Pelvic Health
Osteopathy
What does a Pelvic Health Osteopath do?
Pelvic Health Osteopaths treat conditions involving the pelvic floor and pelvic region whilst considering the relationship of this area to the rest of the body. We learn the same assessment techniques as a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, whilst applying the unique lens of Osteopathy to treatment and management of the patient.
We take a whole-body, whole-person approach to pelvic health problems, recognising that the body has the innate ability to self-heal and self-regulate. Our goal is to assist in that process and bring the body back into a state of health, balance and optimal movement.
So, what can we help with?
Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
- Pelvic pain - conditions such as coccyx pain, pudendal neuralgia, endometriosis, sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis pain
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
- Hypertonic pelvic floor
- Weak pelvic floor
- Childbirth preparation
- Recovery from childbirth, including treatment and management of scars
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urge urinary incontinence
- Faecal incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Constipation
- Bed wetting
- Pelvic organ prolapse
FAQs:
+ Will I require an internal pelvic floor examination?
This is entirely dependent on your symptom history and whether you consent to an internal assessment. Not all patients require an internal assessment or internal treatment of the pelvic floor. If your osteopath believes it will be of benefit, she will inform you and then have a discussion with you about the procedure as well as discussing alternative assessment and treatment options. It is completely up to you whether you proceed with the internal assessment / treatment and you can withdraw your consent at any time.
+ Can I have an internal assessment/ treatment if I have my period?
Yes! If you are comfortable to have the examination, we are comfortable to perform it. But we completely understand if you want to reschedule your appointment, or we can utilize external assessment techniques instead.
+ Do I need to have symptoms to have a pelvic floor assessment?
Absolutely not! We perform a baseline assessment to assess the function of your pelvic floor, which gives us an idea of its strength, muscle tone, reaction time and response to changes in pressure. This can be helpful if we need to reassess you at a later stage, eg post-childbirth.
+ Do you accept care plan referrals under Medicare for pelvic health patients?
Yes, we just require the relevant paperwork from your GP.
