Maternity and Pelvic Physiotherapy

Inpatient – Maternity

We provide a 7-day service to the maternity ward at RBWH.

Who can use this service

• We see any patients who have been referred by their medical team.
• We may see you while you are pregnant and once you have given birth.

What to expect from physiotherapy

• While you are pregnant, we may see you for pain in your pelvis or back as well as difficulties walking and breathing
• Once you have given birth, we will talk to you about your recovery

Outpatient – Maternity and Pelvic Physiotherapy

We see all genders in our outpatient clinic in the Physiotherapy Department at RBWH. Our service aims to improve quality of life through addressing concerns with your bladder, bowel, reproductive organs or pain.

How to access this service

• A referral is required
• Your doctor (specialist or GP) can refer you to our service

Who can access this service

• Adults who live within the RBWH catchment or have a condition which cannot be treated at your local hospital.

Common conditions treated

• Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy or after pregnancy
• Musculoskeletal conditions of pregnancy (eg. carpal tunnel syndrome and lower back pain)
• Incontinence – urinary and anal
• Overactive bladder
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pelvic pain (including sexual pain)
• Bowel dysfunction (eg. Constipation)

What services are offered?

A wide range of services are offered at the RBWH Physiotherapy Department, including:

• Outpatient appointments
  • We will review you individually for conditions such as incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction or pelvic pain
  • These appointments can be offered face to face, telehealth or over the phone
• Antenatal (during pregnancy) classes:
  • Pelvic girdle pain: A face to face class to explain the cause of pelvic pain and treatments to help manage your pain.
  • Pelvic floor: An online class for people experiencing incontinence or other pelvic floor issues during pregnancy.
  • Hydrotherapy: A face to face class in our heated indoor hydrotherapy pool for people with pelvic girdle or back pain during pregnancy.
  • Active pregnancy: An evening face to face or online class offered to all maternity patients and their support person to learn about staying active during pregnancy.
  • Active birth: An evening face to face or online class offered to all maternity patients and their support person to learn about staying active during birth.
• Post natal (after pregnancy) classes
  • Post natal: A face to face class for new parents with back pain, abdominal muscle separation or seeking information on return to exercise.
  • Pelvic floor class: An online class for new parents who need extra help with their pelvic floor recovery.
• Colorectal class
  • A class for patients with bowel problems

What to expect

• Your treatment will be individualised to your concern
• RBWH is a teaching and training hospital, meaning we have a close relationship with universities.  With this in mind, you will often have fully supervised students observing and assisting with your treatments, which is an integral part of their learning; shaping the next generation of health professionals.

Other helpful websites

• Continence Foundation Australia
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
  • Stress Urinary Incontinence
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Perineal Tears (easy English)
  • Perineal Tears
  • How to Reduce the Risk of Perineal Tears
• International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA) resources
• Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia