Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about pelvic floor physiotherapy. If you don't see your question here, please get in touch.
Your first appointment lasts approximately 60 minutes. It begins with a confidential discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will then perform an assessment which may include postural observation, breathing pattern assessment, and an internal (vaginal) pelvic floor muscle assessment — always with your full consent and at your comfort level. You'll leave with a personalised treatment plan and a clear understanding of the next steps.
No, you do not need a referral to see a pelvic health physiotherapist in New Zealand. You can book an appointment directly. However, if you plan to claim through insurance, some providers may require a referral from your GP or specialist — please check with your insurer.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. You may be asked to change into a gown for the assessment, so wearing something easy to change in and out of is helpful. All rooms are private and your comfort and dignity are respected throughout.
The internal (vaginal) assessment should not be painful. You remain in control at all times and can ask to stop at any point. If you experience any discomfort, your physiotherapist will adjust the approach. Some patients with pelvic pain may find internal assessment triggers discomfort — in these cases, the assessment can be modified or deferred. For patients who decline internal assessment, a highly effective external-only assessment is also available.
Yes, absolutely. We treat patients of all ages and backgrounds, including those who are not sexually active, those who have never been sexually active, and those who have experienced trauma. Internal assessment is offered but never required — many patients are successfully treated with external assessment alone. Your comfort, consent, and boundaries are always respected.
Treatment duration varies depending on your condition, its severity, and how consistently you practise between sessions. Many patients notice improvement within 3–6 sessions. Your physiotherapist will discuss an estimated timeline after your initial assessment.
Yes, we accept ACC claims for pelvic floor injuries. ACC covers treatment for injuries — for example, pelvic floor muscle injury during childbirth. Please mention any ACC claim when booking so we can advise on the process.
Yes. Even if you didn't have a vaginal birth, pregnancy itself places significant demand on your pelvic floor. A C-section is major abdominal surgery and recovery involves caring for both the pelvic floor and the abdominal incision. Postnatal physiotherapy is beneficial regardless of delivery method.
It is never too late. Whether you gave birth 6 weeks ago or 30 years ago, pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened at any age. We see patients in their 20s through their 80s — improvement is possible at every stage of life.
Most of the time, yes — pelvic floor exercises without professional guidance on technique rarely work as well. The 85% success rate is based specifically on supervised training with a qualified pelvic health physiotherapist. An assessment can identify whether you've been doing the exercises correctly and get you on a plan that actually works for your body.
Pelvic Care Physiotherapy has three clinics across Auckland — in Newmarket (inside Auckland Gynaecology Group), Takapuna, and Botany (inside Peak Pilates and Physiotherapy). Jana Martins Claro is a Certified Pelvic Health Physiotherapist providing evidence-based care at all three locations. Book online or call 021 0850 6267.
Jana Martins Claro is a Certified Pelvic Health Physiotherapist (BHSc Physiotherapy) with intensive, targeted training dedicated specifically to pelvic floor conditions — incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, and pregnancy-related care — across three Auckland clinics.