Pelvic Health
Pelvic health issues can affect people in many different ways. Some may notice discomfort in the lower back, hips, coccyx, or genital area, while others experience bladder urgency or mild leakage. Constipation, prolapse symptoms, menstrual pain, pain with penetration, and changes in sexual function are also common. With such a wide range of symptoms, it can be difficult to know where to start or which health professional to see.
Osteopaths utilise a whole person, integrative approach to pelvic health concerns. Dr Sandy is especially passionate about supporting women through all life stages and has further training in internal and external assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor. She aims to support your health outcomes through pelvic floor osteo assessment and treatment, whole body treatment and lifestyle advice.
Some of the pelvic-related issues she supports patients with include
Vulvodynia
Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Pudendal Neuralgia
Straining to open bowels
Incontinence
Sexual disorders
Chronic pelvic pain associated with
endometriosis/adenomyosis/dysmenorrhea/PMS
Day and nighttime wetting in children
Perimenopause and menopause
Accidental bladder leakage
Bladder and bowel urgency and frequency
Difficulty starting the flow of urine
Urinary retention
Constipation
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy
Labour and birth preparation
Vaginismus
Dyspareunia
Internal Assessment and Treatment
In some circumstances, an internal examination and subsequent techniques may be indicated. Dr Sandy will discuss this with you thoroughly, and further information will be provided. It is important to remember that you always have a choice about your assessment and treatment options, and if at any time you are uncomfortable, whether it is discussing a subject or with an examination or treatment procedure, you have the option to stop at any stage.
When would an internal examination and technique be indicated?
Sometimes it is easier to correct restrictions with internal contact. At The Barossa Osteo, we use one type of internal technique: per vagina (PV).
PV techniques allow assessment of the uterus, cervix, pelvic floor muscles, perineum, urethra, bladder, ligaments and connective tissues of the region, as well as assessment and treatment for scars from episiotomies or tears. Examination and treatment may be indicated for
• Assessment and treatment of fertility problems (assess for mechanical impediment to fertilisation)
• During pregnancy, to address any issues during pregnancy (e.g. incontinence or pain) and in preparation for labour and delivery
• Postpartum checks
• Dysmenorrhea (period pain)
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Pudendal nerve pain
• Dyspareunia (painful sex)
• Pelvic Floor Pain
• Hip, Lumbar and SIJ Pain
• Constipation
What does it involve?
For PV assessment and techniques, you will be asked to lie on your back or on your side. You will be asked to remove your underwear and cover yourself with a sheet. The osteopath will insert one or two gloved fingers into the vagina for the examination and treatment.
During the examination and treatment, you will remain covered with a sheet. If you are uncomfortable at any stage, the examination and/or treatment can be stopped.
The techniques used are similar to techniques used in normal osteopathic sessions. Techniques include inhibition of tight muscles, unwinding of fascial tensions, education on contraction and/or relaxation of muscles, as well as working on local and global tissue balance.
What else?
You will be asked to sign a consent form before any examination and treatment is undertaken. Questions at any stage are encouraged - our goal is to always provide a safe, comfortable, judgment-free space for you to freely express your pelvic health concerns.
You also have the option of having a chaperone present/companion you wish to bring in with you to your appointment. For further information or questions regarding pelvic health assessments, please contact us.