Western Women's And Men’s Health | Women’s Physiotherapy Treatments

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Pre and Post Natal Care

Pre and post-natal care provided by our physiotherapists can help you to better cope and manage with the many changes that you experience as a pregnant women and recovery, including returning to sport and exercise. Hormonal changes prepare the body physically for birth, causing postural changes and in turn a level of discomfort and stress, that’s different for every women and every pregnancy.

Range of services

Our range of services for pre and post natal care specifically aim to help you stay healthy and active during your pregnancy, as well as optimise labour and your post natal recovery. These include:

treatment of pregnancy-related pain of the lower back
pelvic girdle pain (pelvic instability)
neck and thoracic pain
provision of pelvic belts, abdominal tubigrip, pregnancy and recovery shorts and leggings
managing abdominal separation
pelvic floor education and exercise
management of mastitis
Perineal massages

education on the use of TENS machines for labour
education on EPI-NO for birth preparation
Women’s Health Exercise classes including:
- Pre and Post natal clinical programs
- Baby friendly pilates classes
- Active Birth Classes
- Post natal information sessions
Birthing Plans

Pre Natal preparation

Our Physiotherapists have found by doing a pelvic floor assessment at 20 weeks, and again at 36 weeks, we can assist women with both pelvic floor weakness as well as increased tension, to attain better control and flexibility in these muscles, as well as the perineum, leading into labour. At each of these assessments, we will offer an internal examination, which gives an indication on the level of stretch the perineum and pelvic floor have. We can assess your pelvic floor control via pressure biofeedback and look at both strength and co-ordination in these muscles. We can educate on how to perform adequate and effective perineal massage, provide pelvic floor muscle release, and tailored home exercise programs to assist in attaining aa desired birth.

Our physiotherapists can also educate you on the use of the EPI-NO for birth preparation of the perineum and pelvic floor. The balloon of the EPI-NO is gently increased in size from 36 weeks, allowing gradual stretching to ideally a 10cm diameter prior to birth. This has been associated with less birth trauma.

Post Natal Assessment

Our physiotherapists will ideally perform a post natal assessment between 4-8 weeks after birth, regardless of the type of birth. During a post natal assessment, the physiotherapist will assess recovery from c-section, as well as vaginal birth. When warranted, an internal examination is preferred to determine the degree of pelvic floor trauma, and assess for movement of the pelvic organs. We can assess pelvic floor control, strength and coordination, both digitally and with a pressure biofeedback device called a peritron. This allows objective measurement and goal setting. We also assess for DRAM (abdominal separation) by using a real time ultrasound machine. This is the best tool to assist with correct return to abdominal exercise, allowing viewing of the abdominal layers while actively performing the exercises.

We are best equipped to advise on return to exercise, based on the assessment findings. We hold many post natal appropriate classes at the clinic and can set up home programs with a synced video program that the physio can update as required. Hands on treatment is used to alleviate any aches and pains you may also be feeling, and we can assist with treatment of mastitis with ultrasound, massage and advice.

Birth Plans

Our physiotherapist will conduct a 40 minute detailed assessment including?your family birthing history? and perform an external and internal pelvic floor examination to assess for your reserve strength i.e; strength before giving birth , your ability to relax your pelvic floor and take a few external measurement to advise the need for perineal massages and advise on how to prepare the pelvic floor for vaginal birth. Although we understand not all births go as planned, a detailed assessment can give us a baseline and help you understand the use of instrumentation during delivery and anal sphincter damage or tear. Our well-trained physiotherapist can walk through your options of childbirth and answer any questions.

Your birthing choices extend beyond the delivery room, creating a ripple effect that can significantly impact your pelvic floor health and postpartum recovery. Whether opting for a natural birth, considering interventions, or choosing specific birthing positions, each decision plays a crucial role in shaping your journey. Birth plans act as a collaborative tool, allowing you to actively participate in decisions before, during, and after childbirth. They serve as a bridge for communication between you, your healthcare team, and your support system. This shared decision-making process enhances your sense of autonomy, ensuring that your preferences and values are considered throughout the birthing journey. Evidence based studies have suggested lesser scores on antenatal depression scales in case of more informed decisions surrounding birth.

To guide you more effectively, a detailed understanding of your pelvic floor is essential. This personalised assessment allows us to tailor our support, addressing specific concerns and optimising your pelvic floor health from the start.

Pre and Post Natal Care