antenatal postnatal care
To care for the baby, care for the mother
We love seeing beautiful babies come into our clinic and we love even more to help their fantastic mammas to be healthy, strong and fit enough to do everything they need and want to do with their babies and children.
Antenatally, you’re planning to book in for your birth preparation classes. Is it time to book in to build your strength to carry a baby for 9 months and then be strong and fit for labour?
Postnatally, is your pelvic floor as good as it used to be?
Do you know if you have an abdominal separation known as DRAM (Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscle)? If you have one, have you done anything about it?
Babies have regular check-ups as they grow. The postnatal period is not over after 6 weeks, but that’s when the check-ups on mums stop. Most postnatal women have a 6 week check-up with their doctor, but many never have a check-up with their physio. We (like many European countries) believe every postnatal woman should. 6 weeks is a great time, but any time that you are coping well enough to think about your health is the right time! There is a misconception that its normal to have some physical issues after having a baby. Yes, issues with pelvic floor, abdominal muscles pelvic girdle pain and posture are super common, but our physios are here to help you resolve those issues.
Pelvic girdle or back pain
Pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy and postnatally. We have tried and true hands-on techniques that help your pelvis to recover standard movement. Sometimes this is enough but exercises to build your gluteal muscle strength will support your pelvis to get back to full function.
Back pain is also common during pregnancy and postnatally. Breast feeding can result in upper back pain. Low back pain can start in pregnancy because of postural and load changes. Life with a baby is results in a lot more lifting, carrying and bending so it’s understandable our back might need a bit of help! We can help you out with working on your position, providing hands on treatment and giving exercises.
Pilates is a game changer
The postnatal period doesn’t stop at 6 weeks. Babies start off small and give us an opportunity to get stronger as they grow. The trouble is they grow first, then we get stronger. We like to help you get ahead of the game!
Mum’s who start Pilates antenatally swear by it. They love feeling strong against gravity, finding it much easier to keep great posture, stay active and feel great. Postnatally there is no better way to recover your pre-baby body. Pilates is so gentle that it can be started before your 6-week check-up. We put together an individualised program that gently strengthens your muscles, working on your pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and posture as well as your legs and arms that need to be strong to look after your little one. Over time we progress your program to stay ahead of your growing baby and build you back to your pre-baby strength or better!
If your baby is getting bigger, and maybe even isn’t a baby any more, it’s never too late! Your postnatal period is over whenever you feel like your body is back to how you want it to be. Until then, we are here to help. Some mothers love Pilates so much that they continue with us for years. We have been lucky enough to see babies grow into children and go off to school. We love welcoming babies into the clinic. Once they are on the move, we set up a play area to keep them safe during Pilates classes.
So book an appointment now for your antenatal or postnatal Pilates assessment
are you ready to improve your health?
Choose your physiotherapist
Emilija Olsen (she/her)
BAppSc, MPhysioPrac
Ante/Post natal, Hypermobility/EDS, Dance and Performing Arts, Dry Needling, General Physio.
Hazel Parekh (she/her)
BPT, MACP (Musc)
Neck & Back pain, Joint problems, Muscle strains/sprains, Sports injuries & General physio
Antenatal Postnatal Blog
Hacks for eating more fruit and vegetables
Many people have heard of the ‘5 and 2’ diet, made popular by British doctor and journalist Michael Mosley but few remember the original ‘5 and 2’; 5 veg and 2 fruit each day. Technically it’s ‘between 5 and 6 veg depending on your age and gender and 2 fruit’ but...
What does good posture look like?
- Your spine is not straight but rather has 3 curves when viewed from the side. Telling yourself to “stand up straight” is not often helpful.
- Improving your posture has the potential to resolve pain issues, improve your appearance, and increase the strength of your core muscles.
Sitting Posture
Slumping is wrong, so I should sit up straight, right? Well – no… At Bodyfit Physio we believe ‘good posture’ is an efficient posture. An efficient posture balances your body parts one on top of another, engaging your core, but using a minimum of muscular activity, so...
frequently asked questions
do I need a referral for physiotherapy?
No referral is needed for Physiotherapy. GPs frequently recommend physiotherapy, but a referral is not needed unless you are receiving funding under a GP management plan, GPMP (or Team Care Arrangement, previously known as an EPC). See the next answer for more details about the GPMP.
what should I expect in a physiotherapy assessment?
The first question we ask is “What are your aims for physiotherapy?”
We want to work with you in a way that is most helpful for you. Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history, asking you a number of questions about what has been happening for you. They will conduct a thorough assessment of your joints, posture, strength and any specific activities and movements that are relevant to your issue.
Common management approaches we use:
- Problem solving around how to best manage your symptoms / issues
- Sharing exercises that you can do at home so that you can help yourself
- Hands on treatment to improve your symptoms and mobility
- Supervised specially tailored exercise with our Pilates equipment to help you build specific strength in a supported environment if you and your physio think this would be helpful for you.
is physiotherapy covered under medicare?
Physiotherapy is only covered under Medicare under a GP management plan, GPMP (or Team Care Arrangement, previously known as an EPC). This is a specific program for people who have a chronic and complex medical condition. It provides a rebate of $57 for up to 5 sessions total per calendar year for allied health services such as Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Podiatry and more. Your GP can tell you if you are eligible for the plan. We have limited bulk billing appointments available for concession card holders.
can I use my private health insurance?
The majority of our clients are privately funded. Many have private health insurance which can be claimed on the spot with our HICAPS terminal.
can I access physio under NDIS, workcover, TAC, DVA
Yes we are able to bill directly for NDIS, Workcover, TAC, DVA.
what should I bring with me / wear
It is helpful for you to bring any relevant letters or reports regarding your issue or investigations you have had done.
Ideally wear clothes that allow you to move and allow the body part you would like addressed to be seen. We have shorts available in case you forget. Avoid dresses for low back pain, collars for neck pain and jeans for knee pain.
If you have a foot or running issue, please bring your usual shoes.
Dee Solomon (she/her)
Practice Manager
Dee joined the team at Bodyfit Physio having completed her degree in Health Information Management. As well as being great with health information, Dee is fabulous with people. She keeps our admin and accounts in order while at the same time looking after everyone. Dee is currently completing her Masters degree in Social work and looks forward in using her great communication skills to help and give back to the community. Out of work Dee enjoys spending time with family & friends, reading & staying active. Email Dee directly.
Juliet Hall (she/her)
Team leader. BSc (Physio)
Juliet loves working with her amazing team to provide high quality physiotherapy care across the clinic. Since graduating from Curtin University in Perth Juliet has gained more than 25 years of experience in all fields of physiotherapy. She finds her broad experience a valuable asset in providing a holistic approach to her client’s health. We love to be able to provide a space where everyone feels safe and cared for. Mums can bring their children to classes so that they can look after themselves. Please tell us what you need to assist you on your journey towards better health.
Juliet is passionate about advocacy for individuals or groups whose needs are not being met within the current system. She spearheaded facilitating the development and roll out of a lecture series for physiotherapists about hypermobility disorders. The Bodyfit Physio team is working to connect hypermobility practitioners through in person and online collaboration. The Bodyfit Paediatric team is working to increase awareness about Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), starting with maternal health nurses and Paediatricians, with a view to targeting kinders and schools in the future.
Juliet finds a combination of Pilates, strength training at the gym and taking time out every week just for her to be very beneficial for her own self-care. Juliet primarily works in conjunction with other physios in order to try and have the greatest impact. To book a time with Juliet and her staff please contact 9481 2348. Email Juliet.
Emilija Olsen (she/her)
BAppSc, MPhysioPrac
Emilija graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy Practice from La Trobe University. Emilija's love of classical ballet and keen interest in human biology and anatomy were the basis of her original decision to become a physiotherapist.
Emilija enjoys incorporating exercise, manual therapy and education to achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients. Emilija is passionate about assisting women on their pre and post-natal journeys. In 2020, she completed a course in the latest management of diastasis recti (abdominal separation). She enjoys working with mothers and expectant mothers to improve their quality of life and achieve their individual goals. Emilija has assisted mums with goals such as safely returning to exercise, increasing strength to be able to lift and carry their baby, reducing pain and improving pelvic floor and abdominal function.
Emilija always works with clients in their own preferred style. Many of her patients find clinical Pilates to be an effective way to achieve their goals. Emilija was selected to undertake a physiotherapy placement with the Australian Ballet during her final year of study. In addition to her 17 years of dance experience, this opportunity allowed her to enhance her knowledge and skills in the treatment of dancers.
Emilija likes treating all musculoskeletal injuries, but has a particular interest in pre and post-natal management, treating ankles, knees, back pain, neck pain, and dancers. She enjoys using Pilates in the prevention and treatment of injuries. Emilija is a dry needling certified practitioner. Emilija's name is pronounced "emma-lee-yah", but you are most welcome to call her Em. Email Emilija
Terry Wesselink (she/her)
BSc (Physio); Post Grad Cert (Pelvic floor); Cert IV TAE
Terry has over 25 years of physiotherapy experience and has post graduate qualifications in Pelvic Health Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne.
She is joining the Bodyfit team to share her extensive experience in pelvic health with the team and to support clients who need help with continence, pelvic floor, prostate or pregnancy related issues. She is also able to assist children who have bladder, bowel or toilet training issues.
Terry previously managed the Victorian Continence Resource Centre where she ran a busy NDIS Continence assessment clinic, and helped create new resources such as the Reclaim Your Core pelvic floor booklets and the www.goagainsttheflow.org.au website to bring pelvic health awareness to young women and teens.
She has delivered numerous toilet training and pelvic floor workshops to health professionals, schools and parents and is the author of a self-help book for people with incontinence, called WeeFree Women.
Terry enjoys assisting people with complex bladder, bowel and pelvic issues. With lived and family experience of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, she has a specific interest in helping adults and children manage the impact of connective tissue disorders and other chronic conditions on pelvic health. On weekends you will find Terry in her garden watching her bees, listening to the birds or in a nearby café enjoying a cup of coffee.
Hilary McAdam (she/her)
BSc, MPhysioPrac
Hilary is a La Trobe University graduate with a Masters of Physiotherapy Practice. She also completed an undergraduate degree in the USA whilst competing as a Division I Track and Field athlete.
Through personal experience and bouts of injury as a runner, Hilary has found a passion in improving the well-being of others and has developed a growing interest in the biomechanics of the lower limb in running with an emphasis of preventing injuries and improving technique.
Hilary also enjoys exploring movement with kids and teens and uses fun, goal-oriented games and activities to support each child, whilst drawing from experience as a swimming teacher and running youth fitness and skill development classes. She has a special interest in helping children and teens manage the impact of connective tissue disorders and those with Development Coordination Disorder (DCD). Hilary is passionate about encouraging everyone to be active and engage with the world in a physical sense and is committed to listening to each person’s story and understanding their individual goals to develop a shared plan that everyone believes in and can take ownership of. Hilary uses a mixture of both hands on and exercise-based treatment methods and enjoys using Pilates in the prevention and treatment of injuries.
Outside of the clinic you’ll find her cycling everywhere, running, playing the piano, and enjoying live music with friends on the weekend.