Your first appointment starts with a conversation. We want to hear from you about what has brought you in, your symptoms, health history and what you would like to get back to doing.

Your physiotherapist will then discuss which assessments may be helpful. Depending on your symptoms, this might include looking at your movement, strength, breathing, abdominal muscles or pelvic floor function.

From there, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals and your life.

Not necessarily.

For some pelvic health concerns, a vaginal or rectal examination can provide useful information about pelvic floor muscle function, pain, prolapse and other symptoms. Your physiotherapist will explain why an examination may be helpful and what it involves before you decide whether you would like to proceed.

An internal examination is always your choice. You can decline, change your mind or ask to stop at any time.

There are other ways we can assess your pelvic floor if an internal examination isn't right for you.

Absolutely! When you work in pelvic health, the odds are pretty high that someone is going to have their period, we promise, it doesn’t bother us.

Having your period doesn’t affect your ability to attend your appointment or have a pelvic health assessment, including an internal examination.

If you’d prefer not to have an internal examination while you have your period, that’s completely fine too.

No need to apologise, reschedule or feel awkward about it, periods are very much business as usual around here.

The only caveat is if you are booked for a pessary follow up appointment. This involves a speculum to assess the vaginal tissue health, so tail end of the cycle is fine (but high flow is a no go!).

The classic physio answer: it depends.

Some people only need a couple of appointments, while more complex or persistent problems can benefit from support over a longer period. For most people, somewhere around 5–6 appointments is a good guide, usually spread out over time as you build strength, practise new strategies and see how your symptoms respond.

We’ll be upfront about what we recommend and review things as you progress. The goal isn’t to keep you coming to physio forever, it’s to give you the knowledge, confidence and tools to manage your pelvic health independently for the long term.

Yes of course! Tamariki of all ages are welcome.

Having childcare for the appointment can be helpful if you’re having an assessment or treatment where you’d like a little more space to focus — but it’s certainly not essential. We understand that this isn’t always an option. And we have lots of very willing helpers in our team!

Ideally? Before you even give birth! Seeing a pelvic health physio during pregnancy means we can get to know you, prepare for birth and recovery, and make a plan for afterwards.

If that ship has sailed (because, you know, you had a baby) around six weeks postpartum is a great time to aim for. We actually recommend booking ahead so you have a time set aside to look after yourself, and you’re more likely to get an appointment that works around you and your baby.

But six weeks is not a deadline.

For some people, one month postpartum feels like the right time to get support and start thinking about returning to exercise. For others, six weeks arrives somewhere in the blur of feeding, sleeping (or not sleeping), nappies and figuring out life with a newborn. Which means your pelvic health is understandably nowhere near the top of the list.

The real answer? Come when you’re ready. Whether that’s one month, six months or four years after giving birth, we can assess where you are now and help you work towards where you want to be.

No. You can book directly with us without a referral from your GP, specialist or other health professional.

No. If your pelvic health concern is related to an injury that may be covered by ACC, we can lodge the ACC claim for you when appropriate. You don’t need to make an extra trip to your GP first.

This includes eligible injuries such as maternal birth injuries and other pelvic health injuries covered by ACC.

If you already have a claim number, great, bring it along. If you have absolutely no idea whether you have a claim or whether ACC applies, also fine. We can help you figure it out.

Nope! There’s no need to shave, wax, tidy up or do anything special before your appointment.

We work in pelvic health - we’ve seen it all, and we genuinely don’t care about your body hair! Just come as you are.

If an internal examination is recommended, we’ll talk you through what’s involved first, and it’s always your choice.

That's completely understandable. We talk about bladders, bowels, sex, pain, prolapse and pelvic floors every day, so there really isn't much you can tell us that will surprise us. You’re always in control of your appointment, and we'll explain what we're doing and why as we go.

Yes. Pelvic health problems affect men too. We treat bladder and bowel concerns, pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, erectile dysfunction and rehabilitation before and after prostate surgery.

Of course.

Bring a partner, whānau member or other support person to your appointment . We welcome anyone that makes you feel comfortable.

Usually, yes! Having pelvic floor symptoms doesn't automatically mean you need to stop lifting, running or doing the activities you enjoy. Our job is to help you understand your symptoms and find ways to move and exercise confidently.

Yes. Lots of pelvic health concerns can be assessed and managed very effectively via telehealth. This can also be useful if you live outside Nelson/Tasman, are travelling, or simply can't make it into the clinic.

Definitely not. You don't need to wait until leakage, pain, prolapse or other pelvic health symptoms are stopping you from doing the things you enjoy.

Often, getting advice early means we can give you simple strategies and help you understand what's happening before symptoms become a bigger part of your life.

Whatever you’re comfortable in. If we’re looking at movement, exercise or strength, clothes you can move easily in are helpful.

Bring any relevant referral letters or medical information you have, and complete any forms we’ve sent you beforehand if you can.

More than most people realise!

We help with bladder and bowel leakage, urgency, prolapse, pelvic pain, pain with sex, constipation, difficulty emptying your bowel, pregnancy and birth-related concerns, postnatal recovery, abdominal separation, menopause-related changes, pelvic floor dysfunction and recovery following pelvic or abdominal surgery.

We also help people get back to exercise, sport, intimacy and everyday life without constantly wondering what their bladder, bowel or pelvic floor is going to do next.

Not sure whether your problem belongs in the pelvic health world? Ask us. You might be surprised.

Absolutely. Pelvic health covers much more than people often realise. If you’re experiencing bladder or bowel changes, leakage, heaviness or prolapse, pelvic or abdominal pain, pain with sex, pregnancy or postnatal concerns, or difficulty returning to exercise, we can help work out what’s going on and what your next steps should be.

If you’re not sure, please send us an email with a brief outline of your symptoms or call our knowledgeable team. That way we can reassure you that you’re in the right place, or direct you elsewhere if it’s not our area of expertise.