Physiotherapy and Pilates classes are provided in the studio in The Junction, Newcastle.
Home visits (within 10 km of the studio) and virtual appointments (Telehealth ) can also be arranged by appointment.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Common Conditions treated include:
- Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain – Pubic symphysis and Sacroiliac pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Neck pain and Headaches
- Thoracic and rib pain
- Coccyx ( tail bone) pain
- Incontinence ( urinary, feacal and flattus )
- Overactive / Hypertonic pelvic floor
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Constipation and haemorrhoids
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Diastasis Recti – Abdominal separation
- Caesarean and perineal scar tissue
- Dyspareunia- Sexual pain
- Mastitis and blocked ducts
Hicaps is available for Physiotherapy
No referral is necessary for private patients.
PREGNANCY CARE
Physiotherapy can help prevent, manage, reduce and treat common pregnancy related aches, pains and problems. Whether you’re preparing for a vaginal or Caesarean birth, you can benefit from prenatal physiotherapy.
Pregnancy is the perfect time to get acquainted with your pelvic floor muscles. Learning how to contract and relax these muscles can protect and prepare them for birth and postpartum recovery.
Learning how to activate your pelvic floor and core optimally during pregnancy will also help to support your body and your growing baby.
Prenatal Physio Assessment
During this appointment we will discuss Pregnancy exercise and modifications if required. We will assess your pelvic floor anatomy and function in preparation for birth and recovery.
This appointment includes a vaginal examination to assess pelvic floor muscle tone ,activity and ability to stretch.
In preparation for a vaginal birth your pelvic floor muscles need to be able to relax and let go. In the postpartum period the correct technique for your pelvic floor exercises is important, this is easier to learn during pregnancy than after birth when these muscles an be compromised. Assessing the resting tone and strength of your muscles prenatally gives us a baseline to work towards postpartum.
We will discuss preparing your perineum for birth including Perineal massage.
We will discuss positions for the first and second stage of labour and optimal maternal positioning and pushing techniques.
We will also discuss your rehabilitation plan for the first 6 weeks following your delivery. This will involve pelvic floor rehabilitation as well as advice regarding activities of daily living and exercise.
The best time to schedule this appointment is during the second trimester as this gives us time to address any issues prior to birth.
T.E.N.S HIRE
We hire out obstetric T.E.N.S machines especially designed for childbirth.
What exactly is T.E.N.S?
T.E.N.S stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.T.E.N.S units work by delivering small electrical impulses via adhesive electrodes to your skin.
These electrical impulses flood the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. T.E.NS stimulates the same nerves that feel pressure and pain.
In other words it tricks your brain into perceiving the pleasant, tingling sensation of the T.E.N.S over the sensation of the contraction.
The electrodes are placed at the Thoracolumbar Junction and on either side of the sacrum to target the uterus.
The results for pain relief are best if T.E.N.S is started early in labour and can be continued until you are holding your baby.
Physiotherapists have used T.E.N.S machines for pain relief for many conditions for many years and it is totally safe.
The Special feature of the obstetric T.E.N.S unit is that it has a ‘Surge button’ , so as you feel a contraction starting to build you press the surge button to increase the intensity and frequency of the sensation; when the contraction is over you turn the surge off and the intensity drops to the base level again. The unit is always totally in your control and the intensity can be increased and decreased as needed. Many women find they need to increase the intensity as labour progresses.
The unit is light and portable and clips onto your waistband.
There are no known side effects for mum or baby.
I recommend Hiring a T.E.N.S machine at 37 weeks just in case baby comes early.
T.E.N.S Can also be helpful for after pains as the uterus contracts down to its normal size.
If you would like to hire a TENS unit the cost is $55.
This price covers 5 weeks hire and your own set of electrodes.
I will also spend 15 minutes with you explaining how to use the T.E.N.S machine.You also get to experience the sensation and ask any questions.
“ Personally I loved the T.E.N.S machine during the birth of my son. It was the only thing I needed ( along with my ball ) for pain relief during my labour.”
POSTPARTUM CARE
It is important to take care of yourself whether this is your first or fifth baby and regardless of whether you’ve had a vaginal or caesarean birth.
We advise coming in for a postpartum physiotherapy checkup. We believe that a 6-week postpartum check should be standard care and all postpartum women should have a thorough pelvic assessment regardless of the type of birth. Although an early postpartum check is ideal, it’s never too late for an assessment.
Once we have assessed your unique body we can provide specific advice and treatment to help you return to day-to-day activities, exercise and intercourse . During your assessment if any issues are identified a rehabilitation program with be prescribed tailored to your needs and goals.
POSTPARTUM PHYSIOTHERAPY CHECK UP
This check-up is like your ‘Pink-slip’ for returning to sport. Together we will discuss your goals and work out a plan to return to your regular activities and exercises you enjoy, deceasing the risk of injury.
Ideally this is performed around 4- 6 weeks postpartum. This assessment does NOT replace the 6 week check-up with your G.P or care provider. It is never too late to benefit from an assessment and pelvic health physiotherapy. Once postpartum always postpartum.
This assessment will include:
- A debrief about your birth.
- A pelvic floor muscle assessment to assess muscle strength, tone and function.
- Prolapse assessment – To check the position of the pelvic organs.
- Assessment of Diastasis Recti – Abdominal muscle separation.
- Assessment of scar tissue mobility – Caesarean scar, episiotomy or perineal tears.
- Postural alignment assessment
- Musculoskeletal assessment of any postpartum aches and pains.
- Assessment of functional movements for activities of daily living and baby care.
- From these assessment findings we will create an individual treatment plan to achieve your goals. This may include some manual therapy, a personalised Pelvic floor exercise program, exercises for abdominal muscle separation including a home exercise program to help you to achieve your goals.
- Guidance in returning to exercise /sport.
- Guidance in returning to sexual intercourse.
- You are also welcome to join our Postpartum mum n baby Pilates or small group clinical rehab pilates classes.
Pessary fitting appointment
What is a pessary?
A Pessary is a soft, flexible silicon device that is placed into the vagina to help support the bladder, uterus, urethra and /or rectum.
Pessaries are a conservative option in treating pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
A variety of pessaries are available, some need to be taken out every day (e.g. the cube) and others can stay in for days at a time. Some women just like to use them for sport, whilst others will wear them every day.
When the pessary is fitted correctly you will not feel it and it should give you significant improvement in your symptoms.
A pessary can be helpful during the postpartum period to help support your pelvic organs while your pelvic floor heals and strengthens.
During this appointment you will have a vaginal examination to be assessed for the type and size of pessary you need. You will be educated on how to look after your pessary including how to insert and remove it.
Wearing a pessary can be helpful for sports such as running and CrossFit to reduce the risk of causing or worsening pelvic organ prolapse.
The cost of this appointment includes the pessary.
- Cost $180
Postpartum package
Postpartum assessment and 5 postpartum rehab Pilates classes
- $210
I’d love to have you as part of the crew.