Torquay Women’s Health

pre-natal, post-natal, return to excersise.

Women’s Health Consults

We are delighted to announce the expansion of our current services to include the assessment and treatment of Women’s Health conditions.

Coastal Balance will be providing the following services to women on the Surf Coast, with a special interest in the pre and post-natal stages.

Pregnancy

  • Low back pain and pelvic girdle pain, thumb pain (DeQuervain’s), Carpal Tunnel (wrist pain), thigh pain (meralgia paraesthetica)
  • Blocked ducts and mastitis
  • Lower limb swelling and varicosities
  • Exercise prescription for low and high risk pregnancies including: gestational diabetes (muscular resistance), incompetent cervix, placenta praevia, pre-eclampsia)

Post-Natal

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction (bladder issues such as “leaking with laughter”): In France, all women are required to have a pelvic floor assessment post pregnancy.  Australia is now also beginnning to understand the importance of early management in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor and pregnancy related musculoskeletal issues.  Use of the Peritron to measure the pelvic floor muscles at rest and with active contraction will best direct return to higher impact actvities/sport
  • Abdominal separation (DRAMS or “mummy tummy”): imperative to treat with abdominal support and specific rectus abdominis strengthening asap post birth to 6 weeks for best outcome
  • Specific clinical rehab classes with a focus on pelvic floor, abdominal and functional strength: bubs are welcome to attend

Beyond

  • Urinary and faecal incontinence, prolapse, hysterectomy, pelvic sling surgery: 1 in 3 women will have a pelvic health issue in her lifetime
  • Bone health: the average woman can lose approximately 10% of her bone mass in the first 5 years after menopause

Pelvic Floor assessments require an internal examination for the most optimal treatment outcomes. In rare cases, the trans-abdominal ultrasound may be used, but has limitations.  We will always ensure the utmost privacy and dignity for all clients no matter the assessment and treatment required.

What to expect?

Initial consultation: 45 to 60mins

This type of consultation is required if

  • You are a new client to the clinic with a women’s health related condition including, but not limited to: pregnancy related musculoskeletal dysfunctions such as pelvic girdle or low back pain, neck pain, and headaches, abdominal separation, breast health, pelvic floor concerns including urinary and faecal incontinence, and bone health
  • You have been referred by your health care provider (GP, osteopath, chiropractor), personal trainer, or coach for a pelvic floor assessment

We ask that you arrive approximately 5-10 minutes prior to your consultation time so that you can fill out the appropriate paper work including general health information and a questionnaire related to your injury or condition.   At this time, the clinic manager will also give you a tour of the clinic and answer any questions you may have while awaiting your physiotherapist.

Once you meet your physiotherapist, you will be guided into one of our private treatment rooms, so as not to be disturbed.  Our highly trained physiotherapist will take this opportunity to appreciate your full injury history by undertaking a detailed and comprehensive health interview and physical assessment to be able to determine the muscles that are primarily affected by your injury.

During the physical assessment, the physiotherapist may observe your posture, range of motion, joint movements, and muscular activity.  Once a working diagnosis has been made, your physiotherapist will take the time to make sure that you fully understand your condition and prognosis.  From here, you will collaborate on an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific goals, so that you can get back to feeling and living your best.

Your physiotherapist may have time to provide some initial treatment at the end of this session, otherwise, you will likely be given some form of therapeutic exercise, recommendation or advice regarding managing your injury until you are reviewed at your follow up session.

Remember, you should leave this session with full understanding of

  • your injury
  • your treatment plan (type and number of sessions)
  • advice on injury management at home
  • your therapeutic home exercise program

Review consultation: 30mins

This type of consultation is required if

  • You have previously had an initial consultation for the same injury or condition with the past 3 months

During the follow-up session, your physiotherapist will once again ask you a few questions about your current injury status, and will re-assess key points as noted in your previous session.

The standard consult will primarily focus on treatment, with further re-assessment following the applied treatment technique to determine the effectiveness.

Extended consultation: 45mins

This type of consultation is beneficial if

  • Your condition is quite complex
  • You require treatment on 2 separate injuries

Similar in process to the standard consultation, except allowing for a further 15 minutes of treatment time.

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