Lets connect you with a WHP!
Frequently Asked Questions
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A WHP is different to a standard physio in that they specialise in all things pre and postpartum help to treat issues such as;
Pregnancy related pain
Pelvic girdle pain and instability
Sacroiliac Joint pain
Sciatica,
Pelvic floor health during and after pregnancy
Urinary or faecal Incontinence
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Prolapse
Abdominal separation,
Pain related to intercourse
Overactive bladders
Constipation
Vaginal pain
General postpartum musculoskeletal pain.
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Postpartum we advise all women to get checked over by a WHP to assess the health of your pelvic floor muscles, ensure you are doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly and get assessed for Diastasis recti. Most women in NZ get medical clearance to start exercise at 6-12 weeks postpartum from a GP or Midwife but this does not cover an internal assessment of pelvic floor nor are abdominals checked over. We believe having a pelvic floor and abdominal check postpartum is essential.
Most women suffer some form of damage to their pelvic floor muscles so it’s super important you have a good understanding of where your pelvic health is at and what you need to do to improve it. Often a lot of pelvic health issues go undiagnosed simply because the majority of women in NZ do not get a physical examination after having a baby. When returning to exercise it’s even more important as some exercises can make things worse.
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It's best to wait until around 8 weeks postpartum. If you haven't been to see one and you are months or even years down the track, it's never too late to late! Once postpartum always postpartum!
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Having a WHP on your team pre-birth is a fantastic idea! If you are suffering any sort of pregnancy pain, or pelvic issues or just want to see how your pelvic floor is functioning then you totally can see them during your pregnancy. They are fantastic for prevention rather than just treatments post birth.
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We know it can be expensive but it really is worth the investment to know that everything is okay, or if not what needs to be done to get things back on track.
It's also worth having a conversation with your GP if you qualify for ACC funding.
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Even if you feel like everything is fine in our opinion it is essential just to be sure everything is okay. Many pelvic floor issues can be asymptomatic meaning you don't feel there is a problem but there is and later down the track you might start to notice things.
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Generally speaking the first appointment is getting to know you, your birth/s and postpartum recovery/s and discussing if you have any issues that are bothering you. It's all about getting to know each other! Often they will explain the PF and core anatomy in basic terms so you understand as things progress. If you feel comfortable they may ask to do an external assessment of your tummy to check for a separation and see if you are able to engage your PF & Transverse. - If you can't they will teach you how and show you exercises. They then may ask to do an internal assessment, this is completely up to you. May women do this on the second or 3rd appointment once they feel more comfortable. The internal assessment is generally not painful at all. Sometimes physios have the ability to do real time ultrasound so you'll be able to see your PF contract and relax on the screen! After the assessment they will give you a great understanding of what is happening with your body and if necessary provide you with an individualised action plan. Sometimes no follow up appointments are required, other times there may be some follow up sessions to see how things are progressing.