physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for many different types of urinary and faecal incontinence. It is important to differentiate which type it is, and we can reduce your symptoms through bladder diaries, pessary fitting, pelvic floor muscle training,
-
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) can present as experiencing heaviness sensation in the vagina, or as urinary incontinence for some. Treatment options include pelvic floor muscle training, pessary fitting, weight management, and load/ activity management.
-
We love treating Pelvic Pain in Papaya. There is absolutely no one size fit all model to treat pelvic pain, as we consider the triggers, chronicity, pelvic floor functions, obstetric history, overall pelvic tension and wellbeing. We use different modalities such as manual therapy, use of dilator, pelvic wands, TENS, stretching, breath work, etc to reduce symptoms.
-
Endometriosis can give rise to chronic pelvic pain in abdominal and vaginal region. Pelvic health physios help with menstrual pain, vulva pain, hip and glute tension, and use extensive Clinical Pilates and movement work to manage symptoms in the long run. We also work with our naturopaths to tackle bloating, IBS and other common symptoms in endometriosis.
For all Pregnancy and Postpartum patients, please check out our Embrace Guidelines- Papaya’s signature care approach for mothers from 1st trimester till 6 months postpartum.
We take a comprehensive and personalised approach to your care, and will collaborate with our naturopaths if appropriate for your condition.
What to expect in your pelvic health physiotherapy consultation?
1
Lots of Questions
During your initial session, we will truly understand your unique story and concerns. We take time to delve into various aspects, such as bladder and bowel function, sexual background, obstetrics history, and pelvic floor function.
We understand these questions are of a personal nature. Every piece of information you provide is crucial for us to provide the best possible treatment and support.
2
Physical Assessment
To accurately assess your pelvic floor function, we may conduct an internal vaginal examination, which is a highly effective diagnostic method. During this examination, we carefully evaluate pelvic floor tonicity, activation of superficial and deep pelvic floor muscles, strength, touch sensitivity, and assess for any prolapse symptoms. Your comfort and dignity are of utmost importance to us throughout this process.
We might also use diagnostic ultrasound during the session.
3
Educate and Plan
Following the assessment, we will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
We will ensure that you have a clear understanding of your diagnosis, the evidence and research supporting our treatment recommendations, and how these strategies can be applied to your daily life.
We know that talking about pelvic issues is deeply personal and can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
At Papaya Clinic, we provide a safe, welcoming environment, free from any stigma or judgement.
Are you pregnant or early postpartum?
We believe every woman has a right to access to pelvic health physios during this critical time. From second trimester through to 6 months postpartum, do you know what is the golden standard for pregnancy and postpartum care?
Written by our Women’s Health Physios, our Papaya Mama Planner is free to download. Inside it detailed when are the best times to visit your pelvic health physio, what to ask for, what to check, so you can receive the best support no matter where you are.
Book an appointment
For all new patients, please book an Initial Appointment with one of our practitioners so we can start creating a healthcare treatment plan to help you kickstart your health journey.
Any questions, please see our FAQ page!
Why choose Papaya Clinic for pelvic floor physiotherapy in Sydney?
-
Collaborative, patient-first approach
At Papaya Clinic, we’re dedicated to nurturing a safe and supportive environment where women can receive holistic care that addresses their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
An integration of various health specialties, our expertise includes Women's Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition Support, Remedial Massage and Clinical Pilates. We work together—with one another and with you—to transform your experience of health care, empowering you to embrace and love your body to lead a healthy, fulfilling life at any age.
We want to be your one-destination health service, providing multidisciplinary support for your women’s health symptoms and conditions. We also have a network of medical specialists and allied health professionals for referrals if your condition warrants further investigation.
-
Judgement-free environment
We understand that pelvic floor issues can be sensitive and personal topics for many individuals. That's why at Papaya Clinic, we strive to create a judgement-free environment where clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their pelvic floor physiotherapy journey.
Our compassionate and empathetic team is committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where clients can openly discuss their concerns and receive the care they deserve without fear of judgment or stigma. We believe that fostering a supportive environment is essential for building trust and facilitating healing for our clients.
Frequently asked pelvic floor physio questions
-
If you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions, you may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy:
Involuntary leakage of urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
A feeling of pelvic pressure or fullness, bulging sensation in the vaginal area, discomfort during intercourse, or difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel completely.
Chronic pelvic pain, discomfort, or pressure in the pelvic region, lower abdomen, or genital area.
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), difficulty achieving orgasm, or decreased sexual sensation.
Symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or pelvic organ prolapse during or after pregnancy.
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or vaginal infections.
Difficulty emptying the bowels completely, frequent constipation, or bowel leakage (fecal incontinence).
Scheduled for pelvic surgery and need to optimise pelvic floor function preoperatively or aid in recovery postoperatively.
Contact us and speak to one of our friendly team to discuss if you need an appointment.
-
The number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual's condition, severity of symptoms, and response to treatment. Typically, a treatment plan may range from several sessions spread out over a few weeks to ongoing maintenance sessions as needed. Your physiotherapist will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you based on your goals and progress.
-
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is often covered by insurance. Private health funds typically cover it under physiotherapy codes. If someone has coverage for physiotherapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy would likely be covered as well. Even classes related to pelvic floor physiotherapy can be covered under specific codes, such as code 560.
Those without private health fund coverage can still access pelvic floor physiotherapy through an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Chronic Management Plan from their general practitioner (GP). With this plan, they can receive up to 5 sessions with a Medicare rebate of $56 (as of the current date).
-
No, you do not need a referral from your doctor to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. We are often the first point of contact, capable of diagnosing, treating, and if necessary, cross-referring back to the GP for further investigation. We always collaborate closely with GPs, especially in complicated cases, to ensure a holistic approach to your health. We find that the best results are achieved when working collaboratively with GPs, obstetricians, and gynecologists.
-
For pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement and access to the pelvic area. Loose-fitting clothing such as yoga pants or athletic shorts are ideal, as they can be easily adjusted for assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles.
-
After completing a course of pelvic floor physiotherapy, many individuals experience improvements in pelvic floor function, symptom relief, and overall quality of life. Depending on the condition being treated, you may experience reduced urinary leakage, improved bladder and bowel control, decreased pelvic pain, and enhanced sexual function. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will provide guidance on maintaining pelvic health and may recommend ongoing exercises or follow-up sessions as needed.