Understanding our Pelvic Health Osteopathy Appointments

Pelvic health Osteopathy involves the treatment and management of a range of pelvic health and pelvic floor related conditions. Pelvic health complaints are very common in all populations. It is suspected that 50% of people who have given birth will have some degree of prolapse and 51% of women, 14% of men and 28% of elite athletes experience urinary incontinence at some point in their life and over 50% of pregnant women experience low back pain. Our practitioners understand the significance of pelvic health in overall wellbeing, addressing a wide spectrum of conditions such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, postpartum issues and musculoskeletal dysfunctions affecting the pelvis.

We assess not only the pelvic floor directly, but also look at whole body influences including, posture, hormones, lifestyle factors, diet, exercise, and biomechanical changes. Both internal and external techniques may be used to assess and treat the pelvic floor. As well as bladder retraining techniques, tools to connect to your pelvic floor, pelvic floor muscle training and lifestyle modifications and advice.

We understand that you may be apprehensive prior to your pelvic health appointment and aim to provide a treatment that is caring and sensitive to your concerns. We strive to create a comfortable environment where you feel safe to have a judgment free conversation and express your health goals

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A PELVIC HEALTH OSTEOPATH?

If you are suffering from any signs or symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction it is a great time to consider seeing an Osteopath.

Some signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include, but are not limited to:

• Heading to the toilet just in case

• Going to the toilet multiple times throughout the night

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Inability to enjoy sexual intercourse

• Urgency to go to the toilet

• Urinary leakage and or incontinence

• Not being able to hold in wind

• Bulging or heaviness of the vagina

• Leakage with coughing, sneezing, intercourse or exercise

COMMON CONDITIONS:

• Vaginismus

• Vulvodynia

• Overactive Pelvic Floor

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Pelvic floor muscle weaknes

• Bowel Concerns- Constipation, straining, incontinence

• Bladder Concerns- Urinary incontinence, leakage, urgency

• Painful Intercourse

• Constipation

• Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Scar tissue care

• Coccyx pain

• Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain

• Chronic Pelvic pain, Low back Pain & Sacro-illiac Joint Dysfunction

What can I expect during my consultation?

• Your appointment will begin with a thorough case history to determine why you have chosen to see a Pelvic Health Osteopath, any contributing factors to your presentation and to gain a clear understanding of your treatment goals.

• An examination will then be done, assessing the whole body and its influence on the pelvic floor.

• Following this we will likely do a pelvic floor assessment; this assessment may be either internal or external, depending on your preference. This will involve assessing how the pelvic floor is functioning, determining any areas of tension, weakness and/or overactivity. We will check the integrity of your pelvic floor, assess any vaginal wall laxity, assess muscle function and check for any structures that may be causing your discomfort.

• An internal assessment allows for a more in-depth assessment of the pelvic floor, providing essential information on how your pelvic floor is functioning and contributing to your condition. It is not essential, however can be preferable as more information can be gathered this way.

• If an internal assessment is recommended, this will be explained to you in depth in your consultation, and you will have plenty of opportunity to ask any additional questions that you may have. Please note you can change your mind at any time.

• Following our assessment, a treatment plan will then be developed. This is individualised and tailored to your presentation and will likely involve the treatment of surrounding, muscles, fascia, joints and ligaments.

• Additional lifestyle modification and advice may then be given along with tips to connect to the pelvic floor and/or pelvic floor muscle training

Follow up appointments are almost always recommended within the first two weeks. However, every patient is different and this will therefore vary depending on the individual.

If you would like to make an appointment please call on +61 0405 640 786