WOMENS HEALTH
Womens Health
What is women’s health physiotherapy?
Anything that is specific to a woman can be considered an area of healthcare. Within Physiotherapy this typically covers women having babies, namely pre- and post-natal prescription of exercise, spinal or pelvic pain management, management of abdominal diastasis (tummy muscle separation), pelvic floor muscle health, and treatment of mastitis/block ducts while breastfeeding (more information on breastfeeding support here).
Caring for a woman’s pelvic health is also something that can be done through the ages, from young women without children with overactive, painful pelvic floors or with endometriosis, women with urinary and/or faecal continence concerns, women with recurrent UTIs, through to women with increased risk of osteoporosis, muscle loss, pelvic floor weakness and prolapse in the post-menopausal years.
At Balance Health, physiotherapists Casey Cleeland, Kristine Miles and Kara Cassells, are trained in treating these conditions, as well as Myotherapist Nicole Murphy and remedial massage therapist Helen Tavakkoli, who are passionate about treating women in the perinatal period.
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Physiotherapist Kristine Miles is also qualified an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Breastfeeding Counsellor, available for pre- and post-natal breastfeeding and lactation consultations.
Below are some links to information about breastfeeding & mastitis, as well as a list of frequently asked women's health questions
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What should I bring/wear to my first appointment?Bring any relevant scans, X-rays, CT's or MRI, or any other Medical information that you think may be important. Make sure you wear loose comfortable clothes that will allow you to move around easily.
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Do I need a referral to see a Physiotherapist?No. You can make an appointment directly without a referral. A referral is generally not required to see an physiotherapist as a private patient. All WorkSafe and TAC clients can make an appointment without a referral, however, they must have an approved claim number for entitlement to physiotherapy services. ​ The only time you will need a referral is if you wish to consult a physiotherapist under Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care program or through Veterans' Affairs. A GP must assess your eligibility and complete a specific referral for Medicare or DVA funded Physiotherapy.
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Do you do dry needling?Kristine & Casey are both qualified in dry needling. Wondering what dry needling is? Read all about it here in our educational article.
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Is Physiotherapy covered by Private Health Insurance?Yes. Private health funds provide varying levels of cover for Physiotherapy. Please contact your health fund for details of your entitled benefits.
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Is Physiotherapy covered by Medicare?If you have had pain for longer than expected you can visit your doctor and request a Medicare plan referral. If you doctor deems you eligible they may print and fill out the Medicare Care Plan Referral form. For more information about eligability you can download this PDF. Please keep in mind that medicare rebates do NOT cover the full costs of treatment. You will be required to pay for the appointment in full. We complete the Medicare claim on your behalf and you will receive the rebate for your appointment within 48 hours.
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Does Balance Health accept TAC, Workcover and DVA patients?Yes! Additionally, TAC & DVA patients are bulk-billed, Worksafe patients may be required to pay a gap fee.