Osteopathy – Pelvic Health
What is pelvic health?
Our pelvic health practitioners, Tracy Vuat (Osteopath) and Michelle Acker (Osteopath), have completed specific training to further understand, assess and treat many pelvic health concerns. Their areas of training include pregnancy, postnatal, bladder and bowel dysfunction, prolapse, coccyx, pubic symphysis and pelvic girdle pain. Our pelvic health Osteopaths utilise a detailed history and pelvic floor assessment to devise a treatment and rehabilitation plan specific to you. Tracy and Michelle are both trained in internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor.
Our pelvic health Osteopaths may be able to help with the following concerns:
- Bladder leakage and urgency
- Bladder pain syndrome/Interstitial cystitis
- Bowel urgency
- Constipation
- Faecal incontinence
- Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
- Labour and birth preparation
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Vaginismus and pain with intercourse
- Pelvic pain associated with endometriosis/adenomyosis/dysmenorrhea
- Dyspareunia
- Vulvodynia
- Pudendal neuralgia
- Coccydynia
Tracy Vuat (Osteopath) has also completed further Osteopathic courses in babies and children and may be able to help with:
- Childhood constipation
- Paediatric pelvic health
Why would you see a pelvic health Osteopath?
Just like any other region of the body, if you are experiencing pain or symptoms such as those listed above, or are wanting a postnatal assessment, a pelvic health Osteopathic appointment may assist you. Our pelvic health Osteopaths treat and assess with a holistic approach. They will assess your whole body and the way that it functions, which will allow them to formulate an appropriate treatment and rehabilitation program for you. This appointment is quite different to the standard 6 week postnatal appointment that you may have with your GP or obstetrician, and should never replace it.
Due to the changes and healing that occurs postnatally, we recommend waiting 6 weeks before having an internal assessment, however external Osteopathic treatment is safe. Our Osteopaths also respect tissue healing times post surgical procedures and will help guide you with booking these appointments depending on your stage of healing and the procedure that has taken place.
It is never too late to improve pelvic health symptoms or book in for your postnatal assessment, even if it has been years since you had your last baby.
- What will happen in my first pelvic health appointment & is an internal examination required?
Prior to your initial appointment you will be sent an online consent form and pelvic health questionnaire. Please ensure you review these documents more than 24 hours prior to your appointment to give your Osteopath adequate time to review your case prior to your initial appointment.
During the appointment your Osteopath will take a detailed medical history to gain a thorough understanding of your pelvic health complaints and symptoms. With your consent, our Osteopaths may administer an external and/or internal pelvic health assessment, which will include assessing pelvic floor tension, strength of the pelvic floor muscles and the integrity of the bowel and bladder walls. It is important to note that an internal assessment should not be painful, and if pain is produced the internal assessment will cease. An internal assessment is not essential, however it may provide a more detailed clinical picture. Your Osteopath will still be able to provide you with information and advice without an internal assessment, based on your history and the assessment of external structures.
Following your assessment, your Osteopath will provide you with an individualised treatment and rehabilitation/exercise plan to help you achieve your goals. Advice may be centred around proper breathing techniques, pelvic floor relaxation or activation exercises, and toileting advice.
- Do I have to be a pre/postnatal patient to be treated?No, our Osteopaths treat women of all ages and at all stages of life. Our Osteopaths treat pain and symptoms associated with a range of pelvic health conditions, in addition to pre and postnatal conditions.
- Do I need a referral?You do not need a referral to be assessed and treated by one of our pelvic health Osteopaths. However if you have been referred by a GP or specialist, please bring along your letter of referral as well as any medical details and test results that may be relevant.
- How soon after birth/pelvic surgery can I attend an appointment?
Due to the changes and healing that occurs postnatally, we recommend waiting 6 weeks before having an internal assessment, however external osteopathic treatment is safe.
Post surgical procedure we will help guide you with booking appointments depending on your stage of healing and the procedure that has taken place.
- What do I wear to my appointment?We suggest that you wear something loose that you feel comfortable in. If you consent to an internal assessment, our Osteopaths will give you privacy to disrobe from the waist down and adequate draping will be provided.
- Can I attend my appointment if I have my period or am experiencing bleeding?Our Osteopaths are happy to treat you whilst you have your period/if you are experiencing bleeding, however if you would prefer to reschedule please let our reception staff know.
- Can I bring someone to the appointment with me?With your consent you are most welcome to bring a chaperone/support person along to your appointment. If under 18 years of age a Parent / Guardian must be present.
- What if I already am a patient at the clinic?Even if you have been to our clinic in the past, you will need to book a Pelvic Health Initial Appointment to discuss your pelvic health issues. This allows our Osteopaths to create a detailed picture of your pelvic health in order to provide treatment and advice that is detailed and specific to you.