Did you know that there are Physiotherapists who specialise in continence and women’s/Men’s health? And we are lucky to have four very passionate Physiotherapists who have undertaken post graduate training in the range of health issues faced by women and men throughout every stage of their life. These issues can often cause a lot of distress and can be difficult to talk about. Our Physiotherapists will treat you with respect, understanding and discretion in a private consulting room.

Changes occur during certain life stages; menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause and can significantly affect how our body functions. Often women assume these are normal changes and that there is no treatment for it. In many instances, that is not the case.

Listed below are just some of the issues that can be positively impacted by physiotherapy;

• Bladder dysfunction; including incontinence, urgency, frequency, and pain
• Bowel dysfunction; including incontinence, constipation
• Pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
• Pelvic organ prolapse and
• Prenatal and postnatal issues including mastitis, lower back pain or abdominal muscle separation.

Appointments cover a thorough assessment and an in-depth discussion about the most effective treatment technique recommended for your particular health issue. Initial appointments are normally 60 minutes in duration. They may involve use of a real time ultrasound and/or an internal examination.

Diagnosis and treatment plans are created in line with the latest evidence-based practice. Treatment may involve practical tips to improve symptoms, pelvic floor and core exercises, ultrasound/laser, massage or dry needling, or fitting of a support pessary.

We also help with advice about safe fitness alternatives for those people affected by, or at risk of, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and offer classes and programs including:

• Antenatal education classes
• Antenatal pilates/circuit classes
• Pool exercise classes (hydrotherapy and aqua pilates)
• Postnatal mums and bubs pilates/circuit classes
• Individual exercise prescription

Whilst it can be difficult for women to discuss their issues, it is often more difficult for men. You can be confident our Physiotherapists are trained in this area, understand the issues you may be facing, and have seen many other men in similar situations.

Physiotherapy can assist men who are having difficulty with their bladder, bowel or sexual function. These symptoms may include;

• Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh
• Urine loss when moving from sitting to standing, walking or exercising
• Leaking urine on the way to the toilet
• Going to the toilet frequently
  • Constipation
  • Loss of faecal matter
  • Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

Chronic Pelvic pain is also common in men and is hard to diagnose, therefore men often suffer for years before finding help. Symptoms may include;

• Pain when you sit
• Pain around the anus, testes or penis
• Pain with erection, ejaculation or orgasm
• Involuntary pelvic floor spasm
• Pain when you have a full bladder

Prostate cancer and the sequalae of medical treatment after your diagnosis can be difficult, both emotionally and physically. Loss of bladder control and difficulty with sexual function is often common and very distressing.

Ideally, learning about the upcoming surgery and its effect on your bladder and bowel and commencing pelvic floor strengthening prior to surgery has the best outcomes.

Assessment for any men’s health issue usually takes an hour and may incorporate real time ultrasound imaging to assess the function of your pelvic floor muscles. Dependent upon your symptoms and goals, treatment options may vary but will likely include; manual therapy, dry needling, education, lifestyle modification advice, pelvic floor retraining, stretches and exercise prescription.