If you have never heard of a pelvic health physio before or not sure exactly what we do, you are not the only one! When most people think of a physio, they think of someone you go to for a sore back or a sports injury. I did too until I did my physio degree and realised there are actually so many areas of physio you can specialise in.
Like a lot of physios starting out, I wanted to be a sports physio (until I did some sports training for a local footy team and discovered it’s not quite as glamorous as it sounds). But you can also do cardiorespiratory, neurology, paediatrics, geriatrics, even animal physio!
so what is a pelvic health physio?
Pelvic health physios specialise in conditions that affect women throughout the lifespan from adolescence through to the postmenopausal period. You may also hear a pelvic health physio called a women’s health physiotherapist, pelvic floor physiotherapist or continence physiotherapist.
how do you become a pelvic health physio?
First, you need to complete a physiotherapy degree. This may be a Bachelor of Physiotherapy over 4 years or a Master of Physiotherapy over 2 years after completing another degree. You do some women’s health training as part of this but, in order to become a become a pelvic health physio, you need to complete further postgraduate training. This may be in the form of a master’s degree, postgraduate certificate or courses through the Australian Physiotherapy Association or private education provider.
Like a lot of pelvic health physios in Australia, I have completed most of my training so far through the amazing Taryn Hallam at Women’s Health Training Associates. It was Taryn’s passion that inspired me to become a pelvic health physio in the first place.
During our women’s health training, we learn in detail about female pelvic anatomy, pregnancy, birth, bladder and bowel function and pelvic floor disorders. We also undergo practical training to be able to perform specialised assessments like internal exams which other physios can’t do.
when should you see a pelvic health physio?
I think all women would benefit from seeing a pelvic health physio at some stage during their life. Here are some of the areas that we can help with:
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- bladder or bowel leakage
- constipation
- difficulty controlling wind
- prolapse and pessary fitting
- overactive bladder
- painful intercourse
- difficulty inserting tampons
- chronic pelvic pain
- painful periods
- exercise in pregnancy and return to exercise postnatal
- abdominal separation
- mastitis and blocked ducts
- pelvic girdle pain and other pregnancy/postpartum related aches and pains
- birth preparation
Do you need a referral to see a pelvic health physio?
Pelvic health physios are autonomous primary care practitioners meaning you don’t need a referral from your doctor.
Is pelvic floor physio covered by Medicare?
Pelvic health physiotherapy appointments are not covered by Medicare unless you have a Team Care Arrangement. This is a plan which allows you to access 5 allied health sessions in a calendar year. Medicare then subsidises the cost of the appointments. Speak to your GP to see if you are eligible.
Can you use your private health insurance?
Yes, if you have physiotherapy on your extras cover, you can use your private health to receive a rebate.
Ready to see a pelvic health physio? Book here.
If you need a recommendation for a pelvic health physio near you, be sure to reach out using the contact form or email me at [email protected].
Otherwise, go to https://choose.physio/find-a-physio and refine your search to Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health.
Not sure what to expect? Read this blog post about what happens during your first appointment.
Courtney x
