It’s World Continence Week! When we think of continence problems, we often think of pelvic floor muscle strengthening as the solution. While this may be the true (or part of the truth) for many people, it’s not that easy. There are some people for whom pelvic floor strengthening would actually make their problem worse. Read on to find out more...
The festive season is upon us. We all know it can be a really busy time, and often our routines become completely topsy-turvy. It’s not surprising then that may people find they “lose their mojo” when it comes to doing their routine self-care activities. However, if doing your exercises or looking after your diet helps you manage a health condition, forgetting to do these things can mean you end up suffering over the festive season. Read on for tips to keep your mojo over Christmas.
In this second blog on bladder urgency, I look at TENS as a treatment option. TENS can be an effective and easy to administer treatment for bladder urgency that you can use at home. Read on to learn more.
Spending much of your day busting for a wee with a tetchy bladder, despite going “all the time” can be a real pain. Bladder (or urinary) urgency can be a common problem. But did you know there are quite a few options for treatment? Sometimes it takes a bit of patience and practise, but with some guidance, tetchy bladders can become happy and relaxed again – so you can be too. Read on to learn more.
If you are one of the many Australians unlucky enough to suffer from chronic constipation, I don’t need to tell you it’s a real pain in rear end. Constipation does not only affect your bowels – it can have negative impacts on other aspects of your health too. Rather than waste away hours of your life in the bathroom, read on for some tips to help relieve yourself.
This week is Perinatal Mental Health Week. Perinatal mental health issues are more common than many people realise and can affect both mums and dads during pregnancy and after the birth of their baby. Symptoms should not be brushed off as ‘just the baby blues’ if they persist for more than a week or two or seem unusual or severe. Read on to learn more about perinatal mental health problems and how to find help.
You may feel comfortable with what’s what in your vulval region after reading the last Life Cycle Physiotherapy blog. However, what about if things don’t seem to be OK? There are a number of things that can indicate problems in the vulva, including pain, skin changes or a funny discharge – and spoiler alert, not all problems are caused by thrush! Read on to find out more about what’s not normal below the belt.
A surprising number of women of all ages are not familiar with what their own bodies look like down below. Many are ashamed or afraid to look at their own vulva, and may not even know what the word vulva means. If that sounds like you, or if you are not really sure what’s what when it comes to female genitalia, then this article is for you. Let’s go on an exploration of normal vulval anatomy.
Although women seem able to talk openly about many things, even urinary leakage as they get older, it seems some topics are still off limits. Pelvic floor problems, both during pregnancy and in the first year after delivery, are really common – but not many women know this until it happens to them. I look at why pelvic floor problems in the childbearing year are often not discussed, and how this may be related to the conversation about birth choices.
While most of us will be glad to see the back of the difficult year that was 2020, maybe it did have some lessons to teach us. The lockdowns also brought enforced slow-downs in most people’s lives. And slowing down has some benefit for all of us...
Don’t be put off by the name: a bio-psycho-social approach to health problems is important for everyone. It means considering not only the biological side, but also the psychological and sociological factors influencing your health. Sounds like mumbo-jumbo? There’s actually more and more evidence showing the psychosocial sides of healthcare matter a lot. So it’s good to understand what a biopsychosocial approach means and why it matters.
We all hope the birth of our baby will be uncomplicated, and many women have detailed plans of how they want their birth to proceed. However, for one in three Australian women, that is not the reality. Birth trauma – which includes either physical or psychological trauma, or both – can leave many women struggling to cope after their baby arrives. Let’s talk more about birth trauma.
Have you been busting to get back to normal life after COVID restrictions … or are you just busting? With an increase in anxiety associated with the Coronavirus, many people also reported an increase in bladder urgency. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Read on to hear why bladder urgency, stress and anxiety can all be related.
Is Coronavirus making you anxious? Maybe it’s time to step away from the news and look for the little things in life that bring beauty and happiness – and throw in some exercise while you are at it. This blog explores some ways to tackle your worry and start embracing the “new normal”.
Most women with endometriosis will tell you they have extremely painful periods. But many are unaware that some of the other symptoms they experience can also be related to their endo. This includes bladder and bowel problems, back and hip pain, pain with intercourse and trouble sleeping. Read on to learn about how endometriosis is not “just period pain” and can often include many other problems, which won’t necessarily disappear by themselves, even when endometrial lesions are removed.
Ladies, take your partners... time to tell the men in your life about the pelvic floor. Most women have heard of pelvic floor muscles and know about the kinds of embarrassing bladder, bowel and sexual problems that can occur when these muscles don’t behave. But did you know that men can have pelvic floor problems too? Surprised? Then you need to read this!
The New Year is a time when many of us make plans to do better or change various aspects of our lives. But unless you have a clear vision of not only what you want to achieve, but how you are going to do it, then your goals may be grounded by the end of January. Try getting SMART about your goals so you can really achieve what you want.
Michael Leunig’s recent cartoon "Mummy Was Busy" has prompted a lot of anger and debate amongst Australian parents, especially women. He is using his cartoon to make a comment on our obsession with social media – but has he unfairly targeted busy Mums in the process? Read on to hear two sides of the debate.
We’ve all heard about sports players having Physio and rehabilitation after injuries or orthopaedic surgery. But sadly, most people don’t consider the need for rehabilitation for the average person. Following any major operation, most people will benefit from some guidance with their recovery. Planning and preparation before surgery helps too. In this second of two blog posts about rehabilitation, I talk about recovery from gynaecological surgery.
I see a lot of women needing advice and assistance with recovery – whether that be postnatal recovery or recovery from surgery. Usually they come to see me when they realise their bodies have not “bounced back”, and now they need help. In this, the first of two blog posts, I talk about postnatal rehabilitation and why I think it’s important for all women after having a baby.
Most people are aware of the “fight or flight” response to physical danger. But did you know your body responds in much the same way to emotional stress and fears? Our stress/danger response can have widespread physical and mental effects, including effects on the bladder, bowels and pain levels. Read on to find out how stress can affect your health and make you sick.
Yay – you're pregnant! You've read up on the pregnancy books so you know what to expect, right? Morning sickness, bigger boobs, an expanding belly – tick, tick, tick. And of course you'll be “glowing”. Then there are the things that no one ever told you about. Here are 10 things you might NOT have expected in pregnancy.
Most women know that menopause can cause hot flushes, weight gain and difficulty sleeping. But did you know that menopause can also contribute to big changes in your vagina and urinary system? About 50% of menopausal women will experience vaginal atrophy – so it’s important to know what to expect and what you can do about it.
2019 has been busy and exciting so far. Read more in our newsletter about Physiotherapy-led exercise classes, treatment for gynaecological cancer and many more activities that have been happening so far this year.
We often know the kinds of things we should do to look after our health – yet we don’t always do what is best. Over 50% of all Australian adults don’t do enough exercise, and pelvic floor exercises are no exception. One of the biggest barriers for many women to improving their pelvic floor health is remembering to do their pelvic floor exercises! Read on for some tips on making pelvic floor exercises part of your routine.
Is Pilates cover about to end? Did you know your extras cover is about to change? Recent changes by the Federal government have seen Private Health Insurers remove a range of options from your extras cover – including Pilates. Does this spell the end to Pilates cover under your Private Health Extras? No, not necessarily. Read on to find out more about what these changes mean for you.
If you haven’t heard about the controversy surrounding the use of surgical mesh for prolapse repairs over the past 12 months, chances are you have been stuck on a desert island. Many surgical mesh products have now been banned from use, and a Senate Inquiry in early 2018 highlighted many issues. However, mesh products are still approved for use in some cases where the risks are much lower. Read more about surgical mesh for prolapse repair and stress incontinence here, including the problems and the benefits.
PINC Cancer Rehabilitaion, New Pilates Mat Classes, APPI Pilates Instruction and APA Committees... after a busy few months I have lots of news to share.
Exercise in pregnancy has many great benefits, including maintaining your fitness and flexibility, helping you to sleep better and relieving back and pelvic pain. Pilates is a great form of exercise that is suitable for most pregnant women. This video blog demonstrates four fabulous Pilates exercises suitable for pregnant women, including some tips for best performance.
It's surprising how many women have not heard of pelvic organ prolapse, given that up to 50% of all women who have had a baby have some degree of prolapse. Luckily, not all of these are symptomatic. However, for some women, the symptoms can be very bothersome and really affect their lives. Read more about prolapse, how it may affect you, and what can be done about it here.
92 Carrington St is becoming quite the hub for health-related services. The space has been transformed by Jess, from Align Health Solutions, with a wonderful gym/studio space and treatment room. So while you may have seen me at Carrington St, did you know what else is offered there? Read on to find out more!
Is your nose not the only thing leaking this winter? Bladder loss with coughing and sneezing is called stress urinary incontinence and you can do something about it!
It's been 4 busy months since I launched Life Cycle Physiotherapy. This first newsletter is an update on where you can find me and the services I am offering.
We all know the importance of exercise and the beneficial effects it has for our health and well-being. Did you know this is just as applicable for pregnant women too? Grab a cuppa and have a listen to the fabulous Dr Chris Sexton, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, talk about exercise in pregnancy.
Abdominal muscle separation is a normal part of pregnancy. When should you worry? Read how individualised management from a Women's Health Physio can help.
Being a mum is hard work. New Mums face many challenges as they try to return to exercise. Mums and Bubs Pilates classes are a great step towards getting back to doing the things you want to do.
Pelvic floor problems are usually associated with older women or women who have had a baby. While this is common, rates of pelvic floor dysfunction are also surprisingly high amongst women participating in sport, including elite athletes. Read this blog to find out more.
