Women’s Health Physio
Women’s Health Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast
Women’s Health Physiotherapists are experienced and highly trained physiotherapists with a special interest in the management of pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence and pre and post natal care. The friendly women’s health physiotherapists here at Chevron Island Physio understand the different stages of a woman’s life from early teen years, pregnancy and post menopause and how to help you keep you in control of your body.
Pelvic issues can be a sensitive topic and many people take a long time to seek treatment. Chevron Island Physio is lucky enough to have two committed and highly trained women’s health physiotherapists to sensitively guide you through an assessment, diagnosis and explanation of your pelvic issue and plan a treatment that you can be actively involved in to improve your women’s health concern.
Our Women’s Health Physios
Alison Jeffrey
Alison is the Principal Physiotherapist of Chevron Island Physio. She graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree in 2009 and commenced practicing in one of Brisbane’s leading private practices. Alison has a special interest in the area of Women’s Health. She has undergone extensive postgraduate training in the areas of pelvic floor rehabilitation for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, pessary fitting for prolapse and stress urinary incontinence management, exercise during pregnancy and the post-natal period, and management of pregnancy-related pelvic pain and pelvic floor pain. Alison is also a proud mum of her two gorgeous sons. Ollie who is 4 and Hugh who is 2.
Gillian Burgess
Gillian is a valuable member of our Chevron Island Physio team. She graduated from Griffith University Gold Coast at the end of 2015 with a Master of Physiotherapy / Bachelor of Exercise Science. Gillian has worked not only in private physiotherapy practice but continues to work in the hospital setting at John Flynn private. Gillian’s main interest is in Women’s Health physiotherapy. Gillian not only uses her Women’s Health experience to treat private clients but she can also be found at the hospital running antenatal classes and providing acute care for maternity patients.
Rebecca Lackie 
Rebecca graduated from the University of Queensland in 2005 and was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement twice during her degree.
Bringing a variety of Physiotherapy experience to Chevron Island Physio, from a hospital setting, to community rehabilitation, and private practice.
She developed a special interest in Women’s Health Physiotherapy while working at the Gold Coast Hospital and has since gained valuable experience in this area.
Rebecca has undergone extensive training in pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse including pessary fitting, pregnancy and post-natal physiotherapy and pelvic pain.
Having worked at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital in Brisbane, and as the Senior Women’s Health Physiotherapist at both the Gold Coast Hospital and Grace Private for Women. She now joins the team at Chevron Island Physio as the Clinical Lead in Women’s Health.
Additionally, Rebecca lectures at Bond University for the Doctor of Physiotherapy Students, where she teaches the women’s health component of their course.
In 2016 Rebecca won a scholarship from the Continence Foundation of Australia, and completed a Graduate Certificate in Continence Promotion
Rebecca had twins in 2012, and a third child less than 2 years later, which really increased her awareness of the need for services devoted to the health and wellness of women. She firmly believes that we need to raise the awareness of pelvic floor disorders and is committed to assisting and empowering women to take back control of their body and health.
Women’s Health / Pelvic Conditions – What can we assess you for?
Women face a wide range of complex issues throughout their life. Alison and Gillian have helped hundreds of local women over the last 6 years with conditions such as:
- Pelvic pain disorders
- Sexual pain
- Overactive (tight) pelvic floor muscles
- Pelvic muscle pain / spasm
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Urinary incontinence (urge or stress) related to pelvic floor muscles
- Urinary frequency
- Prolapse
- Constipation
FAQ
What should I expect in my initial women’s health appointment?
- Your initial women’s health assessment will take approximately 40 mins
- Your therapist will complete a thorough history about your women’s health concern
- Some personal and private questions may be asked help the physiotherapist correctly diagnose your concern
- Your physiotherapist should fully explain what other physical test’s need to performed to confirm their suspected diagnosis and help formulate a treatment plan. This may involve an internal vaginal examination.
- Ensure that by the end of your consultation you understand you diagnosis and what needs to be done to assist your recovery
What is an internal vaginal examination?
An internal vaginal examination is a physical examination of the internal pelvic floor muscles conducted by a specially trained women’s health physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will use a gloved finger inserted into the vagina to assess if there are any tender areas in the pelvic floor muscles and they can also assess the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. The physiotherapist may also need to visually examine the vaginal opening to assess for pelvic organ prolapse.
A vaginal exam can be daunting and may feel invasive but please be aware that our women’s health physiotherapists are trained specifically in this area. A vaginal examination will only be performed if indicated.
Is there another way to assess my pelvic floor muscles?
A less invasive way to assess the pelvic floor muscles is by using real time ultrasound. Ultrasound gives a picture of the muscles and shows if they move with a contraction. Unfortunately, it does not give us any information about the tone or strength of the muscles. We are unable to assess pelvic organ prolapse with external real time ultrasound. Ultrasound can be uncomfortable as you need a full bladder to see what is happening. Ultrasound used alone does not allow a physiotherapist to prescribe the best exercises for you to help improve pelvic floor muscles issues, as they do not have the entire picture of your problem.
Do I need a referral to see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist?
No you do not need a referral to make an appointment. However, if you do have a referral please bring it with you.
A doctor’s referral is required if you are using a Medicare Enhance Primary Care (EPC) plan.
What should I wear to my appointment?
You should wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your body part that you are concerned about. That may include shorts, track suit pants, singlets etc. You will be semi-clothed but well covered with towels and treated with utmost respect at all times.
Is this service covered by private health insurance?
Yes, as long as you have ‘extras’ cover. The amount your insurance company pays is dependent on your individual policy. Some insurance companies cover women’s health specific treatment under a different code to standard physiotherapy. If you would like to find out how much out how much your insurance covers, it would be best for you to call your private health insurance provider to discuss this. We provide on the spot claiming so you only need to pay the gap amount on the day.
Pregnancy / Postnatal Issues
Chevron Island Physio offers a range of Pre and Post Natal services including: Pregnancy Physiotherapy, Pregnancy Pilates, Pregnancy Massage, Pre and Post Natal Nutrition, Mum and Bubs Pilates and Hynpo Birthing Classes.
Pregnancy Physiotherapy can help with a range of issues including:
- Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PRPGP or Pelvic Instability)
- Pregnancy-related back or neck pain
- Birth related injuries
- Coccyx pain and injury
- Abdominal muscle separation (DRAM)
- Mastitis and blocked ducts
- Return to sport and exercise after childbirth
To find out more about our Pre and Post Natal Services click here
What Are You Waiting For? Book An Appointment Now
Don’t put up with something that you can change with the Gold Coast’s most trusted women’s health physio team. Call us on (07) 5504 7000 or book online or fill in the online enquiry form and our friendly team will find you an appointment that fits around your schedule.
