Sarah Kenagy
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Sarah Kenagy sees patients at The Healthy Pelvis, Balcatta.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Specialised, trauma-informed care for pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and women's health conditions across all life stages.
Table Of Contents
Expert Pelvic Floor Care
At Elara Women's Health, we collaborate with highly skilled pelvic floor physiotherapists who specialise in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and women's health conditions.
Our physiotherapists understand the complex relationship between pelvic floor muscle function, pain, and quality of life. They provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.
Care Delivered with Compassion and Patience
We recognise that poor previous experiences of vaginal examinations can lead to a vicious cycle of fear and pelvic floor muscle overactivity or dysfunction. This can make further examination or a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound a potentially traumatic experience.
The pelvic floor physiotherapists we collaborate with take a trauma-informed approach.
Examinations and treatments are conducted with great care and patience, ensuring you feel safe, heard, and in control throughout your care.
Our physiotherapists can:
- Assess pelvic floor muscle activity with sensitivity and respect
- Advise on appropriate treatments and stretches to help relax deep pelvic floor muscles
- Teach methods of down-regulation of the pelvic floor muscles
- Guide you on what exercises should be avoided until pain improves
- Provide education and support to help you understand your condition
- Work collaboratively with your medical team for integrated care
Conditions We Can Help With
Our pelvic floor physiotherapists have expertise in treating a wide range of conditions affecting women's pelvic health.
Endometriosis & Persistent Pelvic Pain
Many women with endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain develop tension and upregulation of their pelvic floor. This leads to an exacerbation of pelvic pain with super-added low back pain and can contribute to dyspareunia (painful sex) and painful vaginal examination.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent pelvic aching
- Sudden sharp or stabbing pains up the vagina or bowel when muscles cramp
- Painful insertion of tampons, with pain lasting hours or days afterwards
- Low back pain associated with pelvic floor tension
- Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)
- Painful vaginal examinations
How physiotherapy can help: Our physiotherapists can assess pelvic floor muscle activity, provide appropriate treatments and stretches to help relax the deep pelvic floor muscles, and teach methods of down-regulation to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Endometriosis Flares & Post-Laparoscopy Recovery
It's important to have a skilled pelvic floor physiotherapist who can assist with the navigation of endometriosis flare-ups and gradual return to normal activities after surgery.
How physiotherapy can help: Our pelvic floor physiotherapists can provide guidance with graded exercises and stretches to promote recovery from an endometriosis flare-up or in the weeks following laparoscopic surgery to promote optimum recovery.
Support includes:
- Pain management strategies during flare-ups
- Gentle movement and stretching programs
- Post-surgical rehabilitation protocols
- Gradual return to exercise and daily activities
- Education on pacing and activity modification
Pudendal Neuralgia
Pudendal neuralgia can be caused by tight pelvic floor muscles and can cause pain in the 'saddle area' when you are sitting. This condition can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
How physiotherapy can help: Our physiotherapists can assist with pelvic floor muscle relaxation techniques to take pressure off the pudendal nerve, reducing pain and improving function. Treatment may include manual therapy, stretches, and education on posture and positioning strategies.
Bladder Pain Syndrome
Bladder pain syndrome is common in women with chronic pelvic pain and can lead to symptoms of frequency, nocturia (nighttime urination), and urgency with flares resembling urinary tract infections but with a negative urine culture.
Conditions we treat:
- Bladder pain syndrome
- Urethral pain syndrome
- Interstitial cystitis
- Painful bladder syndrome
How physiotherapy can help: Our pelvic floor physiotherapists can help with bladder and urethral pain through pelvic floor muscle relaxation, bladder retraining, education on bladder irritants, and strategies to manage flare-ups.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Bowel Emptying Difficulties
Most women with chronic pelvic pain have irritable bowel symptoms and sensitisation of the bowel as part of the chronic pain condition. Pelvic floor dysfunction can also contribute to difficulties with bowel emptying.
How physiotherapy can help: Our physiotherapists can help to promote better bowel health with comprehensive assessment and education. This may include guidance on optimal positioning for bowel movements, pelvic floor coordination, dietary considerations, and strategies to manage IBS symptoms.
Perimenopause & Menopause Support
Genitourinary Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause
Symptoms of bladder urgency, frequency, and stress incontinence can be common in the perimenopause/menopause stage of reproductive life.
How physiotherapy can help: These symptoms can be effectively treated with bladder training and pelvic floor exercises. Our physiotherapists will assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan to improve bladder control and reduce symptoms.
Dyspareunia (Painful Sex)
Loss of estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal tissues that can cause painful sex, vaginal discomfort, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
How physiotherapy can help: Pelvic floor physiotherapy in conjunction with medical treatments such as topical estrogen, vaginal moisturisers, and lubricants can be very helpful to help with the restoration of normal sexual function.
Treatment may include pelvic floor muscle relaxation techniques, dilator therapy, education on positioning and pacing, and coordination with your medical team for comprehensive care.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse & Vaginal Support Pessaries
During perimenopause, the weakening of the pelvic floor following childbirth and hormonal changes can lead to vaginal wall prolapse. This can be uncomfortable and lead to a heavy dragging sensation 'down below'.
How physiotherapy can help: Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help with making an assessment, providing appropriate pelvic floor exercises, advising on activity modifications and suitable general exercise, and, where necessary, fitting a ring pessary as an alternative option to vaginal repair surgery.
Pessary options available:
- Ring pessaries
- Cube pessaries
- Gellhorn pessaries
- Donut pessaries
- Continence pessaries
Our physiotherapists will work with you to determine the most appropriate pessary type and size for your individual needs, provide fitting and education on care and maintenance, and monitor your progress over time.
Meet your pelvic floor physiotherapists
Kate Fosdike
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Kate Fosdike sees patients at Lift Pelvic Physiotherapy, Currambine.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a specialised women’s health service delivered by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals dedicated to evidence-based care and advanced women’s health expertise. Meet our team.
Dr Sharon Vasey holds the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), and Dr Aye Kinzanar holds the Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Both doctors are members of the Australasian Menopause Society.
If you would like the opportunity to discuss your health issues with one of our doctors and receive guidance on next steps for your health journey we can offer a bulk billed video discovery call. Find out more.
Women’s health can be complex and require a longer appointment. At Elara we offer appointments ranging from 15 minutes to an hour.
For or latest fees, check out our pricing page.
1/165 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup.
Review our contact page for full contact information and how to find us.
For answers to more questions, check our frequently asked questions pages for patient information, menopause, endometriosis and contraception.
Why Choose Elara Women's Health?
Trauma-Informed Care
Our physiotherapists understand the sensitive nature of pelvic floor treatment. Every examination and treatment is conducted with compassion, patience, and respect for your comfort and autonomy.
Specialist Clinical Expertise
We collaborate with pelvic floor physiotherapists who have advanced training and extensive experience in women's health, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. You can trust that you're receiving expert, evidence-based care.
Collaborative Approach
As part of our multidisciplinary team, pelvic floor physiotherapy is fully integrated with your medical care. We work together to ensure comprehensive, coordinated treatment that addresses all aspects of your health.
Getting Started
If you're experiencing pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, or any of the conditions described above, our specialised pelvic floor physiotherapists are here to help. Take the first step toward improved pelvic health and quality of life.