WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIO
PELVIC HEALTH PHYSIO
Women’s health physio on the Sunshine Coast
It’s remarkable what the female body can do – run at speed, explore, create and birth life. With all this change, naturally, comes a time where every woman and AFAB person can benefit from engaging a women’s health physio.
Were you one of the lucky few who was taught about pelvic floor health growing up? For me, it wasn’t until I studied anatomy and physiology for years that I gained an understanding (and appreciation) for the pelvic floor and it’s role in continence, pelvic organ support and sexual function.
As a quick summary (though there’s much more to it!) the surface muscles on the outside of the pelvic floor are largely responsible for sexual function. While the deeper layers relate to bladder and bowel continence as well as pelvic organ support.
Today, I’m wildly passionate about educating and supporting women like you to get to know and rebuild faith in your body. From understanding pelvic pain during intercourse and pelvic organ prolapse, through to care during menopause and beyond. It’s a privilege to be here with you.
If you feel I’m the women’s health physio for you, your first step is to book an initial consultation. This is $245 for one hour (with potential rebate options through Medicare or Private Health) in our Sunshine Coast Clinic or via Telehealth.
As a women’s health physio with specialised training, I’m here to welcome you warmly, listen with heart, then let the research and your real world guide our next steps. I’m humbled (and excited!) that you’re here.
Bladder & bowel dysfunction
Are you experiencing issues when urinating or passing stools? Whether you’re leaking while coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting (stress incontinence) or feel a sudden need to go to the toilet (urge incontinence), I’m here to guide and support.
Causes vary, from pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, to stress and hormonal changes. And the way we treat varies too. Let’s explore empowering options that support your lifestyle.
Women’s health physio can help with:
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Healthy bladder habits
- Healthy bowel habits
- Techniques and positioning
Pelvic organ prolapse
What if I told you that 1 in 2 women will experience pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in their lifetime? It’s true! Yet, despite having a higher risk if your maternal grandmother, mother or sister has prolapse, it’s still so rarely spoken about.
There are four stages of prolapse, and since the vaginal walls are designed to be soft and flexible to have sex, give birth and alter through life, change is common. Let’s navigate it together.
Women’s health physio can help with:
- Exercise guidance
- Lifestyle modifications
- Pelvic floor muscle rehab
- Pessary fittings
Chronic pelvic pain
Around 1 in 4 women in Australia report pelvic pain that impacts their ability to work, study or exercise. And yet, so often we are told to hide pain, power through or that it’s ‘normal’.
Know this – your pain is real. It is not ‘in your head’, and you do not have to simply put up with it. Pelvic pain is complex, and while your past experiences and emotions can influence how your body processes pain, that does not make your symptoms any less valid or deserving of care. Common examples of pelvic pain conditions include pudendal neuralgia, bladder or urethral pain syndrome, irritable bowel, vulval pain or vulvodynia, dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse, endometriosis, and coccydynia or tailbone pain.
Let’s consult the research, assess your very real symptoms and curate an action plan tailored to your lifestyle, together.
Women’s health physio can help with:
- Bladder & bowel dysfunction
- Pelvic floor relaxation techniques
- Breathing techniques
- Paced exercise guidance
Painful sex
Whether you’ve experienced painful vaginal intercourse (dyspareunia) since your first sexual experience (primary) or, it’s come after some time of pain-free intercourse (secondary), this may be due to hormonal, musculoskeletal or even psychological factors. And its effects on your life and relationships can be huge.
A holistic approach to management is key. This takes sleep, exercise, and stress into account. As well as pelvic factors (such as the pelvic floor), non-pelvic factors (like the lower back, hips and lower abdomen), and even hormones.
Pain during sex is most common (but not normal) after having a baby and post-menopause. Let’s work together to gently navigate your return to pleasurable sex.
Women’s health physio can help with:
- Vulvodynia
- Vaginismus
- Pelvic floor relaxation
- Address bladder & bowel dysfunction
Menopause & ageing support
The average age of menopause for women in Australia is 51, though any time between 45 and 55 is common. Yet, while this happens to all, the only side effects spoken about seems to be hot flushes and the ceasing of a period for 12 months. Where’s the heart in this conversation? Where’s the true experience to feel less alone in?
During this time, your body is experiencing massive changes. She’s lived a life and now she’s taking a long exhale. For you, this may present as vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, pain with sex and low libido. This could also present as burning, itching, and vaginal irritation. AKA the stuff that’s not spoken about nearly enough.
Why? When oestrogen decreases, this contributes to thinning, reduced lubrication and elasticity of the tissues (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, or GSM). It may brighten your mind to know there are many treatment options available. Now, it’s about finding what works for you. It would be my privilege to support you through navigating this phase of life.
Women’s health physio can help with:
- Tailored pelvic floor exercises
- Sexual function support
- Bladder and bowel support
“Michelle is such a kind, empathetic and thorough person. I can’t recommend her more.”
Your path to confidence with Maia Pelvic Health
Here are our steps forward. Let collaboration light our path as we navigate your pelvic health’s road ahead, together.
1. Chat
Book your initial consult for in-clinic or through Telehealth. We’ll get to know each other and uncover what your body’s telling us, and potentially why.
2. Plan
Based on your goals, we’ll create an action plan outlining milestones and a complete timeline to work towards. This is all designed to work with your lifestyle.
3. Act
Together we’ll land on daily exercises and potentially supportive tools that fit with your lifestyle. Either through self-management or in clinic, depending on circumstances.
4. Aftercare
My services are designed to have an end date. In saying that, your wellbeing genuinely matters to me, so don’t be surprised if I check in to see how you are far down the track.