Pre and Post Partum Physiotherapy
Physio Alive
Pre and Post Partum Physiotherapy
At Physio Alive, we are passionate about your health, wellbeing and fitness throughout the childbearing year (and well beyond!) Our bodies experience dramatic physical, hormonal and emotional changes over a short period of time and the support of a well trained and experienced women’s health physiotherapist can make a world of difference.
A number of our team have post graduate qualifications in the field of pre and post partum physiotherapy, and being a part of a women’s health team, all of our staff have an increased understanding in this field and are proud to offer a holistic service spanning pre conception, pregnancy and the post partum year (or two, or three!) We are able to offer a range of services and treat a range of conditions as outlined below.
Pregnancy care
Back, rib cage and pelvic (sacroiliac joint or pubic symphysis) pain during pregnancy. This is common but shouldn’t be considered a normal part of pregnancy and we have lots of strategies to keep you more comfortable and mobile.
Safe exercise advice and programming including home, gym or in clinic program offerings. We offer several physio led, women’s health specific classes each week
Antenatal pelvic floor assessment and advice. We recommend all pregnant women attend for an individualised pelvic floor assessment in their second or third trimester.
Wrist and hand pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis associated with pregnancy
Instruction in perineal massage in preparation for vaginal delivery
Preparation for labour including application and hire of TENS machines for pain modulation
Advice regarding support braces or shorts/leggings. We are a stockist of SRC support wear, and can provide guidance regarding a number of other brands and devices
Post partum Care
General post partum support and wellness including safe exercise advice and programming including home, gym or in clinic program offerings. We offer several physio led, women’s health specific classes each week
Post-natal pelvic floor assessment and advice- this will always be an INDIVIDUALISED assessment and treatment program. We can expertly help to manage incontinence (urine or faeces/wind), vulval heaviness or pelvic organ prolapse, tight or painful scar tissue, uncomfortable or painful intercourse)
Post birth trauma support, our physios are well trained in providing sensitive and pain free vaginal assessments, including following birth trauma, forceps deliveries or obstetric anal sphincter injuries. We work with your health provider team as necessary.
Post caesarean section care, including scar tissue management
Abdominal muscle assessment and management of abdominal muscle separation or diastasis rectum abdominus muscle (DRAM)
Management of musculoskeletal pains such as pelvic girdle pain, lower or upper back pain, wrist and hand or care of a new born
Inflammatory and infective conditions of the lactating breast such as mastitis
Postnatal Circuit
Postnatal Circuit is a small group class (up to 8 participants), designed for anyone who has birthed a baby, suitable from 6 weeks post delivery. Postnatal Circuit is primarily a strength-based class and also includes cardio stations, mobility and stretching, and pelvic floor exercises. It was initially designed down to the finest detail as part of Hayley’s Masters degree in 2021, so you can be assured you are working at the right intensity for this important stage of life, with options available at each station.
Initial postpartum assessment with one of our pelvic health physiotherapists (Lauren, Hayley, Aleisha, Fiona or Janhavi) is required, so that we can ensure each part of the class is tailored for you. Private health rebates are available, as are 10-class packs.
We are fortunate to use the group space at the 24 Fit gym, across the road from our McLaren Vale clinic, at 112 Main Road (next to the post office). Classes are run on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10am, and Fridays at 11am. Bookings are essential as we often run a waitlist! Importantly, babies are welcome in prams, and a creche is available upstairs for toddlers and older children on Mondays and Wednesdays.