Women's Health and Physiotherapy
Supporting Women’s Health Through Physiotherapy
Women go through a wide range of physical changes throughout life — from puberty and pregnancy to postpartum recovery and menopause. Each of these stages can place unique demands on the body, especially the pelvic floor, spine, and core.
That’s why women’s health physiotherapy is so important. It’s a field that recognises these changes and offers targeted support to help manage pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. Whether you're experiencing pelvic discomfort, bladder issues, or postnatal recovery challenges, physiotherapy can play a vital role in helping you feel stronger, more comfortable, and in control of your health.
What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy focused on treating conditions that specifically affect the female body. It covers a wide scope — from pelvic floor dysfunction and pregnancy-related pain to postnatal recovery, menopause support, and chronic pelvic conditions like endometriosis.
Physiotherapists trained in this field often complete additional postgraduate qualifications to deepen their knowledge of female anatomy, hormonal changes, and how these factors influence movement, pain, and function.
Unlike general physiotherapy, which tends to focus on injuries and musculoskeletal issues, women’s health physiotherapy takes a more holistic and tailored approach. It addresses the physical, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that impact women at different life stages — helping them recover, build strength, and improve everyday wellbeing.
Common Conditions That Physiotherapy Can Help
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel, and uterus — but when these muscles become weak, tight, or uncoordinated, they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Common issues include:
Urinary incontinence (leaking when you cough, sneeze or exercise)
Urge incontinence (a sudden, strong need to urinate)
Pelvic organ prolapse, where you may feel heaviness or bulging in the vagina
Pain during sex (dyspareunia), often linked to muscle tension or scarring
Women’s health physiotherapy can help by assessing your pelvic floor function and guiding you through specific, safe exercises to rebuild strength, control and flexibility — helping you regain confidence and comfort.
Pregnancy-Related Pain
As your body changes to support a growing baby, it's common to experience new aches and pains — especially in the pelvis, lower back, and abdomen.
Some of the most common pregnancy-related pains we treat include:
Pelvic girdle pain — discomfort or instability around the hips, sacrum or pubic bone
Lower back pain — due to postural changes, weight gain and hormonal shifts
Round ligament pain — a sharp, pulling sensation in the lower belly or groin
Physiotherapists use safe, gentle techniques to relieve pain, improve movement and support your body through each trimester. Hands-on therapy, targeted exercises and pelvic support strategies can make a big difference to your comfort and mobility.
Postnatal Recovery
After giving birth, your body goes through a significant healing process — and physiotherapy can play a key role in supporting your recovery.
Common postnatal concerns we help with include:
Abdominal separation (diastasis recti) — where the abdominal muscles stretch and separate during pregnancy, affecting core strength and posture
C-section scar recovery — reducing tightness, numbness or sensitivity around the scar area with manual therapy and movement
Pelvic floor rehab — addressing weakness, leakage or heaviness with personalised pelvic floor strengthening programs
Whether you had a vaginal or caesarean birth, our postnatal physiotherapy is designed to help you regain strength, restore confidence, and return safely to everyday activities or exercise.
Menopause
The hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can have a noticeable impact on your physical health — but physiotherapy can help you stay strong, mobile and in control.
Some of the key issues we support include:
Osteoporosis and strength — helping you build bone density and maintain muscle mass through safe, progressive resistance exercises
Bladder control — managing incontinence or urgency with pelvic floor training and bladder retraining strategies
Joint pain or stiffness — improving flexibility, strength and movement in commonly affected areas like the hips, knees and lower back
Our physiotherapists work closely with you to create a tailored program that supports your long-term health, mobility and independence through every stage of midlife and beyond.
Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis and other forms of chronic pelvic pain can significantly affect day-to-day life — from discomfort during movement to pain with periods, intimacy, or even sitting.
Physiotherapy plays a valuable role in managing these conditions by:
Releasing tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles through gentle manual therapy
Improving pelvic mobility and posture to reduce pressure and tension
Supporting nervous system regulation with relaxation strategies and pain education
Guiding low-impact exercise to build strength without aggravating symptoms
While physio doesn’t cure endometriosis, it can reduce pain flare-ups, improve quality of life, and work alongside your broader medical treatment plan.
Do I need a referral to see a women’s health physio?
No referral is needed unless you are using a CDMP from your GP. If you have extras cover, you can usually claim part of the cost without a referral—check with your fund. If you're pregnant, postpartum, or managing pelvic health concerns (e.g. incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain), a women's health physio can be seen directly and is often the first point of contact.
Can physiotherapy help with incontinence?
Yes, physiotherapy can help with incontinence—especially when guided by a women’s health physio. Treatment focuses on pelvic floor strengthening, bladder retraining, and lifestyle advice. It’s effective for stress, urge, mixed, and postnatal incontinence, and is often the first-line treatment recommended in Australia.
Is it safe to see a physio during pregnancy?
Yes, seeing a physio during pregnancy is safe and can help with pain, posture, pelvic floor issues, and birth preparation. Treatments are tailored to be pregnancy-safe and support your changing body.
Is it safe to do dry needling when pregnant?
Dry needling during pregnancy can be safe when performed by a qualified physiotherapist who is experienced in treating pregnant patients. Most practitioners avoid dry needling in the first trimester due to the increased risk of miscarriage during this period. Certain points and areas are typically avoided — especially in the early stages of pregnancy or around the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis.
At Ducker Physio, we assess each case individually and only recommend dry needling if it’s appropriate and safe for your stage of pregnancy. If you're unsure, we’re happy to discuss your symptoms and suggest alternative treatment options to help relieve pain or tension.
Book your session at our Magill or Salisbury clinic today - Gap FREE 20 minute assessment available.