Women's and pelvic health physiotherapy
Looking for a women's health physio in Christchurch? Four specialises in the management of all women's health physiotherapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy concerns.
Our team of experienced physiotherapists here in Christchurch are passionate about working alongside you to support you to stay comfortable, confident and active throughout the different stages of life.
This includes prenatal physiotherapy and postnatal physiotherapy, pelvic health physiotherapy for endometriosis or pelvic pain, and post menopause concerns. We also assess and treat all other pelvic floor physio concerns including bladder and bowel symptoms and pelvic organ prolapse.
More information on each of our specialised women's health services including pregnancy and postnatal Pilates, pricing, and FAQ's below.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic health physiotherapy (also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy or women's health physiotherapy) at Four is a specialised service to help those of all ages who may be experiencing symptoms or concerns surrounding their pelvic health. This includes pregnancy and postpartum changes, pre or post gynaecological surgery, peri-menopause or post-menopause symptoms.
Prenatal Physiotherapy
Our prenatal physiotherapy service is here to support you right through your pregnancy journey, providing you with all of the information and individualised advice that you need to ensure you feel your best as bub grows, and as you head into labour and postpartum recovery.
This includes the assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle changes, management of any concerns you may have such as bladder leakage or constipation, and the management of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain. We also provide education and guidance around preparing your body for labour, including pelvic floor relaxation and breathing exercises, perineal stretching, birth positions and pelvic stretches.
Postnatal Physiotherapy
Looking for a postnatal pelvic floor physiotherapist in Christchurch? At Four, we understand that every woman has had a different experience through pregnancy, labour and into their fourth trimester. Our experienced women’s and pelvic health physiotherapists are here to guide you safely through this exciting journey - ensuring you return to daily life and movement, with bub by your side, in the most comfortable and confident way.
These appointments are best booked any time from 4-6 weeks postpartum following both vaginal deliveries and c-sections. They will focus on optimising pelvic floor muscle recovery, abdominal muscle connection and retraining, bladder and bowel function, guiding you through a safe return to exercise, and addressing any other concerns you may have.
We are registered with ACC and are able to lodge maternal birth injuries that occurred on or after the first of October, 2022.
Pelvic pain physiotherapy
Pelvic pain is not something that you should have to put up with at any stage of your life. Our experienced women's and pelvic health physiotherapists at Four are here to help, and are skilled in the assessment, diagnosis and management of many complex pelvic pain conditions. This includes management of endometriosis and adenomyosis, painful intimacy, and pelvic girdle pain.
We work closely alongside Christchurch gynaecologists, GP’s, dieticians and other health professionals to ensure that you are receiving the best possible assessment and treatment plan.
Reformer Pilates class timetable
Some of our small group reformer Pilates classes are designed specifically for our women's health clients who are pregnant or postpartum.
A timetable of these specialised classes is below.
Class information
Difficulty: All levels
Four’s pregnancy reformer Pilates classes are run by our Women’s Health physios and pre/post-natal trained instructors. During pregnancy it is important to stay active and strong, and reformer Pilates is a fun and safe way to achieve this.
These classes are aimed at strengthening and stabilising the key muscle groups required to help you to stay comfortable and confident throughout your pregnancy and into the fourth trimester. Key focus areas include the pelvic floor, postural muscles, hips, legs and upper body.
No previous Pilates experience is required. As our instructors are qualified Women’s Health physios and Pilates instructors, we are able to cater to any specific needs or concerns so please let us know at your first session if this applies to you.
Difficulty: All levels
Congratulations on welcoming your little one into the world! Now it’s time to start your return to exercise journey with a postnatal reformer Pilates class, run by our qualified Women’s Health physios and pre/post-natal trained instructors - bubs are welcome!
We are here to guide you through a safe return to exercise following vaginal delivery or C-section. We focus on areas including the pelvic floor, abdominal strengthening, upper body and pelvic/hip stability.
No previous Pilates experience is required, however we do highly recommend (not mandatory) that all class members book a postnatal physiotherapy consultation prior to attending their first class. If you haven’t booked yours in yet, click the "Book now" button to make a booking with one of our Women’s Health physios.
Pricing
Women's and pelvic health initial consultation
60 minute appointment - women's health or pelvic health. Private and ACC options.
Women's and pelvic health follow up consultation
30 minute appointment - for all women's health and pelvic health follow up appointments. Private and ACC options.
Frequently asked questions
Maternal birth injuries that occur on or after the 1st Oct 22 will now be acknowledged by ACC. Depending on the specific injury, your midwife, doctor or women's health physio at Four can lodge a claim on your behalf.
If you are unsure and would like to know prior to booking your appointment, please feel free to contact us and we would be more than happy to advise!
Prenatal assessments are always advised for soon to be mums and can be carried out during the second and third trimester. We suggest booking in at around 16-18 weeks gestation - or earlier if there is anything that you are particularly concerned about.
These appointments are here to help advise you on safe exercise during pregnancy, pelvic floor exercises and to provide relief from any aches or pains that you might be experiencing as your body changes.
Any time from 6 weeks post delivery (vaginal or c section) is a great time to book in for a postnatal physiotherapy appointment. If there is something that you are particularly concerned about prior to this, please give us a call/email and we might consider an earlier session.
A postnatal appointment will involve a full history including information about your pregnancy, delivery and initial recovery. We may ask questions about your bladder/bowel function and exercise goals.
These appointments will often involve a physical assessment, please speak to your physiotherapist if you are concerned about this.
Please do! We love meeting your wee ones and having a snuggle so feel free to bring bubs along to your appointment as needed.
Pelvic floor assessments will often involve an internal vaginal exam to assess the strength, mobility and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding fascia. Your informed consent will always be gained prior to any examination, following the discussion of any concerns that you may have.
The Four team are busy bees! Which means our diaries can get booked up, sometimes weeks or even months in advance! We apologise for this, and aim to do everything we can to accomodate to the needs of our Four clients.
If you are struggling to find a time that works for you, don't hesitate to contact us via phone call or email. We have a cancellation list which we can add you to, and we will let you know if an earlier appointment time becomes available.
For general physiotherapy bookings for acute injuries, we aim to hold some last minute appointments each week, these may not be visible in our online booking system, so once again please get in touch if you are in need of an urgent appointment!
