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Women’s Health

We strive to provide a supportive, nurturing space for all women to live the lives they strive for free from pain and discomfort.

At our women’s health clinic, we strive to provide a supportive, nurturing space for women, mothers, and mothers to be to live the lives they strive for free from pain and discomfort. Our team are dedicated to providing personalised and goal driven care to help you achieve your health goals.

We recognise that although titled a ‘Women’s Health’ clinic, we treat all clients that identify as female or are Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB). Our practice is LGBTQI+ friendly and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming space for those seeking healthcare.

Our practitioners can provide treatment to assist in conditions such as (but not limited to):

Pregnancy Pain and Discomfort

Abdominal muscle separation (DRAM)

Pelvic Girdle Pain/Pelvic Pain

Coccydynia

Menstrual pain and Endometriosis

Bladder and Bowel discomfort

Bladder and Bowel incontinence

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Mastitis treatment

Breast Care post mastectomy

Menopause related symptoms

Women's Health Essendon

Osteopathy within the women’s health space involves treating the body as a unit – in that each component is structurally and functionally related. Our treatment is based around these principles, and incorporates not just the musculoskeletal system, but also the nervous, respiratory, lymphatic, digestive and psychological systems related to conditions. Rest assured that this attention to detail helps us deliver the most holistic and all-encompassing results for clients.

Hillary Clinton, Women in the world 2012

Women's Health FAQ's

  • Do I need a referral to see a Women's Health Osteopath?
    There is no referral required to see a Women’s Health practitioner. Your Osteopath may can
    work in conjunction with and communicate with your obstetrician, gynaecologist, general
    practitioner, surgeon, or other healthcare provider throughout your treatment to ensure a
    collaborative, team approach to your healthcare.
  • What should I bring to my appointment?
    Please also wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to take off if required. In addiction, please bring any relevant scans and accompanying reports, such as
    urodynamic studies, ultrasounds, surgery reports, x-rays, or MRIs, to your appointment.
  • How long will my appointment take?
    New patients’ appointments will take up to one hour, to allow your practitioner time to make
    sure they have covered everything about your presenting concern. Return appointments will
    be 30 minutes. Extended appointments are available upon request and are advised if
    treating various areas of the body. Feel free to contact our reception team or practitioner to
    discuss which appointment type is best for you.
  • What can I expect from my first consultation?
    Your first consultation with your practitioner will consist of a detailed discussion about your
    concerns and goals. We will ask a lot of questions about a range of different symptoms and
    your health history to best understand you and your body. We will do an assessment of your
    whole body and formulate a plan tailored to you to help you achieve your health and
    wellness goals.
  • Can I come to a consultation if I have my period?
    You can come when menstruating – our practitioners are comfortable to treat you during this
    time if you are comfortable with being treated. It is up to your own personal preference.
  • Do I need to have internal work in a women’s health consult?
    Pelvic health consultations can be done both internally and externally. There are a variety of
    different ways that techniques can be modified to suit your specific preferences. Some
    certain muscles benefit from a more direct approach to acquire treatment outcomes, but this
    doesn’t mean it is a requirement if you are not comfortable with it. Some people may agree
    to internal treatments one session, but don’t want it done the next, which is totally
    fine! Consent is always reassessed at each step of your journey.
    Treatment options are always tailored to the patient and will be discussed with you at length
    in your appointment, and we give plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions to ensure
    you are comfortable with the approach. We endeavour to make our consultation room a safe
    and comfortable environment for all. 
  • Can I have internal treatment done if I haven't had any children?
    Internal treatment isn’t exclusive to those who have had children. Internal techniques, while
    sometimes uncomfortable, can be used on any person with a vagina, if they consent to it. It
    may be more comfortable for those who have experienced penetration before, whether via
    cervical screen (pap smear), sexual intercourse, or previous internal assessment or
    treatment.
    Any concerns about this can be answered within your appointment.
  • Is internal pelvic treatment painful?
    Like any treatment performed to muscles that are tight on the outside of the body, internal
    treatments to the pelvic floor may cause some discomfort. Your practitioner will check in
    regularly on the pressure being applied/techniques being applied to see how you are feeling.
    Treatment techniques are tailored to how you feel and the body's response to treatment, so
    no more pressure than necessary will be applied. 
  • Can I get a Medicare rebate for this service?
    Patients with chronic medical conditions and complex care needs may be eligible for a
    Chronic Disease Management (CDM) rebate through Medicare. CDM services and Team Care Arrangements (TCA) are arranged by a patient's general practitioner. Please discuss
    your eligibility for this plan with your GP.
  • Is this service covered by Private Health Insurance?
    Yes, patients with private health insurance that includes "Extras Cover" may be covered for
    Osteopathy services. Please check with your health fund to determine your coverage.
  • What does a pelvic floor muscle assessment involve?

    An assessment of the pelvic floor involves a variety of steps. Your practitioner will run through an assessment with  lots of questions to best determine which approach will work best for you. They may suggest an internal assessment to you, but agreeing to this will be at your discretion. They may also assess your pelvis, low back, hips, and abdominals, as well as asking questions about your bladder and bowel function, lifestyle and exercise habits. All of this information will help your practitioner to determine the best course of action for your concerns, and a thorough treatment and management plan will be created based on your goals.

  • Should I do pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy or wait until after the birth?

    Performing regular and coordinated pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy can protect against incontinence symptoms and aid in your recovery post birth. Like any exercise prescription, it is important to make sure you are conduction your exercises properly and effectively, as well as making sure that what you are doing is appropriate for what your body needs. Tight pelvic floors and weak pelvic floors can often present very similarly, so it is often best to consult with your women’s health practitioner to help create a tailored plan that fits your body's needs.

  • For more information, please contact the clinic on

    (03) 9372 7714 or email info@lifespanosteopathy.com.au, and our team will be
    happy to answer your questions.