Frequently Asked Questions

Continence, women’s, and men’s pelvic health physiotherapy is a field of physiotherapy that requires advanced post-graduate level training to perform comprehensive assessment and treatment of women’s and men’s health conditions including the pelvic floor and related structures. This includes assessment and treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunction, pregnancy/postnatal related musculoskeletal pain conditions and birth preparation, pelvic floor dysfunction, vaginismus, pelvic pain, prolapse, sexual dysfunction and pre-post operative gynaecology or prostate surgery and a range of other pelvic health conditions.

At your first appointment, we will take the time to listen to your story, ask questions regarding your symptoms, general health, medical/surgical history, current management, treatment goals, diet and exercise and discuss any tests you may have undertaken.

Based on the condition to be treated, we will discuss the most appropriate physical assessment for you. This may include an external assessment (e.g. back, hips, pelvis, abdominals) and/or an internal pelvic floor muscle assessment (as necessary) with your consent. An internal assessment may be recommended to help direct treatment for any bladder/bowel/gynaecological conditions (e.g. pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse etc). You do not have to have an internal examination if you do not wish to, (or you may choose to have the examination at another appointment), as other assessment options are available (such as real-time ultrasound) which can provide some information about your pelvic floor (such as a correct pelvic floor activation and endurance) and a good way to get you started towards your treatment goals.

Following your assessment, your findings will be discussed, your treatment started and a tailored management plan and home exercise program prescribed. Follow up appointment recommendations and bookings are made as required.

No, you do not need a referral to see a Physiotherapist. If you have seen your GP or a specialist, you are welcome to bring any information or reports with you to your appointment.

If you have been provided with a Chronic Disease Management plan for physiotherapy from your GP, Medicare will cover some but not all of your treatment cost and a gap fee will apply. Full fees are payable at the time of your appointment and your Medicare rebate (currently $58.00) will be claimed for you following payment. If you have any questions, please contact the clinic.

Yes, physiotherapy is claimable under your private health insurance if you have extras cover. The amount of rebate will vary with each insurance provider and level of cover. Following payment for your consultation, a receipt will be provided for you to submit to your health fund to claim your rebate.

Yes, EFTPOS facilities are available for you to pay via credit or debit card.

Yes, you are still able to attend.

It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow access to the areas needing to be assessed and to allow freedom of movement with exercise.

To allow for flexibility in booking and adequate time for the assessment and treatment of specific conditions, four appointment types have been created. 1) Antenatal Physiotherapy /birth preparation; 2) Pelvic Floor physiotherapy; 3) Postnatal physiotherapy and 4) Lactation (breast) physiotherapy. A list of conditions relating to each appointment type can be found by clicking the ‘book online now’ button or referring to the ‘appointment types’ section in the ‘Our Services’ tab.

We are happy to answer any questions regarding treatment or if you are unsure which appointment type you require. The practice can be reached by phone or text on 0455494055 or email at tracey@appleislephysio.com.au