Our services
Our mission is to help you build your confidence and embrace your pelvic health and wellness through all stages of life
Pelvic health physiotherapy
Did you know that 1 in 3 leak during their lifetime? Pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly effective for managing bladder conditions such as urgency and incontinence. We are committed to helping you with your pelvic health so you can achieve confidence and control over your bladder.
Bladder Conditions We Manage
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urgency or urinary urge incontinence
- Mixed urinary incontinence
- Frequency
- Overactive bladder
- Interstitial cystitis
- Repeated urinary tract infections due to urinary retention
- Pelvic organ prolapse / anterior vaginal wall prolapse / cystocele
- Straining while passing urine
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Leaking after emptying (post-void dribble)
The pelvic floor has a major role in bowel function as it allows for control of stools and release of stools. Often when the pelvic floor is not functioning properly it can cause difficulties controlling or releasing wind or faeces. Other functional bowel disorders which can be addressed are issues in emptying the rectum such as constipation and straining, recurrent haemorrhoids or fissures. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists are specially trained in managing bowel conditions and are here to help you with any bowel concerns you have.
Bowel Dysfunctions We Treat
- Faecal or flatal incontinence (stress, urge, or mixed); the involuntary leaking of faeces or wind
- Constipation and straining
- Haemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Difficulties in starting defecation (difficulty in starting to empty your bowels)
- Difficulty fully emptying your bowels (feelings of incomplete emptying)
- Pelvic organ prolapse / posterior vaginal wall prolapse / rectocele / rectal prolapse
- Anal pain / dischezia after or during emptying bowels / proctalgia fugax
- OASIS obstetric injuries (and third and fourth degree tearing during childbirth)
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
The main pelvic organs consist of the bladder, uterus and rectum. Prolapse does not mean these organs are damaged, but refers to a ‘slipping’ down of the organs. When the ligaments and fascial structures that support the pelvic organs become stretched, the organs can sit lower or sometimes outside of the vaginal entrance. This can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, long-term straining when passing stools, or carrying heavy loads. Symptoms can include vaginal heaviness or dragging, lower abdominal or back pain, difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowels, recurrent urinary tract infections, or discomfort with intercourse.
Physiotherapy management can be a highly effective way to manage pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Treatment can include strengthening of pelvic floor muscles, addressing any bladder or bowel issues, ensuring good form and technique during exercise, addressing lifestyle factors and in some cases use of a vaginal pessary.
Pessary Fittings
A vaginal pessary is a silicone support device which sits within the vaginal canal to provide upward support for the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, or bowel) or the urethra. For those who experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse a pessary can be a great option to both alleviate symptoms and provide upward support for the organs. Pessaries can also be used to provide support and allow the wearer to engage in more high impact exercise and activities, while feeling their pelvic floor is supported. Anyone who is trying to avoid surgery for pelvic organ prolapse may also benefit from trial of a pessary use as an option for conservative management.
The shape and size and use of the pessary is customised to fit your pelvic floor and lifestyle and will vary depending on your symptoms, or your pessary’s purpose. Our physios are specially trained in the fitting and management of pessaries.
At Sunrise Pelvic Physiotherapy, sexual pain is one of our most commonly treated conditions, and our team are passionate about helping those with sexual pain recover their confidence, and enjoyment of intimacy. Sexual pain can have a hugely negative impact on relationships, self-esteem and mental health. There are often multiple factors that contribute to sexual pain and we believe it is more than just a pelvic floor condition. Our treatment approach is holistic and evidence-based in nature, taking into consideration your individual physical and lifestyle factors.
Know that during your treatment, that you are in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment, where you can address your concerns openly and are in control of every step of your treatment.
Sexual Pain Conditions We Manage
Often sexual pain can also have an effect on other pelvic floor functions of the bladder or bowel, or on other areas of the body around the pelvis and hips. These can be closely linked and addressed as part of treatment.
- Painful intercourse / dyspareunia / vaginismus / vulvodynia (or difficulties inserting menstrual cups, tampons, with pap smear / cervical screenings)
- Clitoral pain
- Musculoskeletal conditions: abdominal pain, hip, lower or upper back pain
- Bowel concerns: anal pain, constipation and straining, or “skinny stools”, pain when opening bowels
- Bladder concerns: straining to empty, incomplete emptying, urgency, or frequently needing to pass urine
- Endometriosis
Pelvic pain is the name given to the continuous or cyclical persistent pain in the pelvis or structures related to the pelvis such as the abdomen, pelvic floor, hip and lower and upper back. This pain can have a serious impact on day-to-day activities and mental health. It is often disruptive and can be associated with other conditions such as migraines, fatigue, pain during periods, gastrointestinal symptoms (such as bloating and constipation and or diahorrea) and pain during or after intercourse.
Pelvic Pain Conditions We Manage
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis related symptoms
- Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome related symptoms
- Pelvic pain related symptoms
- Urge urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Constipation and bowel related symptoms
- Repeated urinary tract infections due to poor pelvic floor coordination
- Painful intercourse / dyspareunia / vaginismus / vulvodynia
- Difficulties in starting urination or micturition
- Straining while emptying the bladder
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Lower and upper back pain
- Rib and hip pain
- Exercise prescription and modifications
Did you know that 1 in 3 leak during their lifetime? Pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly effective for managing bladder conditions such as urgency and incontinence. We are committed to helping you with your pelvic health so you can achieve confidence and control over your bladder.
Bladder Conditions We Manage
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urgency or urinary urge incontinence
- Mixed urinary incontinence
- Frequency
- Overactive bladder
- Interstitial cystitis
- Repeated urinary tract infections due to urinary retention
- Pelvic organ prolapse / anterior vaginal wall prolapse / cystocele
- Straining while passing urine
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Leaking after emptying (post-void dribble)
The pelvic floor has a major role in bowel function as it allows for control of stools and release of stools. Often when the pelvic floor is not functioning properly it can cause difficulties controlling or releasing wind or faeces. Other functional bowel disorders which can be addressed are issues in emptying the rectum such as constipation and straining, recurrent haemorrhoids or fissures. Our pelvic floor physiotherapists are specially trained in managing bowel conditions and are here to help you with any bowel concerns you have.
Bowel Dysfunctions We Treat
- Faecal or flatal incontinence (stress, urge, or mixed); the involuntary leaking of faeces or wind
- Constipation and straining
- Haemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Difficulties in starting defecation (difficulty in starting to empty your bowels)
- Difficulty fully emptying your bowels (feelings of incomplete emptying)
- Pelvic organ prolapse / posterior vaginal wall prolapse / rectocele / rectal prolapse
- Anal pain / dischezia after or during emptying bowels / proctalgia fugax
- OASIS obstetric injuries (and third and fourth degree tearing during childbirth)
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
The main pelvic organs consist of the bladder, uterus and rectum. Prolapse does not mean these organs are damaged, but refers to a ‘slipping’ down of the organs. When the ligaments and fascial structures that support the pelvic organs become stretched, the organs can sit lower or sometimes outside of the vaginal entrance. This can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, long-term straining when passing stools, or carrying heavy loads. Symptoms can include vaginal heaviness or dragging, lower abdominal or back pain, difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowels, recurrent urinary tract infections, or discomfort with intercourse.
Physiotherapy management can be a highly effective way to manage pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Treatment can include strengthening of pelvic floor muscles, addressing any bladder or bowel issues, ensuring good form and technique during exercise, addressing lifestyle factors and in some cases use of a vaginal pessary.
Pessary Fittings
A vaginal pessary is a silicone support device which sits within the vaginal canal to provide upward support for the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, or bowel) or the urethra. For those who experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse a pessary can be a great option to both alleviate symptoms and provide upward support for the organs. Pessaries can also be used to provide support and allow the wearer to engage in more high impact exercise and activities, while feeling their pelvic floor is supported. Anyone who is trying to avoid surgery for pelvic organ prolapse may also benefit from trial of a pessary use as an option for conservative management.
The shape and size and use of the pessary is customised to fit your pelvic floor and lifestyle and will vary depending on your symptoms, or your pessary’s purpose. Our physios are specially trained in the fitting and management of pessaries.
At Sunrise Pelvic Physiotherapy, sexual pain is one of our most commonly treated conditions, and our team are passionate about helping those with sexual pain recover their confidence, and enjoyment of intimacy. Sexual pain can have a hugely negative impact on relationships, self-esteem and mental health. There are often multiple factors that contribute to sexual pain and we believe it is more than just a pelvic floor condition. Our treatment approach is holistic and evidence-based in nature, taking into consideration your individual physical and lifestyle factors.
Know that during your treatment, that you are in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment, where you can address your concerns openly and are in control of every step of your treatment.
Sexual Pain Conditions We Manage
Often sexual pain can also have an effect on other pelvic floor functions of the bladder or bowel, or on other areas of the body around the pelvis and hips. These can be closely linked and addressed as part of treatment.
- Painful intercourse / dyspareunia / vaginismus / vulvodynia (or difficulties inserting menstrual cups, tampons, with pap smear / cervical screenings)
- Clitoral pain
- Musculoskeletal conditions: abdominal pain, hip, lower or upper back pain
- Bowel concerns: anal pain, constipation and straining, or “skinny stools”, pain when opening bowels
- Bladder concerns: straining to empty, incomplete emptying, urgency, or frequently needing to pass urine
- Endometriosis
Pelvic pain is the name given to the continuous or cyclical persistent pain in the pelvis or structures related to the pelvis such as the abdomen, pelvic floor, hip and lower and upper back. This pain can have a serious impact on day-to-day activities and mental health. It is often disruptive and can be associated with other conditions such as migraines, fatigue, pain during periods, gastrointestinal symptoms (such as bloating and constipation and or diahorrea) and pain during or after intercourse.
Pelvic Pain Conditions We Manage
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis related symptoms
- Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome related symptoms
- Pelvic pain related symptoms
- Urge urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Constipation and bowel related symptoms
- Repeated urinary tract infections due to poor pelvic floor coordination
- Painful intercourse / dyspareunia / vaginismus / vulvodynia
- Difficulties in starting urination or micturition
- Straining while emptying the bladder
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Lower and upper back pain
- Rib and hip pain
- Exercise prescription and modifications
PREGNANCY
We believe every mum is amazing, and we are here to support you along your journey. Many incredible physical changes happen throughout pregnancy, birth and during the postnatal period, however this increase in load and demands on the body can often lead to new aches and pains, or new pelvic floor issues. Through all stages of your pregnancy and motherhood journey, we are here to support you and help you look after your wellbeing.
Our specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy services include pre-birth risk assessments / birth preparation sessions, and postnatal pelvic floor and abdominal assessments.
For those expecting or for any mums, we specialise in and offer a range of treatments and for pelvic health and musculoskeletal conditions including:
Pregnancy Physiotherapy Services
- Pregnancy musculoskeletal conditions such as rib, pelvic, lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain sacroiliac and pubic symphysis pain), neck and upper back pain
- Pelvic floor assessments to check correct pelvic floor activation and relaxation
- Pelvic floor pre-birth risk assessments (pls link to section below)
- Childbirth preparation including perineal massage and Epi-no
- Exercise prescription and exercise modifications
- Education and hands-on for partners to support during childbirth
- Labour TENS machine hire
- Urinary and faecal incontinence and urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor pain
- Constipation, bowel and anorectal dysfunction
Why?
Research shows that there are some risk factors that can contribute to pelvic floor problems such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and birth injuries. Your individual and family history, pelvic floor muscle function, and the mobility of your pelvic organs during your pregnancy can help us assess your risk in having birth trauma and pelvic problems.
Based on this assessment, your pelvic floor physiotherapist can then help you prepare for the best birth outcomes. We will also provide birth preparation exercises and strategies (such as teaching perineal massage, and how to prepare your pelvic floor for birth) for you and your birth partner. We highly recommend a pelvic floor pre-birth risk assessment for all mums-to-be.
We believe every mum is amazing, and we are here to support you along your journey. Many incredible physical changes happen throughout pregnancy, birth and during the postnatal period, however this increase in load and demands on the body can often lead to new aches and pains, or new pelvic floor issues. Through all stages of your pregnancy and motherhood journey, we are here to support you and help you look after your wellbeing.
Our specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy services include pre-birth risk assessments / birth preparation sessions, and postnatal pelvic floor and abdominal assessments.
For those expecting or for any mums, we specialise in and offer a range of treatments and for pelvic health and musculoskeletal conditions including:
Pregnancy Physiotherapy Services
- Pregnancy musculoskeletal conditions such as rib, pelvic, lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain sacroiliac and pubic symphysis pain), neck and upper back pain
- Pelvic floor assessments to check correct pelvic floor activation and relaxation
- Pelvic floor pre-birth risk assessments (pls link to section below)
- Childbirth preparation including perineal massage and Epi-no
- Exercise prescription and exercise modifications
- Education and hands-on for partners to support during childbirth
- Labour TENS machine hire
- Urinary and faecal incontinence and urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor pain
- Constipation, bowel and anorectal dysfunction
Why?
Research shows that there are some risk factors that can contribute to pelvic floor problems such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and birth injuries. Your individual and family history, pelvic floor muscle function, and the mobility of your pelvic organs during your pregnancy can help us assess your risk in having birth trauma and pelvic problems.
Based on this assessment, your pelvic floor physiotherapist can then help you prepare for the best birth outcomes. We will also provide birth preparation exercises and strategies (such as teaching perineal massage, and how to prepare your pelvic floor for birth) for you and your birth partner. We highly recommend a pelvic floor pre-birth risk assessment for all mums-to-be.
Postnatal
- Postnatal assessments and pelvic floor rehabilitation – a pelvic floor assessment is highly recommended for every Mum who has given birth whether it be a vaginal or caesarean birth
- Assessment and rehab for abdominal separation / DRAM
- Treatment of musculoskeletal concerns such as rib, pelvic, lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain sacroiliac and pubic symphysis pain), neck and upper back pain, wrist conditions
- Return to exercise guidance (including high-impact exercise)
- Urinary and faecal incontinence and urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor pain
- Constipation, bowel and anorectal dysfunction
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mother’s thumb)
We highly recommend that every woman who gives birth whether it be a vaginal or caesarean birth to have a pelvic physiotherapy check after their six-week GP or obstetrician appointment.
Whether you give birth vaginally or via caesarean our physiotherapists will work with you to address any pelvic floor or musculoskeletal concerns you may have during pregnancy and after giving birth. During this consultation, we will take a thorough pregnancy and birth history, an internal examination if indicated, and will assess your abdominal separation. Whether or not you had any complications during your birth, it is important to check for pelvic floor changes that may have an impact long term. If you had a caesarean birth, there can be an impact on your pelvic floor health after pregnancy and giving birth. If you have had a caesarean birth, we will also assess your scar and give you scar tissue management advice.
You assessment includes personalised advice, guidance, and exercises to fit in with your lifestyle and help guide you safely back to returning to exercise and the activities you love.
- Postnatal assessments and pelvic floor rehabilitation – a pelvic floor assessment is highly recommended for every Mum who has given birth whether it be a vaginal or caesarean birth
- Assessment and rehab for abdominal separation / DRAM
- Treatment of musculoskeletal concerns such as rib, pelvic, lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain sacroiliac and pubic symphysis pain), neck and upper back pain, wrist conditions
- Return to exercise guidance (including high-impact exercise)
- Urinary and faecal incontinence and urgency
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor pain
- Constipation, bowel and anorectal dysfunction
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Mother’s thumb)
We highly recommend that every woman who gives birth whether it be a vaginal or caesarean birth to have a pelvic physiotherapy check after their six-week GP or obstetrician appointment.
Whether you give birth vaginally or via caesarean our physiotherapists will work with you to address any pelvic floor or musculoskeletal concerns you may have during pregnancy and after giving birth. During this consultation, we will take a thorough pregnancy and birth history, an internal examination if indicated, and will assess your abdominal separation. Whether or not you had any complications during your birth, it is important to check for pelvic floor changes that may have an impact long term. If you had a caesarean birth, there can be an impact on your pelvic floor health after pregnancy and giving birth. If you have had a caesarean birth, we will also assess your scar and give you scar tissue management advice.
You assessment includes personalised advice, guidance, and exercises to fit in with your lifestyle and help guide you safely back to returning to exercise and the activities you love.
General + Musculoskeletal
We also offer a range of musculoskeletal treatments for general aches and pains. We understand body parts don’t work in isolation, and take a holistic approach to treatment. If you are recovering from an injury, working towards specific exercise goals, or undergoing rehabilitation, we provide a thorough assessment and clear explanation of what is causing your symptoms, and then work together with you to come up with a customised management program that suits your lifestyle, time demands and goals.
We can help with
- Hip pain
- Upper or lower back pain
- Rib pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Chronic and persistent pain
- Exercise prescription and rehabilitation
- Pregnancy exercise
- Postnatal return to exercise
- One-on-one rehabilitation exercise sessions
We also offer a range of musculoskeletal treatments for general aches and pains. We understand body parts don’t work in isolation, and take a holistic approach to treatment. If you are recovering from an injury, working towards specific exercise goals, or undergoing rehabilitation, we provide a thorough assessment and clear explanation of what is causing your symptoms, and then work together with you to come up with a customised management program that suits your lifestyle, time demands and goals.
We can help with
- Hip pain
- Upper or lower back pain
- Rib pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Chronic and persistent pain
- Exercise prescription and rehabilitation
- Pregnancy exercise
- Postnatal return to exercise
- One-on-one rehabilitation exercise sessions
