By Jessica Fishburn, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
As a pelvic health physiotherapist with a special focus on pain management, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that patients face in accessing appropriate care. That’s why the recent announcement of the Federal Government’s $573 million women’s health package is such a pivotal moment for those suffering from pelvic pain and dysfunction.
Pelvic pain is complex. It’s often dismissed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood, leaving patients struggling with persistent discomfort, frustration, and uncertainty. Many of my patients have been through a long journey before finally finding the right care, which is why systemic improvements to access and treatment pathways are so crucial.
The Impact of This Change
This announcement signals a shift in how pelvic health conditions—especially those involving pain—are acknowledged and treated.
Here’s how I see it benefiting patients:
- More Dedicated Pelvic Pain Clinics: One of the most exciting aspects of this package is the introduction of new pelvic pain clinics. These will provide much-needed specialised care, ensuring that women experiencing chronic pelvic pain have access to experts who understand their condition and can offer appropriate treatments.
- Greater Affordability for Treatments: The cost of seeking help has been a significant barrier for many women. With greater Medicare rebates for menopause health assessments and long-term contraceptive insertions, alongside subsidies for crucial hormone therapies, more women will be able to access essential treatments without financial strain.
- Earlier Intervention and Holistic Care: With improved access to specialised services, we can intervene earlier and prevent pain from becoming chronic and debilitating. These changes support a more holistic, multidisciplinary approach—addressing musculoskeletal, nervous system, and psychological factors that contribute to pelvic pain.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you know has been struggling with persistent pelvic pain, now is the time to seek help. With improved access to physiotherapy and multidisciplinary care, we can address pain sooner and more effectively.
At Gen Health Hamilton, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to pelvic health care. We provide individualised treatment plans that consider the whole person—because no one should have to live with untreated pain.
This announcement is a step in the right direction, but there’s still work to do. More funding for women’s health-specific research and outcomes is essential, as it directly impacts health and wellbeing, ensuring that future treatments and policies are evidence-based and targeted to women’s unique needs. We must continue advocating for improved resources, better education, and increased awareness so that no one is left behind in their journey toward pain-free living.
If you have questions about how these changes might affect you or want to learn more about pelvic pain treatment, reach out—we’re here to help.
Read more about pelvic health physiotherapy at Gen Health here.
