Women's Pelvic & Perinatal Health
At Evolve, we are lucky enough to have practitioners with further experience in the area of Women’s Pelvic and Perinatal Health. Pelvic health concerns can be a difficult conversation to start. It may look different for everyone, and many suffer in silence.
WHAT IS REAL TIME ULTRASOUND?
Real time ultrasound is a non-invasive tool that provides real-time imaging of varying structures of the body. It is the same type of ultrasound imaging technology that is used during pregnancy to view an unborn baby.
Kayla uses RTUS to assess the function of the pelvic floor. It allows both herself and her patient to ACTUALLY SEE the pelvic floor switching on and off in real time. This optimises the overall understanding of your anatomy and function.
COMMON PELVIC HEALTH CONCERNS :
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Pelvic pain
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Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (weakness, overactivity)
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Pregnancy related pelvic pain or pubic symphysis dysfunction and pain
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Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
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Post-partum assessment
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Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
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Vaginismus
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Painful periods or painful ovulation
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Painful intercourse
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Bladder leakage
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Bladder urgency or overactive bladder
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Pelvic organ prolapse
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Constipation
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Pudendal neuralgia
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Endometriosis or PCOS
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Unresolved, recurring lower back or hip pain (the pelvic floor may be contributing)
WHAT DOES AN INTERAL PELVIC FLOOR ASSESSMENT LOOK LIKE?
In some cases, when indicated, internal assessment and treatment of the pelvis and pelvic floor region may be indicated. Nikela will explain in thorough detail if assessment and treatment would be of benefit to understanding your condition. In females, or those born with a vagina, these techniques allow for assessment of the pelvic floor muscles, the uterus, cervix, perineum, urethra, bladder, fascia, connective tissue and ligaments of the pelvis, as well as assessment and treatment for scars from episiotomies or tears. Regarding male genitalia, pelvic health osteopathy may be for you. Nikela applies the same philosophy and holistic approach for external treatment and management. If internal treatment is necessary, she will refer you to local men’s health physiotherapists trained for internal techniques.
NOTE: Our pelvic region is sensitive, especially if pain is involved. It is important to understand that every pelvic health consultation may not involve internal assessment. The beginning of your assessment and treatment may simply involve education, external assessment, and implementing management techniques specific to you and your body.
It is important to understand that during this consultation, you are in control. If at any point you are uncomfortable, whether discussing a subject or with an internal technique, you can choose to stop.
An osteopathic approach to birth preparation
At Evolve, we are lucky enough to have practitioners with further experience in the area of Women’s Pelvic and Perinatal Health. Pelvic health concerns can be a difficult conversation to start. It may look different for everyone, and many suffer in silence.
AN OSTEOPATHIC APPROACH TO BIRTH PREPARATION
Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, Nikela will tailor the birth preparation consultation to your needs. She will discuss your birth plan if one is in place, and provide you with education and techniques to assist with your goals. This appointment style may include pain management techniques for labour pain (you can bring your birth partner in to learn some assisted management techniques). Positioning is also addressed with education regarding appropriate positions for if your baby is sitting breach or sitting high or low. Ideal positions or movements can also be taught to address delayed progression through the birth canal during labour. Nikela’s goal is to provide you with as many tools for your birth tool kit as possible to allow for a well informed birth journey.
There can be an internal assessment component to the birth preparation which allows for measurement of the perineal body to assess for risk of tearing and techniques to assist in minimising this risk. Nikela can also go through pushing techniques where using sounds or positions to allow for the best opening for your vulva during birth.
If a planned C section is in place, Nikela will adjust birth preparation to education around recovery, and preparing your body for post surgery.
POSTPARTUM CHECK & RETURN TO EXERCISE
Everybody is different, every postpartum recovery journey is different. Kayla and Nikela are here to assist you along your journey of recovery and towards your goals. Whether it is walking your new baby, pushing the pram comfortably up a hill, returning to sport, gym or any other activity you enjoy, or just moving around your home comfortably, they’ve got you covered with a wide array of assessment and treatment tools to get you there.
Our Pelvic Health Practitioners
At Evolve Health Illawarra, we’re proud to offer specialised care in Women's Pelvic and Perinatal Health. Our experienced practitioners, Nikela and Kayla, are here to support you through a range of pelvic health concerns—from pelvic pain and pregnancy-related issues to post-partum recovery. We understand these topics can be difficult to discuss, but we’re here to provide a safe and supportive environment, helping you achieve optimal health with tailored treatment plans designed to meet your unique needs.
Nikela and Kayla work closely with each other sharing patients depending on their specific needs.
If you are unsure yet feel like something may relate to your body or symptoms, give our clinic a call, or ask at your next session. You can always book a standard session with Nikela, Kayla, or the team where you can start the conversation in a safe environment. You will be referred to the appropriate practitioner for your specific pain or symptoms.
NIKELA COULTER
Our osteopath Nikela Coulter has completed further training in pelvic health through the osteopathic pelvic health institute of Australia. Her training includes:
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Internal and external pelvic floor assessment and treatment
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Preparing the pregnant patient for birth
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Advanced prolapse
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Advanced bladder
Nikela’s interest in pelvic health started when working in Sydney as the only female osteopath in clinic. She treated many female clients here who had chronic or recurring lower back and hip pain. She didn’t understand why these patients weren’t improving with general osteopathic treatment and management. Luckily she was working alongside an amazing women’s health physio who she would consult with. It was here that she saw the incredible results of combining pelvic health treatment, education and management with general osteopathic treatment. So when the osteopathic institute of pelvic health began releasing courses for the assessment of pelvic floor Nikela jumped at the opportunity.
KAYLA MOROSIN
Physiotherapist Kayla Morosin has completed further coursework through the Australian Physiotherapy Association having completed her Women’s Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Level 1 in 2022 and currently undertaking Level 2. Kayla is also trained in Perinatal Clinical Pilates. Kayla is trained in real time ultrasound to assess and observe the function of the pelvic floor and core, a fantastic option if you want to learn about your pelvic floor function but prefer not to have an internal assessment.
Kayla’s interest in the women’s health field of physiotherapy came about following the birth of her two children. Having already had a keen interest in pre and post natal clinical pilates, Kayla thought she was well prepared, but was shocked by the sheer change her body experienced throughout pregnancy, childbirth and return to exercise. It was then that she noticed the huge gap in patient care, with most focus being on the baby and not the mother. Kayla’s goal is to help women to feel more confident and strong both in the lead up to birth and after and to educate them about appropriate self care measures to help avoid injury and pain.
