No, you don't need a referral to book an appointment with any of our practitioners. You can book directly online or contact us to arrange your appointment. A GP referral is only needed if you plan to subsidize your session with a Medicare plan. If there is any information you want other clinicians to share with the team, these letters can be sent to info@anarahealth.com.au.

Absolutely. While each practitioner at Anara Health operates as an independent business, we work within a collaborative model that supports whole-person care. With your consent, clinicians can communicate and coordinate your treatment where it may be beneficial, helping to create a more connected and supportive care experience.

Yes. Massage and body work is safe during pregnancy when provided by a suitably trained practitioner. All practitioners at Anara Health are specifically trained in pregnancy care and adapt treatments to each stage of pregnancy and your individual needs.

Appropriate screening is completed prior to treatment, and positioning, techniques, and pressure are carefully adjusted to ensure your comfort and safety. Open communication is encouraged throughout your session, and you are always welcome to share how you’re feeling.

During pregnancy, vaginal examinations with a trained women’s health physiotherapist can be a safe and supportive part of care for some women. These physiotherapists are specially trained to carry out assessments gently and respectfully, always prioritising your comfort and the wellbeing of both you and your baby.

These examinations may help assess pelvic floor function, identify areas of tension or concern, and guide personalised care to support comfort, pelvic health, and preparation for birth.

Vaginal examinations are usually recommended after the first trimester, with internal release or treatment work typically offered from 17 weeks onwards. If you feel you may benefit from an earlier session, this can be discussed directly with your physiotherapist.

Your consent and comfort are central to all care. Consent forms, including additional screening questions and information, will be provided after booking so you have time to read, reflect, and ask any questions before your appointment.

The main contraindications for vaginal examination during pregnancy are if you have been advised to be on pelvic rest, or if there are specific medical conditions where internal examination is not recommended. These will be discussed and carefully screened prior to any assessment.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy is a broad, evidence-informed approach that addresses conditions affecting the pelvic floor, core, pelvis, and spine. It can include internal pelvic assessment, education, exercise prescription, movement retraining, and hands-on therapy when needed to improve function, reduce pain, and support pregnancy, post-partum recovery, and overall pelvic health.

Internal Pelvic Release work is a focused, hands-on session (usually around 2 hours) designed to release tension, restrictions, or scar tissue in the pelvic floor muscles. This internal release work in performed via the posterior vaginal wall. While it can sometimes be performed by practitioners who are not physiotherapists, at Anara Health it is delivered by our physiotherapist. There is often overlap with physiotherapy, but the key difference is less emphasis on assessment and more time dedicated to internal pelvic treatment and external body work.

Both approaches are complementary, and which is best depends on your needs. Read more about each service and who it suits best in the “Find out more” link on the home page.

Yes, Anara Health provides women's health assessments that can be conducted without an internal vaginal exam. This approach offers valuable insights into pelvic health through non-invasive methods, making it a viable option for individuals who prefer to avoid internal examinations. While internal exams deliver a more comprehensive evaluation, Anara Health recognizes that they are not always necessary or preferred by every patient. Our clinic is committed to respecting each individual’s comfort and choice, offering alternative assessment options that still provide meaningful information to support women’s overall pelvic health.

We recommend scheduling your session for a time when you are not menstruating, as some women feel more sensitive or vulnerable during their cycle. We also understand that cycles can be unpredictable. If you have your period and do not feel comfortable proceeding with an internal assessment, there are many other treatment and assessment options that can be safely and effectively provided externally.

If your bleeding is light or nearing its end, your session may still go ahead if you feel comfortable. We encourage open communication about your needs so we can tailor your care and ensure you feel supported throughout your visit.

The number of sessions varies from person to person and depends on your body, history, and what you’re seeking support with.

For internal pelvic release during pregnancy, this work can sometimes be a one-off session, particularly later in pregnancy, to support comfort, mobility, and preparation for birth.

If there is a history of trauma, significant pelvic tension, or complex patterns in the body, 2–4 sessions spaced throughout the pregnancy can be of great benefit. This allows time for the work to consolidate, integrate, and be held safely by the body rather than rushed.

For those attending with long-standing pain or chronic pelvic issues, multiple sessions may be required. This type of work is gentle and progressive — the body often needs time to trust, respond, and integrate changes. Lasting improvement is best supported when hands-on treatment is combined with recommended lifestyle, movement, and mindset changes.

Your practitioner will always work at your pace, with consent and clear communication, and will discuss an individualised plan with you as your body responds to the work.

If you’re unable to walk up stairs, please let us know ahead of your appointment so we can support you in accessing care comfortably and safely.

Many women attend appointments with babies in prams. Prams can safely remain downstairs in the building, which is secure and either locked or monitored by reception staff. If needed, we are also happy to assist with carrying a pram upstairs.

Our priority is to make your visit feel as easeful and supported as possible, so please don’t hesitate to let us know what would help.

We have HICAPs payments onsite to assist with health insurance claims. Most of the services are claimable, please check at the time of booking.

Yes. Osteopathy appointments at Anara Health are available to people of all genders, and massage appointments are also open to people of all genders, including partners and family members.

Support people of any gender are welcome to attend sessions if a client would feel more comfortable having someone with them during their appointment.

Pelvic health services at Anara Health are currently offered to people who were born female. If pelvic health care is required for people of other genders, we are happy to refer to trusted, recommended practitioners.

If you’re unsure which service is most suitable, we’re always happy to help guide you before booking.

You don’t need to have it all figured out before booking. Many people choose a modality based on their current symptoms, goals, or what they feel drawn to, and that’s a perfectly good place to start.

If you’re unsure, our practitioners work collaboratively and can help guide you toward the most suitable approach. With your consent, we may also suggest another modality or practitioner if we feel it would better support your care.

If you’d like support choosing before you book, you’re always welcome to get in touch and we can help you decide what might be the best fit for you.

Yes, some clinicians at Anara Health may use secure AI-based transcription tools to assist with note-taking during sessions. These tools are used to accurately capture clinical information so your practitioner can remain present and focused on you, rather than on manual documentation. Any transcription is reviewed by your clinician and stored in accordance with privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Your consent is always required. You will be informed if AI transcription is being used and given the option to decline at any time. Choosing not to consent will not affect the care you receive, and alternative note-taking methods will be used.