1. Tell me a bit about yourself
I’m a local girl, born and raised in Redcliffe. Ventured off the peninsula for uni and spent the last 12 years honing my craft in a large private practice in North Brisbane. I’m very passionate about helping all people but have a big soft spot for helping women through the unique phases of their life. Outside of work, you’ll find me running after my three young children, spending time with friends and family, watching my kids play sport, reading and sewing.
2. Why did you want to be a physio?
My dad competed internationally in the sport of Woodchopping (think Ekka) and had a lot of trouble with hamstring injuries, back and knee pain. I guess you could say I started my apprenticeship young working on his injuries. He worked with a lot of massage therapist and health professionals and encouraged me on that path. So I suppose I have him to thank (don’t tell him though, he’ll get a big head)
3. Tell us about the special areas of physio that you practise
I have worked my entire career in musculoskeletal physio, but realised very early on that I was missing a big chunk of the picture when treating women. When I was a new grad, I was treating a middle aged woman for lower back pain. I used every trick in the book, but wasn’t getting the results we were hoping for. I wasn’t until I realised that her pelvic floor condition was undermining her recovery. That prompted my journey into Women’s Health Physio. Over the past 11 years I have attended many courses to further my understanding of the anatomical, physiological and lifestyle differences that impact women. I have also done further training in specific treatment for headaches and migraines.
4. What conditions does a Women’s Health Physio treat?
Women’s and Pelvic health physio’s undertake additional post graduate training to be able assess and treat a variety of conditions that are unique to women and the pelvic region. These include –
- Prenatal care (pelvic girdle pain, prenatal screening and education to assist with birth choices, pelvic floor education)
- Postnatal care (abdominal separation, pelvic floor rehab, return to exercise, mastitis, musculoskeletal complaints associated with baby cares ie neck/back/wrist pain)
- Bladder dysfunction (incontinence, urgency, pain etc)
- Bowel dysfunction (voiding issues, incontinence, bowel retraining)
- Pain conditions (painful intercourse, vaginismus, vulvodynia, endo etc)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction (muscle weakness, overactive muscles, prolapse, pessary fittings)
- Surgical Care (pre & post operative care)
5. who needs to see a Women’s health physio?
Anyone and everyone! Each phase of life brings new challenges and my goal is to help women across their lifespan. People often put off dealing with conditions they may feel are embarrassing or are unsure what we do. Trust me, no matter how embarrassing you think something is, you won’t shock me, I’ve likely heard it or seen it plenty of times before. I treat everything from an ankle sprain at netball to prolapse. With any injury or issue, the sooner you address it the better your outcomes. My rule of thumb is if in doubt, check it out! So come for a chat about anything. If I can’t help you, I can direct you to someone who can.
6. For those who have some concerns about coming to see a Women’s Health Physio, what can you say to them to help them to feel more comfortable?
It’s not as scary to see us as you think! We do everything we can to make you feel as comfortable as possible and you are always in control. If you’re worried, just tell us. Pelvis health assessments follow the exact same protocol as a normal physio session, they are just in an intimate area. We observe movement patterns, how your tissues respond to loading, muscle bulk, attachment, symmetry, tenderness to touch, strength and endurance. We also asses and grade any signs of prolapse. We compare your assessment findings with your symptoms and work with you to choose a treatment plan.
7. What are you most excited about working here at Newport Physio and Health?
I’m most excited about building up our gorgeous new clinic in a beautiful suburb and getting to know all of the lovely Newport and Scarborough locals
8. For those people who think they would benefit from seeing you for an appointment, how do they book with you?
You can speak to our awesome Practice Manager Simone Cleary if you want more info – call us on 1300 00 4020 , or if you know you would benefit from seeing me you can make an online booking by clicking the button below.