The pelvic floor chair.. what is it all about?

In the past year or two, we have received more and more questions about the pelvic floor chair.  What is it? Does it work? Is this a good option for women and men with urinary incontinence?

Physiotherapists have long-utilised electrophysical agents to facilitate neuromuscular system function.  Back in the day, physios used infra-red light therapy on swollen and sore perineums postpartum; later, therapeutic ultrasound opened up a new and low-cost healing modality for this same issue, with immediate and effective outcomes.  Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) has been used for decades in the management of pain and bladder urgency; more recently shock-wave therapy has emerged as a common treatment in musculoskeletal conditions.

Like you, we wanted to know if the pelvic floor chair, which uses electromagnetic therapy and often claims to cure urinary incontinence, is a worthy treatment (and a worthwhile investment) in pelvic health.  We did a deep dive into the current research.  Here’s what we found…

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2025 in Neurourology and Urodynamics journal explores whether HIFEM therapy (high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy) offers significant benefits to women suffering with urinary incontinence.

What Is HIFEM Therapy?

HIFEM therapy uses a powerful electromagnetic field to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles without the need for probes, electrodes, or active patient participation. By inducing rapid, involuntary “supramaximal” muscle contractions, the therapy aims to strengthen and retrain the pelvic floor.

What Did the Researchers Study?

The authors reviewed seven clinical studies involving women with various forms of urinary incontinence, including stress, urge, and mixed. These studies compared HIFEM or magnetic stimulation treatments with sham (ie fake) treatments, pelvic floor muscle training, or electrical stimulation.

Key Findings:

1. Fewer Incontinence Episodes

Women receiving HIFEM experienced a significant reduction in urine leakage episodes compared with control groups. On average, participants had several fewer leakage events per week, particularly those with stress or urge incontinence.

2. Symptom Scores Improved

HIFEM led to a meaningful improvement in symptom severity, measured by the widely used ICIQ-UI Short Form questionnaire. This suggests women felt better control and less disruption from their symptoms after treatment, however no physical assessment was conducted such as the use of ultrasound or vaginal exam, which is our gold-standard assessment in pelvic physiotherapy for pelvic floor muscle function.

3. Quality of Life Benefits

While overall quality-of-life improvements were mixed when all studies were combined, subgroup analyses showed clear benefits for women with stress and urge incontinence. Many participants reported feeling more confident and less restricted in daily activities.

4. Muscle Activity Changes Were Less Clear

Objective measures of pelvic floor muscle activity (using surface electromyography) did not consistently show significant changes. This suggests that symptom improvement may not always align with measurable muscle activity—or that current measurement tools may not fully capture functional improvements.

5. Appears Safe

Across studies, no serious adverse effects were reported. HIFEM was generally described as painless, non-invasive, and well tolerated.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

Despite encouraging results, the authors urge caution:

• The number of high-quality studies is still limited
• Treatment protocols varied widely
• Some studies had small sample sizes or were poorly conducted
• Long-term outcomes are unknown

Because of these limitations, HIFEM cannot yet be considered a standard treatment for urinary incontinence.

In Summary:

Current evidence suggests that HIFEM therapy may be a safe and effective non-invasive option for improving urinary incontinence symptoms and quality of life in women—especially those with stress or urge incontinence. However, more robust, well-designed clinical trials are needed before it can be widely recommended in routine care.

HIFEM treatment does not replace an individual pelvic health assessment, conducted by a pelvic health physiotherapist. For now, pelvic floor muscle training remains the first-line treatment.  Our strong recommendation if you are considering utilising the pelvic floor chair, is to have a comprehensive pelvic health physiotherapy assessment first.

References:

Leonardo, K., Rahardjo, H. E., & Afriansyah, A. (2025). Noninvasive High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy in Women With Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurourology and urodynamics, 44(2), 424–433. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.25658

Thriving in Pelvic Health includes Naturopathy!

For a number of years we have been keen to have a naturopath join our team at Consano.  Naturopathy and nutritional support are integral in the management of many pelvic health conditions.  In 2026 we’re delighted to welcome Kerrie Rowe, Principal Naturopath at Thrive Naturopathics, to the team at Consano Pelvic Health Centre.

Kerrie works to identify and address the underlying drivers of health concerns, using evidence-based naturopathic care to support the body’s natural capacity to restore balance and function.

Her approach combines herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, nutrition and lifestyle support, with care tailored to the individual.

Kerrie has a strong focus on women’s health across all life stages and has recently completed advanced training with Intimate Ecology through their Vagiversity program, focusing on vaginal and genitourinary health. This aligns closely with pelvic floor care and supports a truly holistic model of treatment.

Kerrie has a particular passion for paediatric care, supporting babies, children, adolescents and their caregivers.  She values working collaboratively with other healthcare practitioners to achieve the best outcomes for her patients.  She is already thriving in the seamless flow of knowledge sharing with the Consano pelvic health team!

Kerrie supports clients with:

• Pain, fatigue, inflammation
• Hormonal health (imbalances, puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
• Recurrent urinary tract infection
• Gastrointestinal concerns including bloating, constipation, IBS, reflux
• Anxiety, mood and sleep concerns
• Skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis)
• Joint hypermobility disorders
• Neurodivergency (ADHD, ASD)
• Babies, children, adolescents and their caregivers

With a background in Human Services, Kerrie’s care is grounded in compassion, safety and ensuring every client feels genuinely heard and respected.

Kerrie is now consulting at Consano on Wednesdays, 8:00 am – 12:15 pm.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kerrie to the Consano team and the broader community she supports.

Rectus abdominis diastasis – what does it mean, and is it a problem?

Recent research has changed our understanding of this normal muscle separation that occurs in pregnant women, and how to assess and treat it after the birth of your baby.  In the past, it was thought that abdominal exercises such as crunches, may make this worse. As we seek to better understand a woman’s body and the changes experienced in pregnancy, birth and postpartum, here at Consano we have delved into the updated science around this common (and often worrying) abdominal change.  Read on to better understand the updated evidence and how to approach recovery postpartum.  The first step is assessment, followed by individual management – part of our expertise as physiotherapists who have specialised in understanding issues uniquely related to being pregnant and birthing.

What is Diastasis Recti?

During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles gently stretch apart to make room for your growing baby. You have four layers of abdominal muscle, each with differing and integrating functions.  The connective tissue in between the two sides of the ‘top layer’ muscle softens and widens. This is known as diastasis recti (DRA/RAD) or abdominal separation. Almost every pregnant woman experiences it, and for most, it heals naturally after birth as hormones rebalance, your uterus contracts down to its usual size, and your muscles recondition to support you in day to day life.

DRA is usually measured in the clinic by observing the abdomen, as well as by palpating (pressing) the abdominal muscles at rest and during activity.  Both the width – inter-recti distance (IRD) – and depth is measured.  Research shows that at the end of pregnancy, the average IRD is 67mm and by six months postpartum, 80% of women’s IRD reduced below 34mm. This highlights that the body has a natural, intelligent healing process, especially after birth.

The first 8 weeks: a window for healing

The early postpartum period is a special time. Your body is laying down new type I collagen – the strong, permanent fibers that firmly support your abdomen.  This abdominal tissue is called fascia. Think of it like wet concrete; if it’s supported in the right position, it will set strong and close together. That’s why the first eight weeks are about support and recovery, not heavy strengthening.

Skip early deep core training

Traditional advice to “zip up” the core using transversus abdominis (TA) activation may sound good, but studies show that in some women it can pull the IRD further apart in early healing. A 2019 study found that women who did TA-only exercises had worse abdominal recovery than those who did nothing.  This is a significant change from what we previously thought and consequently has changed our advice and management as up-to-date physiotherapists.

Gentle support works better

Your abdominals are meant to work as a team; rectus abdominis (“six-pack” muscle), obliques (waistline/twisting muscles), and the deep core together. When these muscles activate in balance, they naturally help bring the abdominal wall back together.

Early (0–8 weeks):

– Use a gentle binder or compression shorts for comfort and support.
– Try small, controlled head lifts or mini crunches following assessment with your pelvic health physiotherapist
– Focus on breathing, posture, and gentle daily movement.
– Avoid strong “draw-in” cues that hollow your belly.

-at Consano we can advise and provide all the above management on an individual basis, including supportive garments.

Later (after 8 weeks):

– Gradually strengthen the whole abdominal wall.  This will include a variety of exercises.  Your pelvic health physiotherapist can guide you in a program, to help you make a start and progress over time.
– Include full-body movements (eg squats, side bends, planks).
– Add resistance as your body is ready.

Don’t fear “doming”

Seeing your tummy “dome” slightly isn’t necessarily bad. There’s no research showing that doming impacts tissues negatively, it’s often just how your body responds with movement.  Doming may even be protective of the pelvic floor and pelvic organs, in some women, as the pressure is distributed throughout the core under load.  Rather than avoiding movement, focus on good technique, breathing, and control.

Trust the process

Your postpartum body is healing in many wondrous ways. When you support that process, you’ll recover to be stronger and more confident in your body.  It is possible to regain strength anytime, however the first eight weeks determine abdominal structure to a large degree. Let your body do what it knows how to do.  And if you need help, give us a call.

Hypnobirthing: Empowering the Modern Birthing Woman

 In today’s world, where information is everywhere and expectations around birth can feel overwhelming, many women approach labour with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Some attend hospital antenatal classes, while others feel they don’t need any preparation at all — but birth isn’t just a physical event. It’s an emotional and transformative experience, and how you feel during it truly matters.

Hypnobirthing is sometimes mischaracterized as “new-age” or unnecessary, but in fact it relies on proven, evidence-based techniques to prepare your mind and body for birth. Much like training for a marathon, preparation makes all the difference. Investing in your birth experience is an investment in yourself — one you will never regret. Nursery furniture can always wait, but feeling calm, confident, and positive about your birth sets the very best foundation for this journey.

That’s where hypnobirthing comes in.

Hypnobirthing is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that helps you prepare both mind and body for birth. You learn tools like deep relaxation, breathing, visualisation, and yes — self-hypnosis (just one of the many techniques taught) — all aimed at helping you move through labour with more calm, confidence, and clarity.

Why Hypnobirthing Matters

Around 1 in 3 women experience birth trauma, and a huge part of this often comes from feeling disempowered or excluded from decisions during labour. Hypnobirthing helps change that narrative. It gives you the confidence to create boundaries, ask the right questions, and make informed choices — so no matter what path your birth takes, you can feel calm, supported, and positive about the experience.

While a small percentage of women do need medical intervention — and we’re incredibly fortunate to have that support when needed — for the majority, birth is a natural, physiological process. Our bodies instinctively know how to bring our babies safely earthside. Hypnobirthing helps you trust that innate wisdom, while also equipping you to navigate any changes with clarity and confidence.

It’s a Team Effort

One of the most empowering parts of hypnobirthing is the role it gives to birth partners. Far from being a passive observer, your partner learns how to create a calm environment, advocate for your choices, and offer meaningful physical and emotional support.

They’re taught practical tools such as light touch massage, acupressure, and anchor touch — all of which help you to stay relaxed, supported, and connected during labour. Many partners leave the course feeling confident, capable, and ready — with plenty of hands-on techniques and ways to support Mum throughout labour and beyond.

Preparation That Makes a Difference

Hospital classes can provide useful information, but they don’t always prepare you fully for the emotional and mental aspects of birth. Hypnobirthing goes deeper — teaching you how to stay grounded, informed, and in control, whatever direction your birth takes. Many families who have attended both say hypnobirthing gave them the missing piece: confidence, calm, and connection.

Hypnobirthing with Serene Start by Orla at Consano

Serene Start by Orla now offers group Hypnobirthing Australia™ classes here at Consano Pelvic Health Centre.

A little about Orla:

• She’s a senior social worker with over 13 years’ experience working with women in pregnancy and postpartum 
• She’s a hypnobirth mum to two boys
• She’s a qualified Hypnobirthing Australia™ practitioner and baby massage practitioner
• Orla has a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing, and emphasises the importance of postpartum planning
• Her sessions are trauma-informed, warm, evidence-based, and inclusive

If you want to dig deeper, you can explore positive client stories 25on the Hypnobirthing Australia™ site (hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au).

For further details, check out Orla’s website or Instagram — serenestartbyorla.com.au or on instagram @serenestartbyorla — or contact her directly on 0481 535 400.

Your birth journey deserves more than just “what happens.” You deserve to feel present, heard, empowered, and prepared — whatever path your birth takes.

Optimal Maternal Positioning

In May two of our team attended a one-day course in Perth, on Optimal Maternal Positioning.  What a treat!  It has been five years since the founder and teacher of this course, Ginny Phang-Davey, has been in Perth running the face to face ‘OMP for Birth Professionals’ course.  Focused on upskilling practitioners who support birthing women, OMP provides a practical and informed approach to to help women birth well with less intervention and complication.

So what is OMP? 

We know how babies develop in utero, grow and are born.  We also know what happens in a mother’s body during labour, in terms of hormonal changes, uterine contractions and cervical dilation.  Optimal maternal positioning is about looking at the pregnant mother’s body – both during pregnancy, and birth – and addressing tension, pain and postural alignment, to facilitate the ideal conditions and space, for birth to go well… for both mothers and babies.

“Optimal Maternal Positioning exists to help birth professionals and parents with revolutionary techniques to create space within the pelvis for a safer, easier and more comfortable birth. Better birth outcomes are not just important, they are possible with OMP.”

The OMP course educates care providers in normal labour physiology, and how the mother’s position influences the functioning of her body during birth.  This allows both care providers AND birthing women to understand and support her body to prepare for birth physically.  The OMP course teaches practical techniques including stretches and exercises, to address soft tissue tension and posture, creating more ease in the pregnant mother’s body.   The practical focus is easy to understand and implement once taught and practised.. so the focus is really on educating and empowering birthing mothers and their partners, to better understand how the body is working during labour.

OMP aligns so well with our work as pelvic health physios.  Our in-depth knowledge of pelvic anatomy and physiology, and pain science, combined with our understanding of labour and birth, give us unique insight and skill in applying OMP with pregnant women.

Reflections from our pelvic health physiotherapist Zoe, who attended this course:

“I attended the OMP course with the goal of deepening my understanding of the physiological experience of labor. As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I believe we are uniquely positioned to support expecting parents by providing education and practical techniques to help them prepare for birth.

I found the theoretical component of the course particularly engaging, especially the exploration of labor from the baby’s perspective. The practical portion was equally valuable, offering hands-on experience with techniques that I’ve since integrated into my work.

I’ve already applied what I learned with several pregnant patients, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many patients are eager to understand how they can prepare both mentally and physically for birth, and the positions taught in the course offer an excellent starting point. They help reduce pelvic pain and tension, promote mobility, and support relaxation.”

If you are interested to learn more about OMP and think this could help you (we believe it can!), as proud OMP Ambassadors our team at Consano are ready to support you.  We LOVE to assist women to approach birth with more confidence. Contact us to arrange a session with Zoe, Nicola, Malina or Alison – partners are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Event: Empowered Pregnancy by City of Swan

Consano Pelvic Health Centre has teamed up with the City of Swan for an amazing series of workshops, providing valuable information and insight for families and mothers through pregnancy and beyond.

Consano at the Perth Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Expo

Last Sunday 3 November 2024, the Consano team attended the Perth Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Expo at Rendevous Hotel in Scarborough. It was a wonderful day that allowed us to connect with so many women and their partners at all stages of their pregnancy journey. The atmosphere in the expo was inviting, with a wide range of perinatal experts sharing and engaging with all those who attended.

Two lucky ladies walked away with a prize, a Consano branded Fit Ball, and a block of antenatal pilates classes valued at $270. Congratulations ladies!

Upcoming Event: 2024 Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Expo

This Sunday 3 November, Consano will be participating in the Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Expo which will be held at Rendevous Hotel Scarborough from 10am to 5pm. Hosted by Back to Basics Birthing, this expo will be showcasing the amazing range of services available in Perth to support you on your journey, from conception to pregnancy, birth and beyond. Exhibitors include fertility support, doulas, midwives, photograhy, massage, naturopaths, first aid, breastfeeding support and, of course, Consano will be there to discuss all your pelvic health needs.

Our Practice Principal, Alison, will be speaking at 3.30pm about the pelvis, changes to the pelvic floor during pregnancy, and recovery postpartum.

Register online for your FREE ticket for the event at

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/perth-pregnancy-birth-postpartum-expo-tickets-1024623736177?fbclid=IwY2xjawGNZb1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYNqxFHU7nDiT_MFi1Q7mvqfMtsCjM21gytzqVBgpExnygwcacQHhGyycg_aem_8RXXWYqnUBF4owh_czX7yg

We look forward to seeing you there!

Menopause: time to pause

Are we priming the system to expect an experience of menopause?

Are we creating the experience of menopause?

Does it become predictive in nature?

The word menopause refers to a woman’s last menstrual period. When a woman has had no period for twelve consecutive months, she is considered to be post-menopausal.  What do we really know about menopause?  What do we hear about? How can we manage this natural transition in our lives differently?  It is something that all women living into and beyond their sixth decade, will experience.

What if menopause was framed differently.  What if menopause was framed as a time of transition in a woman’s life, an opportunity to literally pause, breathe, feel and reflect. What if menopause was an opportunity to feel the repressed anger, anxiety, frustration. An opportunity to use your voice, speak your truth.  An opportunity to make changes in your life. To be your authentic self.

What if menopause was framed as an opportunity to own your sexual health, pelvic health, emotional health.. your whole self.  An opportunity to improve your lifestyle and to experience your world through a different lens.

We keep thinking of the phrase “ancient bodily wisdom”.  There is wisdom in this transition phase, there is an intelligence to this passage of time.

What if we celebrated this time, instead of fearing it.

And what could happen if we make all these changes before menopause even begins!!

Team Consano explore new frontiers at GWM Ironman 70.3 in 2023!

The start of December at Consano represented an exciting new venture for our close-knit team, as Jocelyn, Malina and I travelled to beautiful Busselton in the south-west of Western Australia to compete in the GWM Ironman 70.3 event.  This well-organised triathlon includes a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run.  The reflections by our team on this event, inspired me greatly, and I carry this energy and openness into the New Year as we seek to expand our place of healing at Consano.

Jocelyn:

Why did I choose to participate?

Swimming almost 2km in the ocean is something I never thought I would do – I’ve never done an ocean swim before. Since having my two daughters I felt like I was on the sideline when it came to ‘active fun’. My back and pelvis were too sore, I felt too weak, I couldn’t run, jump, and play. The pain was a physical and mental barrier, and I took on the role of observer on the sideline. My daughters would even say to others that ‘mum is too sore to play’. And it broke my heart, but I just accepted it.

My journey at Consano has immersed me in an environment where I am supported to build and expand my emotional and physical capacity, not just accept that I ‘can’t do’ certain things anymore. This opportunity gave me a tangible goal to work towards, with two inspiring humans by my side.

I also wanted my daughters to see their mum taking on a challenge, not on the sidelines, working hard to achieve a goal and no longer making excuses.

What was my most significant learning from this event?

My main challenge was putting aside the excuses that have been my safety blanket for so long and just doing what I had to do.

I learned that I was already so much more capable than I thought. I swam 1.9km in 43 minutes, a good 10 minutes faster than I thought I would. I was tired, but also felt I still had more in the tank. I do feel I held back a bit because I thought I would be in pain and fatigued afterwards. But I wasn’t. That truly surprised me in the most wonderful way. It was a significant reminder of how far I have come in the last year, emotionally and physically.

Would I do this again, and why?

Yes!! I’ve achieved my goal of simply crossing the finish line, but there’s definitely room for growth. I want to finish in under 40 minutes, go harder, feel stronger.

I also feel that as a team we have unfinished business – I’m looking forward to all three of us crossing the finish line next year.

Malina:

Why did I choose to participate?

When Alison asked if I would like to participate in this event doing the cycle leg I don’t think I paused before saying yes, but the yes was laced with doubt at my ability to do this. It had been 10 years since I’d cycled 90km.

I was looking for a reason to get back on my bike. One of my favourite possessions, it had carried me thousands and thousands of kilometres as I pushed and sweated. It came with me from Kalgoorlie to Perth three years ago despite selling or giving away most of my belongings.  It has sat in my house waiting for me all that time.  What better reason could I have to get back on my bike than to participate in this event with two of the most wonderful women I know.  I was getting back on my bike a vastly different person emotionally, mentally and physically than the ‘me’ of ten years ago.

What was my most significant learning from this event?

I learned a few wonderful and difficult lessons from this event.

First, it is possible to find the time to physically challenge yourself.  When there is a will and you have support, there is a way.  Not only is it possible, but it is also important to reconnect with the things you love, and to continue to make time for them in your life.  I had quite forgotten the feeling of riding fast down a hill in the early morning air; the feeling of freedom, speed, strength – complete joy.

I also learned that it just takes a moment of not being in your body, a moment of distraction and things can change.  I broke my foot the night before the event and I was unable to ride the next day, I was devastated.  I felt disappointed, angry, sad.. and reflective. I also felt very loved and supported.  I think if there’s two people you want on your team when something like that happens, it’s Jocelyn and Alison.

The most important lesson I am continuing to learn from my experience is to slow down and ask for help. This is an ongoing physical and emotional challenge for me.

I feel so proud to be a part of Team Consano, proud of Jocelyn and Alison’s achievements, proud of my own.

Would I do this again, and why?

I think Jos summed it up nicely, the unfinished business.  I would love to cross the finish line in 2024 as part of Team Consano.

Alison:

Why did I choose to participate?

When I first heard about this event, it was relatively close – just a few months away.  I suggested it to our team, knowing Jocelyn had been a swimmer and Malina had been a cyclist – both some years past.  I was delighted when they both agreed to join me in doing this half ironman, as I thought it would be a new and profound experience for our team.  I presented the idea knowing it would challenge us all – Jocelyn to get back in the pool, and Malina to get back on her bike – and myself, to open to a new experience of ‘team’.  This was my first triathlon, having previously only run solo.  For the three of us, it also presented one of the great challenges faced by all working mums – making it all work!  Being there for our kids, and all the logistics of day-to-day life; being present at work; fitting in training to extend our physical capacity; and opening up to the emotional challenges in all of the above.

What was my most significant learning from this event?

At the start of 2023 I had excitedly set out to expand Consano as a place of pelvic health healing, with these two women by my side.  Then what I seemed to observe over time, was contraction, as members of our team came and went.  It was confusing, frustrating and at times, very stressful.  Now, on reflection, what I can see is that the expansion was within us, our core team.  The three of us rose to the challenges that came our way during the year, as we opened up to feeling the lows as well as the highs, and continued to ‘walk’ together.  We built capacity in this way – by opening up and feeling.  I already knew I worked with two incredible women – intelligent, dedicated, passionate, healthy – are words that come to mind.  What I learned after this challenging half ironman event, the ‘icing on the cake’ in 2023, is that our capacity is greater than any of us knew.  We have grown, we have expanded, and that is ongoing.  I also learned that I am not alone as I carry our Consano vision forward into 2024.  I am part of a team.

Would I do this again, and why?

Running this distance is never easy for me, and yet I keep going back for more!  I find that I face significant physical, mental and emotional challenges in every long distance run.  I  also find this to be the most wonderful opportunity for growth and learning.  When I run I am challenged to explore pain on every level, and have changed my relationship to pain in this way. On a daily basis I encourage patients to open up to feeling their bodies, including their pain.  I am committed to the idea that humans need to feel, to heal.  With this in mind, and with a supportive, energetic, passionate team, I am curious to see what we can achieve as we approach this event together again in 2024. Bring it on.

I’m also really looking forward to seeing Malina ride like the wind 🙂