Pelvic Health

​

Pelvic health refers to the overall well-being and function of the muscles, bones, and organs in the pelvic region of the body, which includes the hips, lower back, and pelvic floor. This includes the urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. Common concerns related to pelvic heath include urinary incontinence, pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. Osteopathy can help to alleviate these symptoms and improve overall function in the pelvic region.

 

What is a Pelvic Health Consultation?

​

A pelvic health consultation is a consultation that provides a holistic approach to conditions (primary and secondary) associated with pelvic health, pain and function. Pelvic health consultations comprise of manual therapy (hands on treatment techniques – both external and internal as the patient feels comfortable and requires), rehabilitation exercises, management strategies and education.

 

A Pelvic Health Consultation can help with anyone who is experiencing or requiring:

• Pelvic girdle pain

• Pelvic floor pain

• Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy

• Labour and birth preparation

• Postpartum checks (must be 6 or more weeks post-partum)

• Postpartum pain and management

• Diastasis Recti

• Chronic pelvic pain associated with PMS/dysmenorrhea/endometriosis/adenomyosis

• Dysmenorrhea (period pain)

• Urinary incontinence and light bladder leakage

• Constipation

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pudendal nerve pain

• Dyspareunia (painful sex)

• Assessment and treatment of fertility problems (assess for mechanical impediment to fertilisation)

 

What can I expect during a Pelvic Health Consultation?

​

At the beginning of your Pelvic Health Consultation, your Osteopath will take a history of your overall health, as well as your pelvic health (both current and previous history). As everyone is so unique in their own way, your osteopath will take great care and time to learn about you to provide the best care and education possible! Your osteopath will also discuss your expectations of the consultation, as well as goals that you may wish to achieve with the aid of Pelvic Health Osteopathic treatment.

​

Your Osteopath will take you through a movement assessment (quite similar to that of a standard osteopathic consultation). Once the movement assessment is completed, your osteopath will specifically examine your pelvis. This can involve movement tests, palpation (hands on techniques to assess for muscle tightness, restrictions in joints etc.). If it is indicated, and you feel comfortable and are consenting, your Osteopath may suggest an internal assessment. All assessments, internal AND external will be explained with visuals (e.g. pelvic models, anatomy text book pictures etc.) about what your Osteopath is examining, why they are examining, and how they will examine you. Your Osteopath will then require a consent form to be signed, with all information discussed with you being written down. At any time, you as a patient may request for your Osteopath to cease, and your Osteopath can provide a different type of assessment or completely cease the assessment with your consent. 

​

Once assessed, your Osteopath will explain to you their working diagnosis, and educate you about your condition. They will then go on to explain or demonstrate (on a pelvic model or textbook picture) what treatments will utilised for your condition. Once again, your osteopath will discuss the benefits of techniques that will be used and gain both written and verbal consent prior to treatment.

​

After treatment your Osteopath will discuss and create a management plan with you, including exercises and strategies to help with your pain and symptoms before your next appointment. Some of these can include handouts and tools that can be used day to day.