Women's Health Services
A Women’s Health Physiotherapist is a physiotherapist who has undertaken specialised training to assess and treat issues that specifically affect women.
We can help at all different stages of a woman’s life including preparing for pregnancy, during pregnancy, after pregnancy, menopause, or at any age when issues arise.
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Meet Faith Hoffmann
Our Women’s Health Therapist
Faith is a physiotherapist with 15 years’ experience, and a mother of two. She has worked in both the public and private sector in a variety of roles and settings including clinical specialist roles.
She graduated from Curtin University in 2005 and has since undertaken further study completing a Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and additional training with the Women’s Health Training Association.
Faith has a special interest in musculoskeletal issues, women’s health,
and rehabilitation. She is a strong believer in treating the whole person
and is committed to helping people to achieve wellness and balance in their lives.
Pelvic Floor Issues? Physiotherapy Can Help
A large proportion of women’s health issues are related to the pelvis and pelvic floor. These issues range from incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain and constipation. A women’s health physiotherapist can perform a thorough assessment including an internal examination properly to determine an individualised plan for you.
We have access to specialised equipment such as the peritron perineometer and e-stimulation which can assist in the assessment and recovery of your pelvic floor issues, as well as being to advise on the appropriate use of a number of aids and devices that may be useful to your management.
After pregnancy you may notice some changes to your pelvic floor and its function. Common concerns are around incontinence, how well the pelvic floor is functioning, how to properly do a pelvic floor contraction and when it is safe to return to exercise.
It is recommended that you seek a Women’s Health Physiotherapist appointment six weeks post pregnancy just after your six weeks check with your obstetrician.
Abdominal & Back Pain In Women
The development of back pain during and post pregnancy is a common complaint for many women. During pregnancy, back pain is often related to change of hormone levels and the change of biomechanical load and posture due to the growing baby.
This may present as back pain, rib pain and/or pelvic girdle pain. After pregnancy, back pain is often related to the repetitive lifting and carrying of the baby. Assessment and treatment of pregnancy related back pain can be quite different to back pain at other times in your life, so seeking the expertise of a women’s health physiotherapist is recommended.
The separation or diastases of the abdominals post pregnancy, whilst not painful is another issue that many women seek advise for. It is advisable to seek advice on this issue within the first 6 months after giving birth, however women even years after being pregnant can still achieve good results in this area with consultation.
Blocked Milk Ducts
(Mastitis)
Blocked milk ducts are a very painful and unwanted part of breastfeeding. A blocked milk duct will often feel like a hard lump, with increased swelling and tenderness of a part of the breast region.
It can occur at any time when a woman is breastfeeding and is often associated at times when feeds are missed or inconsistent, weaning is occurring or when supply is not yet established.
Blocked milk ducts can affect the baby’s feeding routine, increase stress around breastfeeding, can discourage mother’s from continuing breastfeeding, and if not treated promptly can turn into mastitis.
Women’s health physiotherapy can educate on drainage techniques and can help to unblock ducts by the use of treatment ultrasound. If you are feeling unwell or presenting with a fever it is important to seek attention from your GP immediately as antibiotics may be required.
Intercourse Issues
After Childbirth
Returning to intercourse after childbirth is a very intimate and at times intimidating topic that many women do not know who to turn to for advice.
Changes after childbirth can range from pain on intercourse to change of sensation.
Many women express uncertainty about when it is safe to return to intercourse especially if the delivery has involved tearing or other trauma to the perineum. A women’s health physiotherapist is well positioned to provide assessment and guidance around this area.
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Women's Health And Physiotherapy Services
Evaluate, diagnose, and manage pregnancy-related conditions and pelvic floor disorders effectively.