Physio, but not as you know it.
At her, we provide comprehensive specialised women’s health physiotherapy in addition to our regular musculoskeletal services. Essentially this means we’re able to help you in more ways and address women’s health specific concerns, not always considered by musculoskeletal physiotherapists.
Our women’s health physiotherapy services extend well beyond musculoskeletal care. We support women through all stages of life with pelvic floor health treatment and rehabilitation, addressing issues like pelvic floor dysfunction and recovery after childbirth or surgery. Our team provides pregnancy, antenatal, and postnatal physiotherapy to improve comfort and recovery.
Specifically trained, the women’s health physios in our North Adelaide practice can provide pelvic floor health assessments and management plans, as well as perform procedures such as pessary insertions. And, like all of our specialties, our physio teams cross consult with our physicians, dieticians, obstetricians, gynaecologists, midwives and nurses to ensure you get the very best out of your sessions.
Meet our skilled Physiotherapist.
Many women seek out women’s physio for very specific reasons like pregnancy-related pain, postnatal recovery or changes in pelvic floor function over time. During pregnancy, the body adapts rapidly as hormones shift, posture changes, and load increases. This can lead to pelvic girdle pain, lower back discomfort, hip pain, or reduced core stability. Our pregnancy and postnatal physiotherapy focuses on safe, evidence-based care to support movement, strength, and comfort as your body changes, with guidance that evolves across each trimester
After birth, recovery looks different for everyone. We support women navigating pelvic floor symptoms, abdominal separation, pain with movement, or returning to exercise safely. We take time to assess how your body is healing, explain what’s happening, and map a clear path forward. This detailed, individualised approach allows us to address symptoms early, restore confidence in movement, and support long-term pelvic and musculoskeletal health without rushing the process.
When should I see a postnatal physio after giving birth?
It’s generally recommended to book a postnatal physiotherapy assessment between 3 and 6 weeks after giving birth. This timeframe allows for initial healing while still being early enough to identify and address any concerns such as pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal separation, or musculoskeletal discomfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms earlier, you don’t need to wait. Earlier review can be appropriate.
Can postnatal physio help with pelvic floor problems?
Yes. A women’s health physiotherapist will assess your pelvic floor function and tailor an exercise program to your needs. This may include strengthening, relaxation (down-training), and coordination work depending on your symptoms. Management is individualised.
Is postnatal physio only for women who had complications during birth?
No. Postnatal physiotherapy is relevant for all women, regardless of how straightforward the birth was. An assessment around 6 weeks postnatal can screen for pelvic floor issues, evaluate scar healing (perineal or caesarean), assess abdominal muscle separation, address aches and pains, and guide a safe return to exercise and daily activity.
Does postnatal physio help with abdominal separation (diastasis recti)?
Yes. A physiotherapist can assess for diastasis recti abdominis (DRAM) and provide specific exercises to improve abdominal strength, tension, and function. Management focuses on restoring core support rather than simply “closing the gap”.
What does women’s physiotherapy treat?
Women’s health physiotherapy addresses a broad range of conditions, including:Pessary fitting and management
Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, overactive bladder)
Faecal incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pregnancy and postnatal musculoskeletal pain
Perineal healing and scar management
Abdominal separation
Carpal tunnel syndrome
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Mastitis and breastfeeding-related issues
Chronic pelvic pain conditions (e.g. endometriosis)
Vaginismus and vulvodynia
Overactive pelvic floor
Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)
How is women’s physio different from general physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapists complete additional postgraduate training to assess and treat pelvic floor and related conditions. While they still manage musculoskeletal issues, their expertise extends to internal pelvic assessment, pelvic floor dysfunction, and conditions specific to pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and hormonal changes.
Do I need a referral to see a women’s physio?
No referral is required. You can book directly with a women’s health physiotherapist if you feel you would benefit from assessment or treatment.
Is women’s physio suitable during menopause?
Yes. Women’s physiotherapy can support symptom management during menopause, including pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, bladder symptoms, sexual pain, and musculoskeletal changes associated with hormonal shifts.
Is seeing a physio safe at all stages of pregnancy?
Yes. Physiotherapy is safe throughout all stages of pregnancy when delivered by a qualified practitioner. Treatment is adapted to each trimester and individual presentation.
Can a physio help with pelvic girdle pain or back pain during pregnancy?
Yes. Management may include activity modification, education, targeted strengthening and stretching, manual therapy, taping, and recommendations for support garments or belts. The goal is to reduce pain and maintain function during pregnancy.
Can a physio specialised in pregnancy help prepare for labour and birth?
Yes. Physiotherapy can assist with labour preparation through pelvic floor awareness (including relaxation strategies), breathing techniques, stretching, and perineal massage education. You may also receive guidance on labour positions, use of TENS, and comfort strategies such as heat or movement. Advice on early postnatal recovery, including pacing of rest and activity, is also provided.