Frequently Asked Questions

Pelvic health physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating conditions involving the pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, pelvic pain, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and sexual health.

Your pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bladder and bowel control, pelvic organ support, sexual function and overall movement. When these muscles are not working optimally — whether they are weak, overactive, painful or poorly coordinated — physiotherapy can help restore function and improve symptoms.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is suitable for people of all ages and life stages, including:

• Women during pregnancy and after birth
• Men experiencing bladder, bowel or pelvic pain concerns
• Children with bladder and bowel difficulties
• People experiencing pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
• Athletes wanting to optimise pelvic floor function
• Anyone experiencing bladder leakage, bowel concerns or pelvic pain

You do not need to have given birth or be experiencing severe symptoms to benefit from pelvic health care.

No. You can book directly with a physiotherapist without a referral.

A referral may be required if you are accessing certain funding pathways or if your GP or specialist would like to be involved in your care.

Flourish Health Clinic provides pelvic health physiotherapy services in Albany, Western Australia, with additional availability in Perth.

Please contact the clinic to discuss current appointment availability.

Your initial appointment is focused on understanding your concerns, your goals and how your symptoms are affecting your daily life.

Your assessment may include:

• A detailed discussion about your symptoms and health history
• Questions about bladder, bowel, pelvic floor and lifestyle factors
• Assessment of movement, breathing, posture and abdominal function
• Education about your condition and treatment options
• Development of an individualised treatment plan

A pelvic floor examination is not always required and will only be discussed if clinically appropriate and with your consent.

Initial appointments are usually longer to allow time for a comprehensive assessment, discussion and treatment planning. Follow-up appointments focus on progressing your personalised treatment plan and addressing your goals.

To get the most from your appointment, consider bringing:

• Any relevant medical reports or specialist letters
• A list of medications
• A bladder or bowel diary if requested
• Comfortable clothing that allows movement assessment

If possible:

• Complete any forms provided before your appointment
• Keep a bladder or bowel diary if requested
• Think about your main goals and what activities you would like to improve
• Write down any questions you would like answered

Yes. We understand that accessing healthcare with young children can be challenging. Babies and children are welcome where appropriate.

Please let us know when booking if you plan to bring your child so we can help make your appointment as comfortable as possible.

A pelvic floor assessment is a private and respectful process. Your physiotherapist will explain each step and ensure you feel comfortable before proceeding.

If appropriate, an internal vaginal or rectal assessment may be offered to assess:

• Pelvic floor muscle strength
• Muscle coordination
• Muscle tension or tenderness
• Ability to relax and lengthen the muscles

This assessment is optional and will only occur with your informed consent.

No. A pelvic floor examination is not mandatory.

Many aspects of pelvic health can be assessed through conversation, education, movement assessment and symptom review. If an internal assessment is recommended, your physiotherapist will explain why it may be helpful and discuss your options.

Yes. Many pelvic health conditions respond well to conservative management.

Treatment outcomes depend on your individual condition, goals and commitment to your personalised program. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop realistic strategies that fit into your lifestyle.

Absolutely. Pelvic health concerns are very common, but many people delay seeking help due to embarrassment or thinking their symptoms are “normal.” In fact, around 1 in 3 people live with these symptoms for over five years before seeking help.

Our clinic provides a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental environment where you can discuss your concerns openly and receive evidence-based care.

Yes. Paediatric continence physiotherapy supports children experiencing bladder and bowel concerns, including:

• Daytime wetting
• Bedwetting
• Urgency and frequency
• Constipation
• Faecal incontinence
• Toilet training difficulties

Treatment focuses on education, healthy bladder and bowel habits, family support and practical strategies.

Yes. Pelvic health physiotherapy can support men with:

• Urinary leakage
• Overactive bladder symptoms
• Pelvic pain
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• Bowel dysfunction
• Pre- and post-prostate surgery rehabilitation

We provide a professional, confidential environment where men can feel comfortable discussing pelvic health concerns.

Appointments are paid in full at the clinic on the day. You can then submit your receipt to your private health fund to claim any applicable rebate, depending on your level of extras cover.

As rebates and policies differ between funds, we recommend checking your individual physiotherapy cover directly with your insurer.