Assistant Director; APA Titled Physiotherapist (Continence & Women’s Health); Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Louise Henderson is the Assistant Director of the clinic, and manager of the Women and Men’s Health Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team at Total Physiotherapy Manly Vale in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Louise’s expertise is in women’s health, men’s health, and pelvic floor physiotherapy. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she works with patients who need assistance with:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Bladder and bowel concerns
• Pelvic pain
• Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain
• Birth preparation and postnatal rehabilitation
• Post-operative care for gynaecological and prostate surgery

Louise completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) in 1988 and went on to complete a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Continence and Women’s Health) in 2018. She is an APA Titled Physiotherapist in Continence and Women’s Health and an active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

Louise works with women and men experiencing pelvic health conditions, such as bladder or bowel control concerns, pain in the pelvic area and prolapse in women. Her aim is to understand the impact of these symptoms on quality of life and create a plan to improve function and confidence, allowing a return to exercise, social activities, family responsibilities and active lifestyles.

Louise’s evidence-based treatment approach begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand the causes of a problem. She applies a range of treatment strategies to help achieve meaningful outcomes. For pelvic health conditions this may include advice regarding bladder and bowel habits, pain-relief strategies and a specific, individualised exercise program. For musculoskeletal conditions, Louise employs a variety of manual therapy techniques, acupuncture and exercise-based rehabilitation. Louise commonly sees patients for:

• Women’s pelvic health, including overactive bladder, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Men’s pelvic health, including post-prostatectomy pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, pelvic pain, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence.

• Pre and postnatal care, including pelvic girdle pain management, preventative pelvic floor care, postnatal pelvic floor and abdominal muscle assessments, and guidance for a safe return to exercise following pregnancy and birth.

• Musculoskeletal conditions, including hip and sacroiliac joint pain, neck pain, and related movement and functional concerns.

Louise is actively involved in clinical leadership and education, serving as the Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Pelvic Health Manager where she supports and mentors the pelvic health team. She is passionate about sharing knowledge through participation in the Sydney North Primary Healthcare Network as well as providing education for local GPs, personal trainers, and the wider community.

Outside the clinic, Louise enjoys walking, swimming, playing pickleball, participating in trivia, and supporting the Sydney Swans.