General FAQs
I’ve heard you used to be called 18 Physio—are you the same clinic?
Yes. We were previously known as 18 Physio, but relocated and rebranded to Sense Pelvic Health Physiotherapy in April this year.
I’ve been referred by a specialist, what kind of appointment do I need?
If you’ve been referred by a urologist, obstetrician, gynaecologist, or gastroenterologist, you will need a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Appointment. An initial pelvic health appointment is 60 minutes.
How long is the initial appointment?
An initial pelvic health physiotherapy appointment is 60 minutes. If you are coming in for a musculoskeletal issue such as back pain or a muscle/joint injury, the initial appointment is 45 minutes.
Why is the initial appointment so long?
In your initial pelvic health appointment, the physio will ask a lot of questions regarding all of the systems of the pelvis, your past history, and other questions to properly understand your concerns, and all the possible contributing factors which will help guide treatment. This history taking often takes 20-30 minutes. The appointment will also include an assessment, and education on pelvic floor function and pelvic anatomy. The treatment may also include additional education, self management strategies, home exercise program.
What is the cost of an initial pelvic health appointment?
An initial 60 minute pelvic health appointment is $240.
What is the cost of a review appointment?
30 minute reviews, which is the standard review time, are $145. If you have multiple or more complex issues, you may require a 45 minute appointment, which is $185, or a 60 minute appointment, which is $240.
What is the cost of a telehealth appointment?
A 45 minute telehealth appointment is $170. A 30 minute telehealth appointment is $145.
Can I claim using medicare?
You can only claim through medicare if you have a chronic disease care plan from the GP. This can be used for up to 5 sessions, with a medicare rebate of $63.40 per session (The sessions are not free/bulk billed). Unfortunately, cannot use both private health and medicare in the same appointment.
Can I use private health?
Yes, you can use your private health cover if you have extras cover that includes physiotherapy. Some funds combine physio with other services such as chiro, osteo, and group exercise, so you may need to check how much cover you have with your fund. You can often find this out using the fund’s app on your phone.
Service FAQs
I am a dancer/aerialist/pole dancer/performer, who should I see?
Jess, Chantelle and Alice have experience working with dancers, aerialists and performers, and are also able to conduct Pre-Pointe Assessments, and would therefore be best suited to you. Chantelle is an aerialist herself, Alice an ex-dancer and Jess has also had extensive experience working with circus artists, dancers, and music theatre performers.
What is performance physiotherapy at Sense Pelvic Physio?
Our performance physiotherapy is designed around the specific physical demands of performance schedules and repetitive load, and individualised to each athlete or performer.
What is a Pre-Pointe Assessment?
A Pre-Pointe Assessment is a personalised assessment to evaluate a dancer’s readiness for pointe work and help minimise injury risk. We assess strength, mobility, alignment, and control through the feet, legs, hips, and core, and provide guidance and (if needed) a tailored exercise program. If needed, we may recommend 1:1 or 2:1 clinical exercise sessions to address weaker areas.
Do you do other types of physio?
Yes, we have 3 physios who treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, muscle strains and joint injuries: Chantelle, Varsha and Jess.
Do you do dry needling?
Yes, we have three physios who are able to use dry needling as part of their treatment: Chantelle, Varsha and Jess.
Do you offer remedial massage?
No. Unfortunately we do not offer remedial massage. However, we recommend Christine Garbett who worked with us previously. Chris is a Remedial Massage Therapist who works in Caulfield North. You can contact her via email at elmchristineg@gmail.com
Can you help with pregnancy-related aches and pains?
Yes. We provide prenatal musculoskeletal physiotherapy for common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip pain, and rib discomfort, as well as changes in sitting, standing, or sleeping. Depending on your needs, we may provide education, individualised exercises, hands-on treatment, taping if needed, recommendations for support-wear, and advice on posture, sleep positions, rest, and movement.
Do you offer prenatal clinical exercise sessions?
We do offer prenatal clinical exercise sessions, however these are limited to 1:1 sessions at the moment. Our prenatal clinical exercise sessions are designed to help you stay strong and supported through pregnancy, including strengthening the core and pelvic floor, maintaining posture and mobility, and modifying movements to suit each trimester.
Do you offer postnatal rehab and exercise support?
Yes. We offer tailored pre/postnatal clinical exercise and strength and conditioning programs, including targeted support for post-delivery recovery, abdominal wall rehabilitation, and early postnatal recovery. This is usually covered in an initial postnatal assessment, which we recommend booking in around 3 weeks postnatal, to make a start on rehab and recovery early.
Do you offer group exercise classes?
Unfortunately we do not offer clinical pilates classes or group sessions. At the moment, we offer tailored 1:1 or 2:1 clinical exercise and strength and conditioning sessions (2:1 is for friends or family members who wish to attend together)
Can you help me return to sport or performance if I’m pre- or post-natal?
Yes. If you’re pre/post-natal and want to return to sport or performance, we can guide you through a personalised recovery plan to rebuild strength, endurance, and control, so you can return to the activities you love.
Pelvic Health FAQs
Do your physiotherapists have specialist training in pelvic health?
Yes. Our team has post-graduate qualifications in pelvic floor physiotherapy, exercise and women’s health, and pessary fitting, and our clinicians regularly participate in ongoing professional development to ensure our care reflects current research and best practice.
What can prenatal pelvic health physiotherapy help with?
During pregnancy, we can help with pelvic symptoms such as heaviness or pressure, changes in bladder or bowel habits (like leakage or constipation), and discomfort with movement or intimacy. We gently assess pelvic floor muscle function and provide strategies to help you feel more comfortable and supported. Many pregnant patients also seek our services for prevention, to assess and optimise the bladder, bowels and pelvic floor, to prevent pain or issues arising in pregnancy or postnatal
Can you help with period pain?
Yes. We support people with period pain, including cramping, pelvic heaviness, lower back pain, and bowel or bladder discomfort around menstruation. Our approach may include manual therapy, pelvic floor relaxation training, movement strategies, pelvic stretches, and education on pacing and symptom tracking, tailored to your experience (including endometriosis or adenomyosis where relevant).
Do I have to have an internal/vaginal examination?
Not necessarily. Internal vaginal examinations are extremely helpful in identifying and treating several pelvic floor concerns, however they are not always necessary, and you will always be offered alternative modes of assessment or treatment if you are not comfortable with an internal assessment.
What is included in birth preparation sessions?
Birth preparation may include pelvic floor awareness, perineal massage, breathing and relaxation strategies, comfortable labour positioning, pushing strategies, pain management tips, C-section recovery guidance, and advice on early postnatal recovery.
Can my partner or support person attend birth preparation sessions?
Yes. Partners or support people are welcome to attend birth preparation sessions. The physios are happy to teach them perineal massage if they do attend, however it is not a requirement that they are there for this.
Can you help with prolapse?
Yes. All our physios are able to help manage the symptoms of prolapse, however, Chantelle and Hayley have further training in prolapse management including pessary fitting, and may be better suited to look after you.
How can physiotherapy help with vaginal prolapse?
Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle training, pressure management and lifestyle changes, general strength advice, education, pessary support, and guidance around daily activities or exercise.
Do you fit pessaries for prolapse?
Yes. We have 2 physios who are able to fit pessaries, Chantelle and Hayley, who work out of Malvern, Caulfield North, and Brighton locations. Support pessaries can be a great option for some people, however do not work for everyone. Our physios will work with you to find the best option for prolapse management, and also work closely with your doctor to minimise any risks and optimise outcomes if a pessary is fitted.
Can physiotherapy help with rectal prolapse symptoms?
Yes. We can help by improving pelvic floor coordination and strength, supporting bowel function, and reducing pressure during toileting.
Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with constipation?
Yes. We can help determine the cause of constipation, teach correct posture and technique to empty the bowels, and identify any changes to ensuring soft stools.
Can you help with bowel urgency?
Yes. We can help reduce bowel urgency by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, improving awareness and control, and optimising stool consistency.
Do you treat bowel leakage (accidental loss of stool or wind)?
Yes. We can help by strengthening and improving coordination of the muscles around the back passage, and supporting you with bowel habits, recognising bowel signals, timing bathroom visits, and managing contributing factors like constipation or urgency.
Can pelvic health physiotherapy help with bladder urgency and frequency?
Yes, we see lots of people of all genders who have issues with urinary urgency and frequency. Treatment may include bladder retraining, calming strategies, and pelvic floor muscle strengthening and coordination to help you feel more in control.
Do you offer support for sexual health concerns?
Yes. Sexual health is a deeply personal area, and we aim to provide a safe, respectful space. We work with people of all genders, identities, and backgrounds, and our approach is gentle, collaborative, and led by you.
Do you provide pelvic floor physiotherapy for radical prostatectomy?
Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can support you before and after radical prostatectomy by helping manage common side effects like urinary leakage and changes in sexual function.
Is it helpful to see a pelvic floor physio before prostate surgery?
Yes. Pre-operative sessions focus on education and teaching you how to activate and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which can help improve outcomes after surgery and reduce the severity and duration of post-operative urinary leakage.
Can you help with urinary leakage after radical prostatectomy?
Yes. Post-operative leakage is very common, especially in the first weeks or months. We assess pelvic floor muscle function and guide you through a personalised program that may include pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining strategies, and lifestyle advice, plus education around how fatigue, activity, and positioning can affect leakage.
Do you offer paediatric pelvic health physiotherapy?
Yes. We have 2 physios, Jess and Alice, who provide paediatric pelvic health physiotherapy to help children with bladder or bowel conditions, including bedwetting, constipation, and daytime wetting.
At what age do you see children for ongoing bedwetting?
For children over the age of 6 or 7, who continue to experience bedwetting, our pelvic floor physiotherapy team can provide support and guidance.