WOMENS HEALTH

Since October 1st 2022, maternal birth injures are eligible forphysiotherapy cover under ACC. As a private physiotherapy health entity, we offer ACC/private pre-nataland post-natal pelvic health assessments to support women with their overall health and well-being.Currently we have one Women’s Health Physiotherapist working at our organisation based at our Westgate site – ‘Julie Blades’.

After completing her physiotherapy degree at the University of Brighton in 2014, Julie worked across a broad scope of disciplines in the UK, both in NHS hospitals and in the private sector. Through clinical practice she had exposure to patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and developed a passion for working with clients holistically to get the best individualised outcomes.

Julie moved to New Zealand in November 2018 and here she developed a special interest in pelvic health conditions through her work in private practice. She upskilled with the completion of post-graduate women’s and men’s pelvic health qualifications and her development in this area has been greatly complimented by her part time experience in the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team at Greenlane Clinical Centre. Julie enjoys empowering patients with timely education and the ability to optimise their bodies through movement and exercise at any stage in life.

Julie is passionate about getting women back to doing the things they love and adopts an active approach which takes into account individuals’ specific pelvic floor issues as well as patients’ long-term goals. She is fully qualified to complete internal pelvic floor exams and this has been credentialed by Dr Melissa Davidson - Pelvic Health Specialist Physiotherapist in NZ.

Some useful questions to screen for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction are:

1. Do you have incontinence? Bowel or Bladder?
2. Do you have heaviness or dragging sensation in pelvic region?
3. Have you noticed any changes in your ability to have intimate relations with your significant other?

Improving pelvic floor muscle strength prior to giving birth can help reduce the risk of perineal tears during and helps restore pelvic floor function postnatally. But it is important to note that pelvic floor issues are not just limited to these patient groups (pregnant or postnatal women) and can indeed occur at any age or exercise level.

During the first session Julie will take a confidential history of your specific concerns and discuss what particular assessments will benefit you. It is good to allow an hour for this session to ensure a thorough understanding of the background and your specific rehab goals. The treatment following on from this very much depends on your specific concerns or presentation but all will be explained and tailored to suit your individual needs.

As a patient at physio connect, you will have full control of your healthcare journey at all times and have the right to refuse any aspect of care as you wish. Please book in online for an appointment with Julie or contact us via email if you have any specific concerns.