FAQs

Do I need to be referred?

Definitely not! Anyone can come see a physio; pelvic health or otherwise, no referral necessary. We can also submit ACC claims for you without a referral.

What should I wear?

Often during assessments we will be looking at the movement of joints local to the area of concern, but also often above and below. It is best to wear clothing that is non-restrictive so we can get a good assessment of movement, but also so you are comfortable and not self conscious.

For pelvic health assessments, if a full pelvic health exam is required this typically involves the removal of all clothing on the bottom half. You will always be given a towel or blanket for privacy, and always have the right to decline parts of an examination.

If we are using the pilates equipment, comfortable clothing for movement as well as temperature is best e.g. tights and a shirt. You will either need to be in grip socks (preferred), or bare feet as the floors can be slippery in standard socks.

Do I need to bring anything?

Any medical information you have that you believe may be relevant is helpful, but not compulsory. We will spend a good amount of time going through your history, and if we pick up on something we need this can always be provided later. For maternal birth injuries, a discharge summary is always helpful. If you do have a referral, bringing (or emailing in) the actual referral is also useful.

What does a pelvic health exam involve?

As a pelvic health physiotherapist I treat conditions related to the pelvic girdle, the pelvic floor, and the pelvic organs. For a full understanding of conditions of the pelvic floor and pelvic organs, an internal assessment is often required. This involves the removal of all clothing on the lower half of the body, and lying under a towel, then an external and internal examination is performed.

Although this is often recommended, you always have the right to decline a pelvic examination (even if you have consented previously) and we will work together to develop a treatment plan without it.

Can I have someone come in with me?

You are always welcome to have a support person attend your appointments with you. This can be a friend, parent, sibling, or even your partner. They are welcome to be present in the room with us for the full session, or you can ask them to leave for particular parts of the appointment. There is a comfortable waiting room for them, should you prefer they wait outside of the room.

Can I bring my baby?

Absolutely! Babies are always welcome. And sometimes it’s just unavoidable!

I do share a room with a beautician, though, so do just ask that any “mobile” children can please wait in the waiting room with an adult.

What if I’m on my period?

It happens.

Women wait for weeks, even months sometimes, to see a pelvic health physio. And then the period comes. Sometimes it’s just unavoidable.

So. If you’re comfortable, we’re comfortable. If you’d rather reschedule, I’ll do my best to time it so we don’t run into the same problem next time.

What if I’m under 16?

Pelvic health conditions can be present in our younger population. Unless all options have been exhausted, and we have very good reason to investigate further, we really aim to avoid internal examinations in the younger population.

It is also strongly encouraged that any younger client attends with a support person, preferably a parent or caregiver. If they choose not to have a support person, and are requesting an full pelvic examination, I may request to have a colleague (pelvic health physio, gynae, or a supervisor) attend to observe and supervise the appointment.

What if I’ve never had sex?

I respect the significance of this and other options will always be given. We can certainly work without a full examination should you wish to avoid an internal examination.

Indeed some women attend pelvic physio because they WANT to have sex but haven’t been able to due to PAIN, and are eager to proceed with a full examination to identify the cause but also as frequently the treatment plan will involve some work “down there”, whether individually at home or in the clinic.

You’re boundaries and goals will always be respected.

How many times will I need to see you?

This varies greatly depending on condition, history, treatment plan, and at times financial limitations needs to be considered. A post natal WOF can sometimes be a one-off appointment, where a woman really is just after a summary and advice on self management. Or a treatment plan can progress into 1:1 regular weekly pilates.

Should there be financial restrictions, we will focus on what can be achieved at home. A lot of the evidence we have around treatments suggest regular attendance, however with your commitment to your program things can be achieved at home and we can space appointments out a little further.

Most women get a lot of understanding on self management within 3 sessions, and may continue independently for 6-8 weeks prior to wanting to check in on their progress.

I’ve had scans and a GP exam, why do you have to do one too?

You will find pelvic examinations do vary between GP, gynae, and physio. We all have slightly different lenses we are looking through, and different strengths. For me to reach a diagnosis I will need to examine this myself. Even an MRI will given good information, but is a static picture of a dynamic structure; a prolapse may not show up on an MRI, where you are lying down and not moving, but become apparent by the end of the day when things are moving down with gravity all day and you then cough or squat. The MRI, however, is expert at viewing conditions that we may need to know about, such as a fibroid which may be causing prolapse.

Do I need to do a bladder diary?

Sometimes a bladder diary is needed, but this will be determined during your appointment, at which point you will be provided with instructions on how to complete a diary for me.

This is the same for bowel diaries.

Should you have already done a diary, please do bring it along! Any information is useful. But you may find I make you do it again for me as the diary I use for bladder analysis is quite specific.

Will insurance or ACC cover my appointment?

Some insurance companies will contribute towards the cost of pelvic health physiotherapy through “physiotherapy” or “post-op within 6 months” type of covers in their policy. It is best to contact your insurance company to see if your policy covers physiotherapy. Paid invoices can be emailed to you at any time; just let me know you need a copy.

If you are with southern cross I do have access to southern cross easy claim; this is where southern cross pays me directly, so you don’t have to pay and then claim.

ACC also pays us directly, should you have an approved claim through an injury or maternal birth injury (MBI). I can submit these claims to ACC if you do not already have a claim number.

All these options contribute towards fees, but there is often a CO-PAYMENT that you will need to cover at the time of your appointment.