Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our team has expanded! This incredibly skilful set of Physiotherapists have tertiary and advanced qualifications in the area of Women's, Men's and childhood pelvic health dysfunction. Each Physiotherapist has a special interest area of Pelvic health dysfunction and expertise.
We are located across the Gold Coast.
We look forward to working with you!
As an APA titled women’s physiotherapist and a mother, I created this highly specialised service for the Gold Coast community that is dedicated solely for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction for Women, Men and Children on the Gold Coast.
Our specialised services address the need for specialised treatment for bladder and bowel dysfunction and incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, pregnancy and postnatal care and hernia and surgical pre and post management as well as abdominal and lumbopelvic conditions.
With over 15 years experience, a Doctor of Physiotherapy and undergraduate training in Biomedical, organic chemistry and Exercise Science, I am passionate in helping Women, Men and Children continence achieve their optimal pelvic health eliminate pelvic pain and reach their best well being.
"My clinical focus is building a supportive and compassionate working environment for patients and collaborative with medical professionals. I am motivated to provide a highly skilled service to help achieve patients pelvic health goals. I work with patient's to create a holistic individualised plan of action and long term self management strategies that are effective and individualised."
Specialty areas:
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Vulvovaginal health, Vagina flora and menopausal changes
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Pelvic organ prolapse and pessary fitting and management
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Preparing the Pelvic floor for Childbirth and Postnatal recovery
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Lumbopelvic pain
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Childhood incontinence
I look forward to meeting you,
Elle
APAM, MACPS, AHPRA registered.
APA Titled Women’s Health and Continence Physiotherapist
Doctor of Physiotherapy
Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (major Women’s Health and Continence)
PostGradCertificates (Pelvic Floor muscle Rehabilitation, pain management and conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse)
Bachelor of Biomedical and Exercise Science
Dr Elle Pidgeon
Director and Senior APA Titled Women's Health and Continence Physiotherapist
locations: Benowa, Southport, Helensvale
Mitchell has a Doctor of Physiotherapy and has a background in Exercise Science and sporting injury management. Mitchell has a special interest in Male pelvic health conditions including pre and post prostatectomy, bladder and bowel conditions, pelvic pain as well as prehabilitation and post surgical management.
"I enjoy working with patients in a thoughtful and collaborative approach and I am rewarded by the successful outcomes with my patients."
Mitchell's areas of special interest include:
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Pre and Post Prostate surgery
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Hernia management protocol for the conservative management and post surgical care for abdominal wall and inguinal hernias
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musculoskeletal expertise in the assessment and treatment of spinal, hip, pelvis and groin conditions and pain
I look forward to meeting you,
Mitchell Carney
APAM, AHPRA registered
Doctor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor Exercise Science
GradDip (Msc) Vet Physiotherapy
Mitchell Carney
Senior Male Pelvic Health Special Interest Physiotherapist
locations: Southport
In 2018, Zara completed her Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy (Major in Continence and Women’s Health), at Curtin University. This dedication to her work and study allows Zara to be classified as an Australian Physiotherapy of Australia (APA) Titled Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. In other words, you can rest assured you are receiving a high quality service from a trusted and highly credentialed provider.
Zara has worked alongside Urogynaecology doctors and nurses in the public health service for 7 years. In this role she was the Senior Physiotherapist in the physiotherapy-led Pelvic Health Clinic (2016-2023). In this clinic she treated women with incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and tears after birth. Prior to this Zara’s career experience was in inpatient and outpatient Women’s Health services.
Research and best practice care is paramount to Zara. Over the last 7 years Zara has published peer-reviewed research articles surrounding Pelvic Health and optimal provision of healthcare.
Specialty areas:
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Pelvic and sexual pain conditions
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Obstetric care
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Urinary incontinence
I look forward to meeting you
Zara
Zara Howard
APA Titled Women's Health and Continence Physiotherapist
locations: John Flynn Hospital
Courtney graduated from Griffith University and began working as a physiotherapist in the community where she discovered her passion for pelvic health and paediatrics. Courtney has gone on to complete further studies in pelvic health and paediatrics to help women and children find their confidence.
University
Courtney’s areas of interest are:
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Childhood incontinence
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Paediatrics: Baby and Infant Milestone development assessment, Plagiocephaly treatment, Torticollis treatment, Global development delay
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Pre and postnatal assessments
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Urinary incontinence and prolapse management
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Sexual Health, Pelvic pain and endometriosis
"Her comprehensive care and goal directed treatment will help you on your postnatal recovery journey as well as any pelvic health concerns you may have at all stages of your life."
I look forward to meeting you,
Courtney
Courtney’s qualifications include:
• Level 1 Paediatrics APA
• Master of Physiotherapy Griffith University
• Bachelor Exercise Science Griffith University
• WHAT Advanced POP SUI
• Pelvic Health Level 2 APA
• Enhanced Skills in Paediatrics Monash University
• Advanced Skills in Neonatal Physiotherapy Monash
Courtney Weick
Physiotherapist with Special interest in paediatrics and women's health
locations: Southport, John Flynn Hospital
What our patients say about us
My Endo and pelvic pain was getting worse every month and my periods were my most dreaded time for me.
With Elle's expertise I now understand my pain and how to mange it myself.
Along with my pain management team and specialist I am an Endo survivor and am pain free and happily living the life I WANT TO!
Samantha
I was guided and supportive from start to finish. The advice I received prior to my prostate removal surgery and rehab post was what kept me going. After 12 weeks Golf here I come!
David
After a merry-go-round of seeing health professionals for my pelvic pain and back pain, I finally got the answers and guidance I needed. Now I can play sports again and enjoy my drive to and from work!
Tim
After kids I never thought I'd run or do bootcamp again....I'm back at the Gym! Doing the activities I love and my pelvic floor problems are NO longer restricting my LIFE!
Amy
I had complications after surgeries and I felt my bowel and bladder pelvic floor problems were limiting my life with my grandchildren and hobbies. I have learnt invaluable strategies and I am empowered to manage my conditions.
Judy
Phoebe is a mum of two boys and understands the complex nature of pregnancy, birth and caring for your babies. Phoebe is passionate about helping women in their journey to better and happier pelvic health.
Specialty areas:
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Obstetric care
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Urinary and fecal incontinence
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Pelvic and sexual pain conditions
I look forward to meeting you,
Phoebe
Phoebe’s qualifications include:
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Women's health training associates: Advanced POP SUI, Advanced Anorectal, Birth Choices
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Master of Physiotherapy Sydney University
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Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise) University of Western Sydney
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Cert IV Personal Trainer and Assessor
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Enhanced Skills in Paediatrics Monash University
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NSMDA Paediatric assessment APA
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Level 1 Mat Pilates QLD Institute of Pilates
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Pre and Postnatal Pilates QLD Institute of Pilates
Phoebe Armfield
Physiotherapist with Special interest in paediatrics and women's health
locations: Southport, Benowa
The Experts in Pelvic Health
Our Value
Pelvic floor problems can be challenging to manage and confronting to talk about. At Gold Coast pelvic health you will be supported along your journey towards optimal pelvic health. Using our expertise, specialist knowledge and deep understanding of pelvic floor problems, you’ll receive real solutions and experience true results. Get in touch to book an expert pelvic health consult.
What is a Pelvic Health and continence Physiotherapist?
The area of Pelvic Health care has dramatically evolved over the past few decades with focusing shifting to a multidisciplinary and holistic approach for conditions "below the belt" such as urinary and bowel continence problems, pelvic pain, lumbopelvic pain and sexual function problems.
Pelvic floor Physiotherapy is an essential and integral part of holistic health care management of these conditions with high degree training required to deliver a specialised skill set in this often challenging area.
A Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist is a highly qualified Physiotherapist who has undergone extra postgraduate studies such as a Clinical Masters or training via the Australian Physiotherapy College to be able to specialize in Continence and Women’s Health. This ensures the necessary skill set and knowledge to assess and treat patients with pelvic floor dysfunction receive a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and an understanding of the involvement of pelvic organs and lumbopelvic muscles and joints in the treatment of complex pain conditions and bowel and bladder problems.
What to expect at a consultation and treatment?
You don't need a doctor's referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist, however, a specialist such as a urologist, colorectal, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, urogynecologist or obstetrician and a General practitioner may refer you to this highly specialized service. Both a chronic disease management plan and Private Health extras will also provide you with rebates for this specialized Physiotherapy service.
The initial sessions will involve a full history of your condition and symptoms of bother and gaining a shared understanding of your condition as well as setting your pelvic health goals. They will also be interested in your fitness and job activities. A pelvic floor assessment via real time ultrasound (transabdominal or transperineal) may take place or an internal examination as indicated and discussed with you by your Pelvic Health physiotherapist.
Treatment may include a specific individualised strength and conditioning or down training pelvic floor training program targeting the noted deficits in the muscle and contributions to symptoms. Biofeedback in the form of electromyography or electrical stimulation may be used as well as real time ultrasound and manual treatment of the pelvic and spinal joints and muscles may be required. Advice about daily activities and fitness, as well as how to fix your bladder, bowel, prolapse or pain problem, will be provided. Functional training of the pelvic floor gets your muscles back working effectively when you need them.
Treatment time frames range from 12 weeks to 6 months, and will often require fortnightly to monthly appointments to get you your best and efficient outcomes.