They’re topics many women experience, but few actually talk about: leaking a little when you sneeze or laugh, feeling like your body hasn’t quite recovered after childbirth or pain during or after sex.

Around 1 in 3 women¹ who’ve given birth experience some form of incontinence, yet it’s often accepted as a “just a normal part” of life after childbirth. But bladder leaks, pelvic pain and other common women’s health concerns aren’t something you have to live with. If any of these issues sound familiar, know that you’re not alone and physio support is available.

Every woman’s journey is different

Your body carries a story that is uniquely yours, and women’s health concerns aren’t just a postpartum experience – they can affect any woman, at any stage of life. Wherever life has taken you, our Life Ready Physio + Pilates team is here to help you through it with care that meets you where you are.

Common signs you may need a physio

Pregnancy, postpartum and hormonal changes can bring up a whole range of physical concerns, and many women do not realise a physio can help with the following conditions:

• Pelvic floor issues like leaking when laughing, coughing or exercising or prolapse (when organs like the bladder, uterus or bowel bulge or “fall out of place” into the vagina^²).

• Pregnancy pain conditions such as sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, lower back aches or pelvic girdle pain (pain or discomfort in the bones and joints of your pelvis, hips or thighs^³).

• Postpartum recovery for abdominal separation (diastasis recti), core strength and return-to-exercise guidance.
• Persistent pelvic pain: Pain in your pelvis or lower abdomen (belly) that is felt on most days for an extended time (commonly 6 months)^⁴ or during intercourse (dyspareunia), or for endometriosis management or bladder pain.
• General muscle aches and repetitive strains like back, neck and joint pain from the physical demands of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding or carrying a baby (or toddler!) or any work-related strains.
• Muscle loss, balance issues and increased falls risk – programs like GLA:D®, Strength for Life™ or Clinical Pilates may help build strength, improve mobility and boost confidence.

“You don’t need a highly specific pelvic floor concern to benefit from physiotherapy. Many women see a general physiotherapist for everyday aches, returning to exercise or building core and muscle strength, while a post-graduate trained women’s health physiotherapist is the right call for more specific or complex concerns.”
– Janelle Thexeira, Life Ready Clinical Mentor

Why it’s worth seeing a women’s health physio – sooner rather than later

For some, women’s health concerns may feel like a small thing to mention, but they can quietly affect work, sleep, your sex life, social life or your mental health^⁴. Even when symptoms seem minor, paying attention to them early can make a difference, helping to prevent bigger and longer-term issues or having a profound effect on quality of life.⁵

What does a women’s health physio appointment typically involve?

1. A good chat! We need to ask you lots of questions to understand what your symptoms are and to help make a diagnosis.
2. An assessment to better understand your concerns. Our physiotherapists use a real time ultrasound on the belly to look through your bladder to check how your pelvic floor muscles work. Sometimes we suggest a vaginal or rectal assessment as this can help diagnose any delayed healing, prolapse or bladder issues.
3. A personalised treatment plan: We want to know your personal goals and educate you about what you can do to help achieve them.
4. Treatment such as massage, manual therapy, ultrasound, low level laser therapy, advice regarding belts or belly supports or a pessary fitting for prolapse.
5. Exercises to improve pelvic floor muscle function, abdominal strength or to improve leg, arm or back strength. Women with osteoporosis need the right type of exercises to improve their bone density.
6. We may recommend a local exercise class (like a Mums and Bubs or Clinical Pilates) or suggest you see a doctor to discuss a prescription or further investigations.

Ready to talk to someone who gets it?

If something doesn’t feel quite right, let our general and women’s health physiotherapists help you find a path forward that feels right for you. A simple conversation with our team is all that’s needed to start. Book a session with your local Life Ready Physio + Pilates team now.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a referral for women’s health physio?
You do not need a referral if you are paying privately (using your private health insurance or paying in full), but if you have seen a specialist doctor about a women’s health issue, then a summary letter from them may be helpful.  If you wish to receive a Medicare rebate, then a Chronic Disease Management Plan is required.

2. Is women’s health physio only for women who’ve given birth?
No at all. Menopause, joint health and bladder or bowel issues (and more) can affect any woman at any stage of life, no matter what her journey looks like.

3. How much is a women’s health physio appointment?
Our women’s health physiotherapists bring specialised skills through extensive additional training in complex conditions that’s reflected in pricing, which can vary slightly between our Life Ready locations. Women’s health consultations typically require more time and a deeper level of care, so pricing can differ from standard appointments. For current rates, reach out to your Life Ready Physio + Pilates clinic directly.

4. Will women’s health physio involve an internal exam?
Not always. Many conditions can be assessed and managed externally. If an internal assessment is recommended, it’s always explained beforehand and conducted with your full consent and comfort as a priority and is only performed by a qualified Life Ready women’s health physiotherapist.

5. What’s the difference between a general physio who can support with women’s-related concerns and a women’s health physio?
A women’s health physiotherapist has completed additional specialised training beyond general physiotherapy which equips them to assess and help treat the more complex, women-health conditions. However, even without additional training, many of our general physios can support you with a variety of women’s health concerns and can help guide your care or refer you on as needed. 

This article was originally published on HBF Physio and has been republished here with permission. The content has been lightly edited. 

References
1 Health Direct: Bladder weakness (incontinence after birth)
2 Health Direct: Bladder prolapse
3 Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: Pelvic pain in pregnancy
4 Jean Hailes: Persistent pelvic pain
5 National Library of Medicine: Long-term health outcomes and quality of life in women with untreated pelvic floor dysfunction