Opening Hours
Mon - Thurs: 7:30am-6.00pm | Fri: 7:30am-4.00pm | Sat & Sun: Closed
Find your nearest
Sports and Spinal Physio

SPORTS & SPINAL SIPPY DOWNS

women's health services

Sippy Downs

Level 1, Inside the Ochre Building9 Ochre Way, Sippy Downs QLD 4556

BOOK NOWGET DIRECTIONs

Sippy Downs Sports & Spinal is located in Sippy Downs in the Ochre Building, conveniently located near Chancellor Park, Harmony Estate, Palmview and Glenview.

Sports & Spinal Physiotherapists use hands-on treatment and exercise therapy to manage a wide variety of injuries and complex pains.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy (also referred to as pelvic health or pelvic floor physiotherapy as men are also affected with pelvic concerns!) is the area of physiotherapy that deals with conditions relating to the bladder, bowel, pelvic floor, and pelvis, as well as pregnancy-related conditions including mastitis and lower back pain.

Our Physiotherapists are specially trained in pelvic floor assessment and treatment, and work closely with local specialists, surgeons, GPs and other health professionals to ensure that the treatment you are being provided is of the highest level and supported by current evidence.

Sippy Downs Sports & Spinal is NDIS registered and accepts Medicare rebates and HICAPS health fund claims. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are also available for payment. 

We like to allow 60 minutes for your initial appointment (this may vary in some circumstances) to ensure that there is enough time to take a detailed and thorough history and to allow plenty of time for discussion, education, treatment and questions.

Your initial appointment will involve some form of assessment, but this will depend on the condition you are seeking treatment for. Where appropriate, this may consist of an internal vaginal or rectal exam upon consent, but this will be discussed in more detail at your appointment where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the reasons behind the assessment. Other assessment methods may include real-time ultrasound, biofeedback and musculoskeletal screening.

After your assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to discuss with you the diagnosis and the options for treatment. This may involve a variety of things including (but certainly not limited to): pelvic floor muscle re-training, bladder and bowel management strategies, and strength and exercise programs. You will always leave our rooms with a good understanding of your diagnosis and with a comprehensive plan in place to target an improvement in your symptoms.

What Do I Wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable in! However, if you’re attending for a pain related condition, leggings or loose comfortable pants are recommended.

Do I need to bring anything?
Any relevant scans, letters or reports, as well as current medication lists. Sometimes we will also require a full bladder if we are planning on using the ultrasound machine for assessment, but the reception staff will let you know prior to your appointment.

We like to allow 60 minutes for your initial appointment (this may vary in some circumstances) to ensure that there is enough time to take a detailed and thorough history and to allow plenty of time for discussion, education, treatment and questions.

Your initial appointment will involve some form of assessment, but this will depend on the condition you are seeking treatment for. Where appropriate, this may consist of an internal vaginal or rectal exam upon consent, but this will be discussed in more detail at your appointment where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the reasons behind the assessment. Other assessment methods may include real-time ultrasound, biofeedback and musculoskeletal screening.

After your assessment, your Physiotherapist will be able to discuss with you the diagnosis and the options for treatment. This may involve a variety of things including (but certainly not limited to): pelvic floor muscle re-training, bladder and bowel management strategies, and strength and exercise programs. You will always leave our rooms with a good understanding of your diagnosis and with a comprehensive plan in place to target an improvement in your symptoms.

What Do I Wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable in! However, if you’re attending for a pain related condition, leggings or loose comfortable pants are recommended.

Do I need to bring anything?
Any relevant scans, letters or reports, as well as current medication lists. Sometimes we will also require a full bladder if we are planning on using the ultrasound machine for assessment, but the reception staff will let you know prior to your appointment.

No other stage of life stresses the pelvic floor more than pregnancy and childbirth. Even caesarian births affect the pelvic floor as it still stretches and bears the weight of the pregnant uterus for nine months. Maintaining pelvic floor strength and function throughout your pregnancy and postnatally is essential.

Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pelvic Girdle Pain is very common during pregnancy due to the major changes that occur within your body both physically and hormonally. A combination of hands-on treatment, strength and conditioning and mobility work is used to treat these aches and pains throughout pregnancy.

Women’s Health Classes

Exercise in pregnancy has been shown to reduce complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia and is a great way to reduce and treat pelvic girdle pain. Our classes are specific to postnatal concerns and they achieve all of the above in a supportive class environment, where little ones are welcome! Our classes are run across several Sports & Spinal clinics.

Click here to find your nearest Women’s Health class.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy is a blessing and is a thrilling, special time in your life that should be cherished. However, it can also be a physical and emotional rollercoaster, which is why it is so important for mums-to-be to take some time out to relax, be pampered and ease the aches, pains, and tension that come with pregnancy.

At Sports & Spinal we have a special pregnancy massage cushion, enabling Mums-to-be to be massaged while laying on their stomach. Our massage therapists use a specialised massage oil blend to massage your entire body focusing on the areas that most need work.

Postnatal Follow-Up

A pelvic floor check is an essential part of your postnatal recovery and is highly recommended prior to returning to exercise to prevent any long term complications. Our Physiotherapists work closely with our Exercise Physiologists to ensure new mums are building their pelvic floor strength as well as their general strength and fitness to support their lifestyles and health and fitness goals.

The term pelvic floor refers to the group of muscles that sit at the base of the pelvis. Their job is to provide support to the pelvic organs; bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum, as well as maintain continence.

The pelvic floor muscles can become weakened during pregnancy and childbirth, but they are can also be affected by constipation, a chronic cough and repetitive heavy lifting. Menopause can also influence how these muscles work.

Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine. There are several different types of incontinence.

Stress Urinary Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine with exercise, coughing, sneezing or movement such as rolling in bed or standing from a chair.

Urge Urinary Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine with the urge to go to the toilet. People often describe this as ‘not quite making it in time!’

Fecal Incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of stool; liquid or formed.

The term prolapse refers to any movement of the pelvic organs from their original position. Prolapse is commonly seen in women following childbirth but can happen at any stage during a woman’s life. Common symptoms include feelings of bulging or heaviness in the vagina or anus, difficulty emptying the bladder and/or bowel and difficulty keeping a tampon in.

Our Women’s Health classes are designed for your specific needs in exercise and rehabilitation through all phases of life.

Benefits of joining our Women’s Health Classes include:

  • Tailored and specific training to suit your needs
  • Ran by qualified Women’s Health trained practitioners
  • Pelvic floor strength, advice, and education
  • Core strength, advice, and education
  • Pregnancy and postpartum safe
  • Prolapse and incontinence safe
  • All over global and postural strengthening
  • Socialisation

Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, recovering from pelvic surgery, or have generalized pelvic floor concerns, these classes are safe, targeted, and specialised to suit your needs. PLUS babies aged under 1 year are more than welcome to come! 

How to join our Women’s Health classes:

You will need to attend a screening assessment with one of our Women’s Health Physiotherapists before commencing classes to ensure it is safe for you to start and to ensure that you gain the most from the classes by developing individualised programs and setting personal goals.
Antenatally, this can be done any time after 12 weeks. Postnatally, this will be done after your 6-week check-up with your obstetrician.

Sports & Spinal also offer Women’s Health Physiotherapy for pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, incontinence, prolapse, bowel function, and pelvic and sexual pain.

Our Women’s Health Package is your one-stop shop for all things Women’s Health!

The package is designed to ensure that you get the most out of your Women’s Health journey. Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, recovering from pelvic surgery, or have generalised pelvic floor concerns, our Women’s Health team can assist you.

What is in the package?

By joining our Women’s Health Package you will receive:

  • 3x Women’s Health Classes 
  • 3x Women’s Health Consults 
  • 1x Annabelle Trends water bottle 
  • 1x Pair of Move Active Pilates socks

How do I book in and use my package?

  1. Contact your local Sports & Spinal Women’s Health Physio/ Clinic
  2. Purchase the package and book an initial or standard (standard if you are a returning Women’s Health client) consult
  3. Start your Women’s Health journey!

Not sure how to use your package to its fullest potential? Don’t worry, your local Women’s Health Physio will guide you on how best to use your consults and classes.

Where are the packages available?

You can purchase your Women’s Health Package from Broadbeach, Buderim, Caloundra, Chermside, Hervey Bay, Kawana, Maroochydore, Nambour, North Lakes, Redcliffe, Sippy Downs, Springfield and Wynnum Sports & Spinal clinics.

services & FACILITIES

  • On-Site Parking (5 spaces)
  • Street Parking
  • Gym & Pilates Equipment
  • NDIS Registered
  • Medicare Rebates
  • HICAPS Health Fund Claims

OUR TEAM

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Emily Abbott

Women's Health & Continence Physiotherapist

Emily graduated from Curtain University in Western Australia in 2018 with First Class Honours in Physiotherapy. She worked for a number of years in hospitals across a large variety of areas, including medical, surgical, orthopaedic, and neurological rehabilitation, maternity, paediatrics, musculoskeletal and intensive care. It was during these years that she developed a passion for Women’s Pelvic Health after her work across maternity wards and assisting women to recover after urogynaecological surgeries. She has since gone on to complete several postgraduate courses in Pelvic Health, including a Graduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne.

Emily can treat and assist in antenatal and postnatal management, prolapse, poor bladder, and bowel control or incontinence, bladder and bowel pain, pelvic pain conditions such as painful intercourse, menstrual pain, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis and rehabilitation support for urogynaecological surgeries.

Emily’s passion is to partner with women to create and facilitate holistic health, well-being, and empowerment, so they can lead the life they want to live without limitations.

Emily is available for Women’s Health Physiotherapy appointments at our Maroochydore, Sippy Downs, and Buderim locations.

WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF US

6 mths ago, I was in the worst situation with my feet.... This is the best podiatry in the Sunshine Coast, the best service and the friendliest staff ever. Maddie and all the beautiful staff, thank you. I'm back at work. I wish you all my sincere thanks xx
Beth was absolutely wonderful with her sports massage. She explained what she was doing and why. Beth also let me know how I would feel the next day & how to treat any discomfort I may experience. Beth took the time with me and didn't make me feel as though she had to rush to her next patient.Thanks again!
Great first session with my physio.
Very happy with all aspects of my visit to Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy - highly recommended.
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Disability Action Week 2023 💪🏻

“From 25 November to 2 December 2023 celebrates Queenslanders with disability and the contributions they make to our families, communities, workplaces and economy.

This year’s theme – ‘Access ignites: it’s good business’ – focuses on increasing employment and economic participation of people with disability.”

Sports and Spinal Kawana works closely with their patients to increase their health and well-being to build community, social and economic participation 😃

Check out our range of classes ran by our exercise physiologists and physiotherapists via our bio 🙌🏻

#sportsandspinal #disabilityactionweek #alliedheath #exercisephysiology #physiotherapy #exercise #gym #disbaility #disabilityawareness #ndisprovider #ndis #ndisaustralia

Disability Action Week 2023 💪🏻

“From 25 November to 2 December 2023 celebrates Queenslanders with disability and the contributions they make to our families, communities, workplaces and economy.

This year’s theme – ‘Access ignites: it’s good business’ – focuses on increasing employment and economic participation of people with disability.”

Sports and Spinal Kawana works closely with their patients to increase their health and well-being to build community, social and economic participation 😃

Check out our range of classes ran by our exercise physiologists and physiotherapists via our bio 🙌🏻

#sportsandspinal #disabilityactionweek #alliedheath #exercisephysiology #physiotherapy #exercise #gym #disbaility #disabilityawareness #ndisprovider #ndis #ndisaustralia
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Healthy Gingerbread - Dietitian Approved ✅

▫️ 1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelt flour (plus 1/4 cup extra)*
▫️ 1/4 cup maple syrup
▫️ 2 tsp ground ginger
▫️ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
▫️ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▫️ 1/4 tsp bicarb soda
▫️ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▫️ 2 tbsp milk (any type)

Method 🥄
1. Preheat oven to 150C.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bicarb soda.
3. Form a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, maple syrup, and milk then mix to combine.
4. If the mixture is sticky, add the extra 1/4 cup of flour. 
5. With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat. Roughly 0.5cm thick.
6. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and lay the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
7. Form a ball with the left-over dough and repeat steps 4-5 for the remaining dough.
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden and then decorate however you wish!

* Can use Gluten Free or Buckwheat flour as an alternative 

Makes 18 biscuits: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low fodmap, Vegan
Nutritional information per biscuit: Cal: 86 Fat: 3.5g Carbs: 11.6g Protein: 1.8g

Healthy Gingerbread - Dietitian Approved ✅

▫️ 1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelt flour (plus 1/4 cup extra)*
▫️ 1/4 cup maple syrup
▫️ 2 tsp ground ginger
▫️ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
▫️ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▫️ 1/4 tsp bicarb soda
▫️ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▫️ 2 tbsp milk (any type)

Method 🥄
1. Preheat oven to 150C.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bicarb soda.
3. Form a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, maple syrup, and milk then mix to combine.
4. If the mixture is sticky, add the extra 1/4 cup of flour.
5. With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat. Roughly 0.5cm thick.
6. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and lay the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
7. Form a ball with the left-over dough and repeat steps 4-5 for the remaining dough.
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden and then decorate however you wish!

* Can use Gluten Free or Buckwheat flour as an alternative

Makes 18 biscuits: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low fodmap, Vegan
Nutritional information per biscuit: Cal: 86 Fat: 3.5g Carbs: 11.6g Protein: 1.8g
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Disability Action Week! 👩‍🦽

All this week we celebrate Queenslanders with disability and acknowledge the contributions they make to their families, workplaces, and communities. 

Sports & Spinal is proud to be able to work with and treat Queenslanders with disability!

Disability Action Week! 👩‍🦽

All this week we celebrate Queenslanders with disability and acknowledge the contributions they make to their families, workplaces, and communities.

Sports & Spinal is proud to be able to work with and treat Queenslanders with disability!
...

Last month Maroochydore Exercise Physiologist, Blair Austin graduated to local celebrity status!

Blair took part in an interview on ABC radio 🎙discussing ‘bungalow legs’ - a term referring to muscle wastage in the legs as a result of not regularly using stairs🦵It is often experienced by elderly people who move into a single story dwelling. 🏠

Maintaining leg strength is important as we age, to ensure mobility and independence is maintained.🕺 A lack of leg strength can greatly increase the risk of falls and injury. 

If you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in the legs, causing difficulty standing up or with general mobility, contact your local Sports & Spinal clinic and see how one of our Exercise Physiologists can help!

Last month Maroochydore Exercise Physiologist, Blair Austin graduated to local celebrity status!

Blair took part in an interview on ABC radio 🎙discussing ‘bungalow legs’ - a term referring to muscle wastage in the legs as a result of not regularly using stairs🦵It is often experienced by elderly people who move into a single story dwelling. 🏠

Maintaining leg strength is important as we age, to ensure mobility and independence is maintained.🕺 A lack of leg strength can greatly increase the risk of falls and injury.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in the legs, causing difficulty standing up or with general mobility, contact your local Sports & Spinal clinic and see how one of our Exercise Physiologists can help!
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✨PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2023 ✨

THE THEME FOR 2023 IS CONNECTION THROUGH CONVERSATION 👯‍♀️

At Sports and Spinal we offer Women’s Health classes which allows you to connect and relate with other mums and build a supportive community around you 💕 

“Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life changing 💥 Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one we know that reaching out and talking about the way you’re feeling can be really hard ‼️It can feel tricky to find the right words. You might be worried about the way the person you’re talking to will react, and there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong 🤦🏼‍♀️

That’s why this Perinatal Mental Health Week, we want you to know that everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and everyone deserves compassion and support 🙋🏾‍♀️ 

Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect. 

The PANDA Helpline provides counselling, referral and peer support from parents who have been through similar challenges. When someone calls, they will speak with a counsellor who understands the challenges of being a new or expecting parent. PANDA counsellors and peer workers listen with kindness and compassion, help callers explore support options, and can also provide information about appropriate specialist services” @pandanational 

PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 | Mon - Sat 9am — 7.30pm AEST/AEDT

#sportsandspinal #PMHWEEK #pmhweek2023 #activemums

✨PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2023 ✨

THE THEME FOR 2023 IS CONNECTION THROUGH CONVERSATION 👯‍♀️

At Sports and Spinal we offer Women’s Health classes which allows you to connect and relate with other mums and build a supportive community around you 💕

“Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life changing 💥 Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one we know that reaching out and talking about the way you’re feeling can be really hard ‼️It can feel tricky to find the right words. You might be worried about the way the person you’re talking to will react, and there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong 🤦🏼‍♀️

That’s why this Perinatal Mental Health Week, we want you to know that everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and everyone deserves compassion and support 🙋🏾‍♀️

Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect. 

The PANDA Helpline provides counselling, referral and peer support from parents who have been through similar challenges. When someone calls, they will speak with a counsellor who understands the challenges of being a new or expecting parent. PANDA counsellors and peer workers listen with kindness and compassion, help callers explore support options, and can also provide information about appropriate specialist services” @pandanational

PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 | Mon - Sat 9am — 7.30pm AEST/AEDT

#sportsandspinal #PMHWEEK #pmhweek2023 #activemums
...

National Diabetes Day 🍎

It’s time to know your risk and know your response. 
1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes with 90% having type 2 diabetes. In many cases, diabetes can be delayed or prevented by implementing healthy habits. 

It’s important to know your risk and what to do to support the prevention, early diagnosis ana timely treatment. 

The multidisciplinary team at Sports & Spinal can help! 
Our exercise physiology and dietitian team can help manage and assist with Diabetes. Get in touch with your local clinic today to learn more 👇
https://www.sportsandspinalphysio.com.au/locations/

National Diabetes Day 🍎

It’s time to know your risk and know your response.
1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes with 90% having type 2 diabetes. In many cases, diabetes can be delayed or prevented by implementing healthy habits.

It’s important to know your risk and what to do to support the prevention, early diagnosis ana timely treatment.

The multidisciplinary team at Sports & Spinal can help!
Our exercise physiology and dietitian team can help manage and assist with Diabetes. Get in touch with your local clinic today to learn more 👇
https://www.sportsandspinalphysio.com.au/locations/
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