Hunter Pelvic Clinic is a subsidiary of Mitchell Integrated Therapy, physiotherapy for women’s and men’s pelvic health.
Hunter Pelvic Clinic has 3 physiotherapists with a special interest in women’s and men’s health. These physiotherapists can help you with light bladder leakage, incontinence, faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, pregnancy pain, recovery after delivery, separation of the abdominal muscles, and exercise prescription.
What is women’s health physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapy can address the following issues;
1. Incontinence
2. Pelvic pain
3. Pain during pregnancy
4. Prolapse
5. Pregnancy pain and recovery
6. Abdominal muscle separation
7. Physical issues related to menopause and ageing
Physiotherapy and Incontinence.
Research has shown conclusively that 80% of women that present to a women’s health trained physiotherapist for incontinence will get a 100% cure.
Physiotherapists focus on the control and strength of the pelvic floor muscles, which are the primary issue in most incontinence cases. The physiotherapist will also consider the bladder habits and help you address overactive bladder issues if needed.
The physiotherapist will assess the strength, co-ordination and control you have over your pelvic floor muscles. At Hunter Pelvic Clinic we use real time ultrasound combined with physical assessment, to help us assess your pelvic floor, you will be able to see your pelvic floor contracting using the ultrasound.
The physiotherapist will then show you appropriate exercises to get your pelvic floor stronger. We will also look at bladder control issues and might get you to complete a time & volume chart.
It usually takes between 6-8 visits spread over 6 months to get your pelvic floor restored. Obviously this does depend on how well you exercise and how weak the muscle is.
Pelvic Pain.
At Hunter Pelvic Clinic we have had success in treating women and men with pelvic pain. This pain can be associated with intimacy, post pregnancy, or with emptying your bladder just to mention a few issues. Pelvic pain can be modified.
FAQ
The pelvic floor is a sling of muscles that sits underneath the bladder and attaches to the base of the spine (coccyx) and the pubic bone.
The pelvic floor is multi-functional:
* It supports the pelvic organs —bladder, bowel and uterus
* It prevents the leaking of urine as the bladder gradually fills up and when there is a pressure increase in the abdomen i.e. when you laugh or cough ect. When the pelvic floor muscles relax another reflex fires and the bladder contracts to expel urine.
* It gives us confident bowel control. Strong and efficient pelvic floor muscles allow you to feel the sensation that you ‘need to go’ and allows you to hold on until you are ‘ready to go’.
To reduce or overcome the problem of stress incontinence
* To prevent pelvic floor weakness following menopause
* To improve bladder control in people with urge incontinence
* To support the increasing weight of baby in pregnant women
* Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in sexual pleasure
* Support pelvic organs
Some factors that contribute to a weak pelvic are:
*Pregnancy and childbirth *Obesity
*Menopause
*General ageing process
A strong pelvic floor is achieved by exercising it regularly and correctly. As with any other muscle in the body, it needs to be exercised in order to keep it functioning well.
For more information regarding Mitchell Physiotherapy’s Women’s Health services or to book an appointment please contact 4933 6895.