Pelvic Health
Physiotherapy
Your local physiotherapy team for treatment of pelvic health concerns.
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, bladder or bowel incontinence, pre- or post-partum concerns or have had an injury while giving birth, we can help.
In selected APM Physiotherapy sites, pelvic health physiotherapists are available to address your concerns and support your recovery.
At APM, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We support all genders, and our physiotherapists provide the highest level of care to ensure you get the support you need.
Our friendly and experienced physiotherapists can assist with abnormal sexual function, continence issues, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and much more.
Health issues can be frustrating and debilitating, but you don't need to let them hold you back. Let us help you get back to great pelvic health.
To see if your local APM Physiotherapy clinic provides pelvic health appointments.
Pelvic health physio can help with
- Bladder concerns – leakage, urgency, control issues
- Bowel concerns – constipation, leakage, difficulty emptying
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sex
- Pre and post-surgery (e.g. hysterectomy/prostatectomy)
- Pre and post-natal pregnancy checks
- Prolapse symptoms
- Toileting concerns for children
Prices for pelvic health appointments
Private treatment
- Initial appointments (up to 60 minutes): $195 (incl. GST)
- Long follow-up appointments: $195 (incl. GST)
- Short follow-up appointments: $130 (incl. GST)
- Pregnancy care package: $420 (incl. GST)
ACC-covered injuries
- Initial appointments (up to 60 minutes): $75 (incl. GST)
- Long follow-up appointments: $75 (incl. GST)
- Short follow-up appointments: $50 (incl. GST)
ACC subsidises physiotherapy for maternal injury claims associated with giving birth from October 1, 2022.
Your physiotherapist can advise if ACC covers your injury and whether you need a long or short follow-up appointment.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
At APM Physiotherapy, we provide personalised support to ensure you get the care that's right for you. By working with you to achieve your health goals, we help you get back to enjoying your life.
Pelvic floor issues differ for different people; you might find your pelvic muscles have weakened or are overactive.
Urinary incontinence is common in people with dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles. It may be accompanied by bowel complications or pain at the front of the pelvic region due to inflammation. Experiencing pain during general daily activities is also commonly reported.
Whether your weakened muscles result from giving birth, surgery, or injury, a path to good health is waiting for you.
A pelvic health physiotherapist can provide you with a personalised rehabilitation plan that considers your lifestyle and specific needs.
A rehabilitation programme may include pelvic floor muscle training, assisted exercises, and expert advice regarding diet and other lifestyle factors.
Pregnancy care package
APM Physiotherapy has created a dedicated pregnancy care package with professional physiotherapy care during your pregnancy and after your delivery, to help you manage your symptoms and stay mobile.
Our package includes three appointments during three important milestones:
- First trimester
- Third trimester
- Post partum
Whether it’s your first or next pregnancy, your pelvic health physiotherapist can help you manage your symptoms, at every stage.
Including:
- Back, joint and muscle pain
- Bladder and bowel leakage
- Pelvic floor muscle strength
- Prolapse
- Abdominal separation
They can provide pre-natal care, modified exercise plans, help you prepare for birth and support you during post-partum recovery.
You’ll be equipped with knowledge to help you have the healthiest pregnancy and recovery possible.
One-off pelvic health physiotherapy checks can also be booked at any time throughout your pregnancy. The standard fee for this service will apply.
Call now to book your pregnancy care package on 0800 967 522.
Meet our pelvic health physiotherapists
Laura
BHSc Physiotherapy
Laura is a Pelvic Health physiotherapist, treating a range of conditions such as urinary and faecal incontinence, pelvic pain, post-surgery pelvic floor dysfunction/pain (prostatectomy, hysterectomy etc.), pregnancy, post-partum, return to sport post birth, birth injuries etc.
Laura also has experience treating neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal injuries and concussion as well as musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and sports injuries, with a special interest in Crossfit.
She has experience with clients of all ages, from babies to older adults, in community and private practice settings.
Laura believes in exercise as medicine and uses a hands-on approach which can include massage, dry needling and manipulation when needed.
Jenny
BHSc Physiotherapy, MSc Physiotherapy
Jenny has over six years’ experience in physiotherapy.
Her primary areas of focus are vocational rehabilitation, concussion, neurology, and older adults.
She has a special interest in women’s pelvic health.
Jenny uses a holistic approach, with a focus on exercise-based rehabilitation, education and hands-on treatment.
She empowers clients to self-manage their injury recovery and sustain healthy bodies and lifestyles.
Roisin
Roisin worked as a physiotherapist in Ireland before moving to New Zealand in 2018.
Roisin has a keen interest in pelvic health, particularly working with women through pregnancy, the post-natal period and beyond.
She particularly enjoys helping women to stay active and supporting them to safely return to exercise.
Roisin is a certified Pilates instructor (APPI levels 1-3) and Trigger Point Dry Needling therapist.
She uses exercise as part of a healthy mind-body approach to maintaining mobility, gaining strength, and feeling healthy inside and out.
Roisin works from our East Tamaki clinic.
Nerissa
BHSc Physiotherapy, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
With a Certificate in Sports and Exercise Science, Nerissa is also an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist treating muscle and joint aches and pains, sports injuries with a special internet in sports.
She has worked on the side line for rugby, hockey, football, and underwater hockey at various levels of competition. She has experience in dry needling.
Nerissa is a pelvic health physiotherapist, treating a range of conditions such as urinary and faecal incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, return to sports post birth and birthing injuries.
Nerissa has experience with clients of all ages from children to older adults in both the community and private settings.
What to expect from your initial pelvic health assessment
A good initial assessment is key to an effective treatment that minimises discomfort while maximising recovery speed.
An initial assessment takes up to 60 minutes, which allows us to thoroughly assess your situation and create a tailored treatment plan.
We strive to create an environment that is welcoming, safe and free of judgement.
During the assessment, your pelvic health physiotherapist will ask you a series of questions.
If you are uncomfortable answering any questions, you are welcome to decline. However, the more information you can provide, the better the level of care we can give you.
An initial assessment may require an internal examination.
Since pelvic muscle dysfunction can present in many ways, an internal examination is often the best way to determine how we can help you. We will ask for your consent before starting the exam, and you can withdraw it anytime.
Our highly trained physiotherapists will ensure you feel comfortable and safe throughout your appointment.
Please look at our information sheet for a detailed overview of what to expect from a pelvic health assessment with APM.
If you have questions, you can talk to our friendly service coordinators before your visit or discuss them with your therapist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer for pelvic health physiotherapy.
We also accept referrals from GPs, midwives, specialists, sex therapists, and other health professionals.
When booking your appointment, please provide as much information as possible.
I'm a man, can I still see a pelvic health physiotherapist?
Absolutely. Our pelvic health physiotherapists treat a range of male pelvic health concerns.
What injuries are covered under the ACC Maternal Birth Injury bill?
A pelvic health physiotherapist can diagnose the following injuries covered under the ACC Maternal Birth Injury bill:
- First, second, third and fourth-degree perineal, labial, vaginal, vulval, clitoral, cervical or rectal tears
- Levator ani avulsion
- Anterior, posterior wall prolapse or uterine prolapse
- Coccyx dislocation or fracture
- Pubic ramus fracture
- Symphysis pubis capsule or ligament tear
If you already have an ACC claim relating to a maternal birth injury (from your midwife, GP, specialist etc.), our pelvic health physiotherapists are still able to see you.
If you are not sure if you have a claim, we can help by looking into this for you.
Can my health insurance cover the cost of my treatment?
If physiotherapy is under your covered policies, it should include pelvic health physiotherapy.
We suggest checking with your insurance provider before booking your appointment.
Is pelvic health physiotherapy right for me?
If you have concerns about your pelvis or the conditions listed on our webpage, pelvic health physiotherapy is the best step forward.
If you are still unsure or would like more information, please complete an enquiry form so we can get in touch.
I am transgender or gender non-conforming. Can I see a pelvic health physiotherapist?
Absolutely. We support all people, and our physiotherapists provide the highest level of care to ensure you get the support you need.
I had a baby before 1st October 2022. Will ACC cover my birth injury?
No, ACC only funds maternal birth injuries that occurred after 1st October 2022.
However, you can book a privately funded appointment.
Can my children come to my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your children to your appointment.
I'm not comfortable having an internal examination. Can I still see a pelvic health physiotherapist?
Yes. An internal examination allows us to gather specific information about your pelvic floor and how to best approach your concerns.
However, we can still provide advice and support to address your pelvic health concerns without an internal assessment.
Our pelvic health physiotherapists are highly qualified and will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable and safe throughout your assessment.
How much is a pelvic health initial assessment and follow-up?
Pelvic health follow-ups are typically 30 or 60 minutes.
Your pelvic health physiotherapist will advise which follow-up appointment is most appropriate for you during your initial assessment.
I had a C-section. Do I still need to see a pelvic health physiotherapist?
Yes, if you have any form of incontinence or pain, or would just like a general pelvic health check post-birth, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help.
During pregnancy, your pelvic floor is under strain, which can result in pelvic floor dysfunction.
