Women’s Health Physiotherapy

At Thrive Physio Plus, we understand that women experience a wide range of health concerns throughout life. Our women’s health physiotherapy services support concerns such as pelvic discomfort, bladder or bowel urgency, postnatal recovery, and changes related to core and pelvic floor function. Whether you are recovering from childbirth, navigating menopause, or managing chronic conditions, our team provides tailored care to support your recovery and enhance your quality of life.

Thrive Physio Plus is Adelaide’s most trusted and highest-rated destination for women’s health physiotherapy. Our clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive and expert care to address a wide range of women’s health needs, ensuring you receive the most effective and personalised treatment. Regardless of your stage in life or the challenges you face, our specialist team is here to support you with a range of targeted treatments and compassionate care.

Talking about personal health issues can be worrisome and uncomfortable, but rest assured you are in safe hands with our warm, empathetic and caring Women’s Health Physiotherapists, Sophie and Kate. Our commitment to you is that you’ll be listened to, your concerns will be heard, and you’ll leave your consultation with the information you need and a personalised plan to help you get back to feeling your best.

We offer expert support for pelvic floor function, postnatal-related changes, and general pelvic health concerns.

We love assisting and empowering women to live with confidence and self-esteem at every stage of life.

From pre or postnatal through to managing the natural challenges that occur as we age. No matter your stage of life, we’re here to help. Sophie and Kate are experienced and highly knowledgeable women’s health Physiotherapists who are passionate about helping you through the, at times, complex and varied problems that women may experience over their lifetime.

Pelvic Health Conditions We Treat

Pelvic Pain and Intimate Health

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Chronic pelvic pain is more than just discomfort—it can be frustrating, exhausting, and isolating. Whether you’ve been dealing with pain for months or even years, it’s important to know that pelvic pain is treatable.

We take a whole-body approach to uncover the underlying causes of your pain, whether it’s muscle tension, nerve sensitivity, past injuries, endometriosis, or other contributing factors. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your body’s needs, incorporating hands-on therapy, guided pelvic floor relaxation, gentle movement, and education to help you regain control and feel at ease in your body again.

Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Many women experience discomfort during intimacy, but support is available through physiotherapy and education. Many women feel embarrassed or frustrated when intimacy becomes painful, but understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step towards relief.

Understanding the Causes

Pain during intercourse can be caused by tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes (such as after childbirth or menopause), scar tissue from past surgeries, or even emotional factors like anxiety and past trauma. Identifying the root cause is key to finding the right treatment.

Treatment Approaches

We use a combination of pelvic floor physiotherapy, breathwork, gentle stretching, desensitisation techniques, and education to help reduce pain, relax tight muscles, and improve pelvic floor coordination. If needed, we also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as gynaecologists or psychologists, to ensure you receive holistic care.

Impact on Quality of Life

Pain with intimacy can affect your relationships, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. Our goal is to help you feel safe, empowered, and comfortable in your own body so that intimacy can once again be a source of connection and joy.

Vulvodynia and Vestibulodynia

If you experience burning, stinging, rawness, or pain around the vulva or vaginal entrance—even without touch—you may have vulvodynia or vestibulodynia. This can make everyday activities like sitting, wearing tight clothing, or using tampons uncomfortable or unbearable.

Our approach includes:
✔ Pelvic floor relaxation and down training to calm nerve sensitivity
✔ Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tension and pain
✔ Education and lifestyle modifications to ease symptoms and improve daily comfort

Many women find relief with the right combination of physiotherapy, self-care strategies, and support.

Vaginismus

Some women experience involuntary pelvic floor tightness that can make medical exams or intimacy challenging. Our team provides a safe, supportive space to address this.

Bladder and Bowel Health

Urinary Incontinence

Bladder control challenges like leakage or urgency are common and can be supported through pelvic health physiotherapy. With the right guidance and care, many women feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies.

Stress Incontinence

Leakage caused by activities that put pressure on the bladder, like coughing, sneezing, running, or jumping. This is often linked to weakened or underactive pelvic floor muscles.

Urge Incontinence

A sudden and overwhelming need to urinate, often leading to leaks before you can reach the toilet. This may be due to an overactive bladder, poor bladder habits, or nerve-related changes.

Mixed Incontinence

A combination of both stress and urge incontinence, requiring a tailored treatment plan that addresses both muscle support and bladder control techniques.

Our approach includes:
✔ Pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen or retrain the muscles that support your bladder
✔ Bladder retraining techniques to improve control and reduce urgency
✔ Lifestyle and hydration strategies to support long-term bladder health

With expert guidance and the right techniques, you can reduce or even eliminate leaks and get back to doing what you love without worry.

You can learn more about incontinence here.

Overactive Bladder

If you find yourself rushing to the toilet frequently, waking up multiple times at night to urinate, or struggling with a sudden, strong urge to go, you may have an overactive bladder.

This condition occurs when the bladder muscles contract too often, creating a sense of urgency even when the bladder isn’t full. Triggers can include caffeine, dehydration, nerve sensitivity, or poor bladder habits.

Through a combination of bladder retraining, pelvic floor therapy, dietary guidance, and lifestyle modifications, we help you regain control so you can go about your day with confidence.

Increased Urinary Frequency

Needing to urinate more than 8 times a day, or feeling like your bladder never fully empties, can be disruptive and exhausting. Many factors can contribute to increased urinary frequency, including:

✔ Poor bladder habits (going “just in case” too often)
✔ Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
✔ Fluid intake imbalances
✔ Bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, or acidic foods

Our treatment focuses on retraining your bladder, adjusting daily habits, and strengthening pelvic floor muscles to reduce urgency and help you feel in control again.

Fecal Incontinence

Accidental leakage of stool or difficulty controlling bowel movements can be distressing and isolating—but there is help available. This condition can result from:

✔ Weak or uncoordinated pelvic floor muscles
✔ Chronic constipation leading to overflow leakage
✔ Nerve damage from childbirth, surgery, or other conditions

We use pelvic floor rehabilitation, dietary strategies, and bowel retraining techniques to help restore normal function, so you can feel at ease in your daily life again.

Constipation Management

Constipation can cause bloating, discomfort, and straining, which over time can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, haemorrhoids, and other complications. Our approach to managing constipation goes beyond just diet—it includes improving pelvic floor coordination and daily habits to support long-term bowel health.

Dietary Considerations

✔ Finding the right balance of fibre, hydration, and gut-friendly foods
✔ Identifying food triggers that may contribute to bloating and sluggish digestion
✔ Creating sustainable nutrition strategies that fit your lifestyle

Pelvic Floor Coordination

✔ Learning how to properly relax the pelvic floor to allow for easier bowel movements
✔ Addressing chronic straining habits that may contribute to tightness and dysfunction
✔ Using breathwork and posture techniques to support healthy bowel emptying

Lifestyle Modifications

✔ Optimising your toileting posture for easier, more complete emptying
✔ Establishing a consistent bathroom routine that works with your body’s natural rhythms
✔ Managing stress and movement habits, as these can directly impact gut function

By combining physiotherapy, education, and practical lifestyle changes, we can help relieve constipation and improve your overall digestive health.

Pelvic Organ Support

Your pelvic organs—including the bladder, uterus, and bowel—are supported by a network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. When this support weakens, it can lead to conditions like pelvic organ prolapse or abdominal separation (diastasis recti), both of which can cause discomfort, pressure, and changes in daily function.

At Thrive Physio Plus, we specialise in helping women restore strength, stability, and confidence in their bodies. Whether you’re managing symptoms of prolapse, recovering from pregnancy, or wanting to move safely without worsening your condition, we’re here to support you with expert guidance and personalised care.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more pelvic organs shift downward due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as:

✔ A heavy or bulging sensation in the vagina
✔ Dragging or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
✔ Difficulty with emptying the bladder or bowel
✔ Feeling like something is “falling down”

Many women experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse after childbirth or menopause, but there are effective ways to manage and improve symptoms without surgery.

Types of Prolapse

✔ Bladder prolapse (Cystocele) – When the bladder bulges into the vaginal wall
✔ Uterine prolapse – When the uterus descends lower into the vagina
✔ Rectal prolapse (Rectocele) – When the rectum bulges forward into the vaginal space
✔ Enterocele – When the small intestine pushes into the vaginal wall

Each type of prolapse can present differently, but with the right approach, symptoms can be improved and managed long-term.

With consistent treatment, many women see significant symptom relief and improved confidence in movement.

Exercise Modification

If you’ve been told to “avoid lifting” or are worried about worsening your prolapse with exercise, we can help you safely modify your movements. Rather than stopping exercise altogether, we guide you on:
✔ Low-impact strength training that builds stability without excessive pressure
✔ Posture and breathing techniques to support the pelvic floor during workouts
✔ Gradual progression back to running, weights, or high-impact exercise (if desired)

With the right knowledge and approach, you can stay active, strong, and symptom-free.

Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)

Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles that commonly occurs during pregnancy. While this is a normal part of your body making space for a growing baby, some women experience ongoing weakness, doming, or a “gap” in their tummy post-pregnancy.

If you’re noticing a loss of core strength, lower back pain, or bulging along the midline of your stomach, you may have abdominal separation that needs specific rehabilitation.

Pregnancy-Related

During pregnancy, the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles stretches to accommodate your baby. While this is completely natural, some factors can increase strain on the core, including:
✔ Poor abdominal and pelvic floor coordination
✔ Excess pressure from improper lifting or movement patterns
✔ Multiple pregnancies, large babies, or carrying twins

Our goal is to help you maintain core strength and support during pregnancy, minimising unnecessary strain and setting you up for an easier recovery postpartum.

Post-Pregnancy Recovery

After birth, the abdominal muscles don’t always “bounce back” on their own, and some women experience ongoing weakness or instability. Healing requires gradual, targeted exercises that retrain the deep core muscles and reconnect the abdominals with the pelvic floor.

We focus on:
✔ Gentle, deep core activation to rebuild strength without excessive pressure
✔ Postural adjustments to support recovery in everyday movements
✔ Breathwork techniques to engage the core safely

With the right approach, diastasis recti can be improved, restoring core function and strength.

Safe Exercise Progression

Many women worry about making their separation worse with exercise—but avoiding movement entirely isn’t the answer. Instead, we help you gradually return to exercise in a safe and supported way.

✔ Identifying and avoiding movements that create excessive pressure (like crunches or improper planks in the early stages)
✔ Progressive core exercises designed to rebuild deep abdominal strength
✔ Guidance on returning to weights, running, or high-intensity exercise without increasing separation

With the right rehabilitation, you can regain strength, reduce symptoms, and feel confident in your body again.

Menopause and Hormonal Health

Menopause is a time of transition, bringing changes to pelvic health, bladder control, and bone strength. Many women experience pelvic discomfort, bladder urgency, and new challenges with exercise. These shifts can impact daily life, but with the right support, they don’t have to limit you.

Our Women’s Health experts Sophie and Kate will help you navigate menopause and perimenopause with personalised strategies to address midlife hormonal changes. Whether you’re managing urinary incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse, or adapting your exercise routine to prevent bone loss, we provide expert care to keep you strong, active, and confident.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

As oestrogen declines, many women experience genitourinary syndrome of menopause, leading to vaginal dryness, pelvic ache, and bladder leakage. These changes can contribute to urinary urgency, frequent urination, and even pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).

Through pelvic floor therapy, bladder retraining, and tailored exercise, we help restore comfort and function. We also collaborate with healthcare professionals to support options like vaginal oestrogen, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your wellbeing.

Vaginal Dryness and Pelvic Floor Changes

Lower oestrogen can weaken pelvic tissues, leading to vaginal dryness, pelvic ache, and sexual pain. These changes can also contribute to urinary leakage, fecal incontinence, and an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse. If you’re experiencing discomfort or difficulty with intimacy, you’re not alone—and these symptoms are treatable.

We offer pelvic floor exercises, breathwork, and bladder and bowel health strategies to improve muscle coordination and prevent issues like constipation, irregular bowel movements, and difficulty passing stool. Small, targeted changes can make a significant difference in daily comfort and confidence.

Exercise Adaptation for Menopause

Your body may respond differently to exercise during menopause, with shifts in muscle tone, joint stiffness, and energy levels. Strength training, balance work, and core stability exercises can help maintain function while protecting against conditions like diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and rectus abdominis separation.

We design programs that support bone health, prevent organ descent, and minimise strain on the pelvic floor. If you’re managing urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, or pelvic floor prolapse, we’ll guide you through safe, effective movement strategies tailored to your needs.

Bone Health Management

With hormonal changes, bone density declines, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Weight-bearing exercise, strength training, and postural work are essential for maintaining bone strength and reducing the risk of injury.

We provide individualised programs to support bone health while considering any existing conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse or post-mastectomy recovery. By focusing on joint stability, balance, and muscle strength, we help you stay active and independent long-term.

Pregnancy and Postpartum

Begin your motherhood journey with confidence through our comprehensive antenatal assessments and care. Our expert physiotherapists will provide guidance and support to manage common pregnancy-related concerns, such as low back pain, ensuring your comfort and your baby’s health.

• Antenatal Assessment: Receive thorough antenatal assessments to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.
• Antenatal Care: Benefit from our specialized antenatal care, offering guidance and support throughout your pregnancy journey.
• Pelvic Girdle Pain: Our targeted approach helps in managing and reducing pelvic girdle pain.
• Pudendal Neuralgia: Expert treatment for pudendal neuralgia, offering relief and improved quality of life.
• Endometriosis Management: Specialized endometriosis management plans to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Pelvic Pain Physiotherapy: Receive effective pelvic pain physiotherapy for various conditions, enhancing your overall wellbeing.

• Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: Alleviate low back pain associated with pregnancy through targeted physiotherapy techniques.
• C-Section Recovery: Receive comprehensive support and care for effective C-section recovery.

Postnatal Physiotherapy and C-Section Recovery

Recover comfortably and effectively from childbirth with our specialized postnatal physiotherapy. Our C-section recovery programs are designed to support your healing process, ensuring you return to your daily activities with confidence.

• Endometriosis Management: Our endometriosis management strategies provide relief and improve your quality of life, so you can focus on what truly matters.

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

At Thrive Physio Plus, we also provide tailored physiotherapy for women recovering from breast cancer.

Our rehabilitation services help manage post-surgical pain, improve shoulder mobility, and reduce the risk of lymphedema. Our goal is to support your recovery by addressing the physical challenges that can arise after breast cancer, ensuring you return to daily activities with strength and confidence.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Breast cancer surgery, whether a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or reconstruction, can impact mobility, strength, and daily function. Our tailored rehabilitation focuses on:

✔ Gentle movement and stretching to restore upper body mobility
✔ Scar tissue management to improve tissue flexibility and reduce discomfort
✔ Postural support and breathing techniques to aid recovery

We take a gentle, progressive approach to help you heal safely and comfortably.

Scar Tissue Management

Following surgery or radiation therapy, scar tissue can lead to tightness, discomfort, and restricted movement. We use:

✔ Manual therapy techniques to soften and mobilise scar tissue
✔ Stretching and movement strategies to improve flexibility
✔ Education on self-massage techniques to promote healing at home

Effective scar management can help you feel more comfortable and restore function faster.

Upper Body Strength and Mobility

Breast cancer recovery can sometimes result in reduced upper body strength, stiffness, and challenges with everyday tasks. We focus on:

✔ Restoring shoulder and arm mobility to improve range of motion
✔ Strengthening exercises tailored to your stage of recovery
✔ Gradual progression to ensure safe and effective rebuilding of strength

By regaining movement and function, you can feel more confident in daily activities.

Lymphedema Management

Lymphedema, or swelling in the arm or chest, is a common side effect of breast cancer recovery. We help manage and reduce symptoms through:

✔ Gentle movement and lymphatic drainage techniques
✔ Compression garment education and fitting guidance
✔ Exercise strategies to promote circulation and prevent swelling

Early support and a personalised plan may help improve comfort and day-to-day confidence.

Return to Activities

Getting back to the activities you enjoy is a key part of recovery. We guide you through:

✔ Safe exercise prescription for post-mastectomy recovery and beyond
✔ Strategies to rebuild endurance and prevent fatigue
✔ Modifications to support a gradual return to work, hobbies, and exercise

Whether it’s yoga, swimming, or weight training, we’ll help you move with confidence again.

Emotional Well-Being Support

Breast cancer recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. We provide a supportive environment to help you:

✔ Feel empowered and in control of your recovery
✔ Reduce stress and tension through movement and breathwork
✔ Build confidence in your body as you heal

We work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive the best holistic care for both your physical and emotional well-being.

Our Approach

We understand that pelvic health concerns like urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and diastasis recti can impact your daily life and confidence. That’s why we take a personalised, evidence-based approach—focusing on your unique needs and goals.

From your first consultation to ongoing care, we work with you every step of the way, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and supported.

✅ Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough assessment is the foundation of effective support. We take the time to understand your symptoms, concerns, and lifestyle so we can create a plan that works for you.

✔ Detailed history taking to explore your concerns, whether it’s bladder leakage, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), bowel incontinence, or pelvic discomfort
✔ Physical examination (when appropriate and with your consent) to assess pelvic floor function, core strength, and related musculoskeletal factors
✔ Clear explanation of findings so you fully understand what’s happening in your body
✔ Collaborative planning, ensuring your support aligns with your goals—whether that’s returning to exercise, improving sexual health, or managing midlife hormonal changes

Your comfort and privacy are our top priorities, and we ensure you feel at ease every step of the way.

✅ Evidence-Based Treatment

We use proven, research-backed treatments to help you regain control, reduce pain, and restore function.

✔ Specialised pelvic floor rehabilitation to address urinary incontinence, bowel leakage, overactive bladder, and pelvic floor prolapse
✔ Manual therapy techniques to release tension, improve circulation, and relieve pelvic ache and abdominal separation
✔ Exercise prescription for core stability, diastasis recti recovery, and safe strength training
✔ Real-time ultrasound for biofeedback, allowing you to see how your pelvic floor muscles are working and improving in real time
✔ Lifestyle and behavioural modifications, including strategies for constipation management, bladder retraining, and adapting movement during menopause

We tailor every plan to suit your needs, helping you move, feel, and live better.

Your Journey

From your initial consultation through to long-term management, we focus on empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to regain control of your body and well-being.

1️⃣ Initial Consultation

Your first session is all about understanding your concerns and laying the foundation for getting a great outcome, whatever that may look like for you.

• Understanding your concerns
• Comprehensive assessment
• Support plan development

2️⃣ Active Treatment Phase

Once we’ve established a plan, we move into the active support phase, where we focus on managing symptoms and restoring function.

• Hands-on therapy
• Exercise progression
• Symptom management

3️⃣ Long-term Management

Our ultimate goal isn’t just to support your symptoms—it’s to provide lasting strategies for long-term pelvic health and well-being, and we’ll work with you to incorporate:

• Prevention strategies
• Exercise progression
• Ongoing support as needed

Why Thrive is Your Best Choice for Women’s Health Physiotherapy in Adelaide

• Expert and Specialised Team: Our Women’s Health physiotherapists, Sophie and Kate, are not only highly trained in women’s health but also provide empathetic and personalised care.
• Customised Support Plans: We understand that each woman’s health journey is unique. Our treatment plans are tailored to meet your individual needs and goals.
• Modern and Supportive Clinic: Our Adelaide clinic is equipped with the latest physiotherapy technology in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
• Holistic and Comprehensive Care: We believe in treating the whole person, offering a range of services to address various women’s health issues effectively.

Meet our Women’s Health Physiotherapy Team

Start Your Path to Wellness

Book Your Appointment at Thrive Today!

We understand that these issues can be challenging; however, in most cases, the right assessment and advice can get you back on track and feeling back to your best.

Contact our friendly team on 8490 0777 or email us at [email protected] to schedule your consultation at Adelaide’s leading Women’s Health Physiotherapy clinic. Our team is dedicated to supporting you on your journey to improved health and well-being.

You can learn more about Physiotherapy here.