11 December 2024

Grampians Health has opened pelvic health physiotherapy clinics in Stawell and Horsham as part of efforts to provide best practice treatment for a range of pelvic health conditions.  

The clinics are part of the first phase of the Women’s Health Clinic project that aims to improve access to specialist care for women across Victoria and recognises pelvic health physiotherapy as a first line of treatment for many pelvic health conditions.  

The pelvic health physiotherapy clinics will offer assessment and evidence-based care for conditions such as pelvic floor disorders, pelvic pain and post-partum care. These services will be provided in a professional and supportive environment and will be open to all women and gender-diverse people in the Grampians area. 

The clinics were opened after an analysis of the Inquiry into Women’s Pain survey, which was launched by the Allan Labor Government this year, revealed the impact that conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain can have on the daily lives of women and girls.  

The clinics aim to help patients manage and treat conditions that can affect quality of life but are often overlooked. Upon initial consultation, each patient will receive a holistic assessment, and physiotherapists may connect them with other services available at Grampians Health to meet their needs comprehensively. 

“Pelvic conditions can be very painful, often impacting the quality of life and well-being of women and girls. By making such a service accessible in the region, we hope to help those dealing with such conditions by intervening early on and provide the right care closer to home,” said Dr. Natasha Frawley, Clinical Director of Women’s and Children’s, Grampians Health. 

Operating once a week in the ambulatory rehabilitation settings at Horsham and Stawell, these clinics will focus on providing evidence-based, goal-oriented physiotherapy care. This initiative will reduce geographical inequities in access to care and improve regional referral pathways. 

The clinics in Horsham and Stawell are being led by Grade 3 Physiotherapists and are currently accepting referrals. Women are encouraged to schedule an appointment if they are experiencing symptoms that could benefit from pelvic health treatment or can be referred by health professionals.  

“The launch of the pelvic health physiotherapy clinics underscores our commitment to improve women’s health services in the region and is among a suite of specialist women’s health services being planned,” said Ben Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Grampians Health.  

“By providing accessible, evidence-based care, we aim to address the significant need for pelvic health support and enhance the quality of life for women and gender-diverse individuals in our community.” 

Grampians Health is among one of the first sites in Victoria to have launched women’s health clinics that aimed to address conditions including pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services. A clinic to address heavy menstrual bleeding was recently launched in Ballarat and aims to improve access to specialised care for women experiencing abnormal periods. 

To schedule an appointment or to send referrals to pelvic health physiotherapy clinics, please call 5358 8601 for the Stawell clinic and 5381 9333 for the Horsham clinic. 

Stawell Senior Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Julia Harricks (left) and Horsham Senior Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Brooke Warrick (holding a miniature model of pelvis).