Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Experiencing pelvic pain, heaviness, bladder or bowel issues? Pregnant or postpartum and unsure how to safely return to exercise?
No matter your age or activity levels, you deserve to live comfortably. Our experienced pelvic health physiotherapist offers evidence-based treatments designed to fit your lifestyle. Book your appointment with Arantzasu at Rehab Co Christchurch today.
We’re here to help empower you with the tools and knowledge to regain control, improve your quality of life, and move with confidence.
What is pelvic health physiotherapy?
Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy that focuses on the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments), organs, and nerves within the pelvis, addressing bladder, bowel, and reproductive function. It treats conditions like incontinence, pelvic pain, and prenatal or postnatal recovery.
Many people live with pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, assuming their symptoms are just a normal part of life or ageing, but pelvic health physiotherapy can help them improve their symptoms and quality of life.
Who can benefit from a pelvic health session?
Our pelvic health service is designed for women navigating various life stages, from pregnancy and postpartum to menopause and beyond. Please note that at this stage, our practice exclusively provides care to individuals with female anatomy. You may benefit from a session if you are experiencing:
Bladder or bowel leakage (incontinence) when coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
An urgent or frequent need to empty your bladder or bowel.
Pelvic organ prolapse, or a feeling of heaviness and pressure in the pelvic region.
Pelvic pain, including pain with intercourse, periods, or general movement.
A desire for safe guidance through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or a return to high-impact exercise.
ACC and maternal birth injuries (MBI)
If you have experienced a maternal birth injury (MBI), you may be eligible for subsidised care. ACC covers specific injuries that occurred on or after 1 October 2022.
If you haven't had a claim lodged yet by your midwife, GP, or hospital staff, don't worry, our qualified pelvic health physiotherapist can register a claim directly with ACC for you during your consultation.
How can I book an appointment?
Please note: Our pelvic health physiotherapy service is exclusively available at our North Christchurch clinic.
Book online: You can book directly through our online booking system with our pelvic health physiotherapist, Arantzasu Morales.
When booking, please ensure you specifically select a "Pelvic Health Appointment". These sessions require longer time slots than our standard musculoskeletal (MSK) appointments, so selecting the correct option ensures you get the full time you need.
Get in touch if you prefer, via phone or email, & our friendly admin team will happily get you booked in at a time that suits you.
0800 734 2226
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your first appointment is a collaborative experience divided into three main parts:
First, we start by listening to your story. We will discuss your specific goals and symptoms, which might include pelvic pain, incontinence, or your journey through pre- and postnatal care. We will gently discuss your bladder habits, bowel health, and sexual health. If you are postpartum, we will also discuss your goals for returning to impact sports or running.
Secondly, we moved to your physical examination. We look at how your whole body moves, assessing your posture, breathing pattern, core strength, and lower back or hip mobility. There’s so much more that works with your pelvic floor!
If appropriate, an internal vaginal assessment may be offered to check the strength, tone, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. This will only ever happen with your explicit consent.
Finally, we get to the treatment part. Education is a massive part of what we do. We will explain exactly what we find, prescribe targeted exercises tailored to your lifestyle, and ensure you feel in control of your treatment plan the entire time. Depending on your needs, treatment can include diet changes, bowel habits, exercise modification, pressure management, and sexual advice, among others.
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Absolutely, yes. An internal examination is entirely optional. You also do not need to cancel if you have your period! We can still safely perform an internal assessment if you are comfortable, or we can easily pivot the session to focus entirely on external work.
While an internal exam gives us specific information about muscle strength and tension, it is only one piece of the puzzle. There is so much more to review in a session! We can gain incredible insights by looking at your external movement, breathing mechanics, abdominal wall, and hip strength. We can still create a highly effective, comprehensive treatment plan focusing on education, lifestyle modifications, and tailored exercise prescription without ever doing an internal assessment.
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There is very little preparation required, and we want you to feel as relaxed as possible:
What to wear: Wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. Activewear or loose pants are ideal.
Bringing support: You are more than welcome to bring a support person, such as a partner, friend, or family member, to your appointment.
Bringing your baby: New parents are always welcome to bring their babies in a pram or capsule. We completely understand the logistics of life with a little one, we are happy to make this easier for you!
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It entirely depends on your unique body and goals! There is no one-size-fits-all approach here:
One-off: Some clients only need a single session for a general check-up, validation, and preventative advice.
Short-term (3–6 sessions): Many clients benefit from a block of sessions to successfully rehab a specific issue or safely return to sport.
Initially, we might see you a week or two later to track your progress and fine-tune your exercises. From there, appointments are spaced out, with some clients only checking in once every 6 to 12 months. Ultimately, you and your physiotherapist will decide on a realistic treatment plan that fits your budget, schedule, and lifestyle.
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Our pelvic health consultations are longer than standard physiotherapy sessions to ensure we have plenty of time to chat, assess, and treat without you feeling rushed.
Private Initial Appointment (60 mins): $ 180
Private Follow-up Appointment (30 mins): $ 115
ACC Initial Appointment (60 mins): $ 75
ACC Follow-up Appointment (30 mins): $ 45
Recover, Restore, Rebuild with Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Near You
Your pelvic health matters. If symptoms are impacting your day-to-day life, don't wait to take action. Support and effective treatments are available for every stage of your life, whether you have been through pregnancy or not.
Book an appointment today with Arantzasu, our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist in Christchurch, and take the first step towards getting back to your best.
