LGBTQIA+ Pelvic Floor Services

Our qualified Physiotherapists can help assess, and manage pelvic health issues, including those experienced by the LGBTQIA+ or gender diverse community. All people have a pelvis, bladder, bowel, and genitalia, and this is the area in which we respectfully work. We acknowledge the social and psychological factors that can affect any individual experience of life. We strive to create individualised treatments regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or transition choices. Our treatment methods can be hands on or hands off, depending on the individual’s tolerance and preference. Any therapy choice is always guided by the patient.

Issues can include:

  • Scar tissue management
  • Dilator treatment
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Bladder leakage or bladder pain issues
  • Constipation, faecal incontinence and bowel issues
  • Tucking side effects
  • Binding side effects

Management includes:

  • A thorough assessment of the condition, medical history, and current health, including diet and fluid intake, exercise levels and mobility, all the medicines you are currently taking, and any other factors that could affect bladder, bowel, sexual function and general health.
  • Physical assessment in whatever way is best for you. This can be of the pelvic floor function, strength, endurance, and the ability to relax those muscles. Assessment can be using internal examination, or transabdominal real time ultrasound.
  • Education using pelvic models, diagrams, and clear explanation. Pain education and neural anatomy as appropriate.
  • Musculoskeletal assessment and management of your pelvis, back, lower limbs, trunk, and posture.
  • Use of Real Time Ultrasound to monitor changes and progress.
  • Rehabilitation which may include pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises, or strengthening exercises, soft tissue release and trigger point therapy, pain free stretches, bladder management and changes to lifestyle, plus self-management strategies for long term care.

Outcomes from treatment may include:

  • Functional and pain-free pelvic floor muscle contraction, hold and relaxation.
  • Normal tone, bulk, length, and function of pelvic floor muscles.
  • Optimise sexual function.
  • Improved understanding of your condition and influencing factors
  • Optimal bladder and bowel function
  • Optimal function of your lower back and pelvic region and posture
  • Improved self-management strategies for long term care.

 

Call 4975-1311 for an appointment