Physiotherapy and clinical Pilates for down under!

Co-founded by TAMARA GERDIS and MONICA DONALDSON, Physio Down Under specialises in providing help for pelvic health. It’s also the first women’s health physiotherapy clinic in Singapore. Here, Tamara and Monica highlight how their physio and clinical Pilates sessions can help with functional issues like pelvic floor muscles, while also being tailored for the whole family.

What is pelvic health?

Your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs play an essential role in physical, social, mental and sexual wellbeing. Pelvic health is a holistic approach of ensuring optimum functioning of these organs rather than just disease management, thereby enhancing quality of life.

It’s never too early or too late to look after your pelvic floor muscles. That said, key times to pay particular attention include during pregnancy, postnatal, around menopause or after pelvic surgery. Pelvic health affects men and children, too.

If you notice symptoms such as changes in bladder or bowel control, a feeling of heaviness or pain in the pelvic floor muscles, get it checked immediately. Symptoms are easier to treat when they’re addressed properly.

Other than urinary incontinence, what are some common conditions that Physio Down Under has treated?

One of the most common women’s health conditions we have treated is pelvic organ prolapse. This is a result of weakened support structures in the vaginal walls, uterus, bladder and rectum. It’s often linked to pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome in men is often mistaken for prostatitis. Many cases involve overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles from prolonged sitting, high stress or poor posture. It can contribute to pain, urinary issues or sexual dysfunction.

Children commonly face constipation and/or faecal incontinence (encopresis). These could be due to toilet avoidance, poor diet and hydration, delayed toilet training or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Physiotherapy and clinical Pilates are offered together at Physio Down Under. How do they help with recovery from pelvic floor conditions?

Physiotherapy addresses specific muscle imbalances, pain or dysfunction, while clinical Pilates provides a structured way to restore strength, mobility and coordination.

Unlike gym-based Pilates, a physiotherapist tailors clinical Pilates sessions to suit your condition. This ensures safe progression and targets both deep stabilising muscles and larger movement muscles.

Our holistic approach supports the pelvic floor, bones, joints and overall body mechanics – promoting long-term recovery, resilience and confidence in movement.

Do you have lifestyle tips for good pelvic health?

Also beneficial for all ages are the following preventive strategies to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on pelvic organs
• Stay active
• Avoid straining when lifting or during bowel movements
• Stay hydrated and eat fibre-rich foods
• Practice good posture and breathing

About Physio Down Under physiotherapy clinic in Singapore

Tamara and Monica have 40 years of combined clinical experience in pelvic health. At the start of their careers, both worked in large public hospitals in Australia and the UK, where they gained exposure to a wide variety of complex cases.

When they founded Physio Down Under in Singapore in August 2018 specialising in pelvic health, it was an unknown specialty within physiotherapy here.

Physio Down Under also offers musculoskeletal physiotherapy for conditions such as lower back pain, and neck and thoracic pain; massage therapy including pre- and postnatal massage; reformer Pilates for women, men, teens; and a focused Mums/Dads & Bub class.

The clinic’s physiotherapists are highly qualified, bringing a wealth of experience to every treatment session. The team have undergone extensive training and continue to pursue professional development to ensure they remain up to date with the latest research and techniques, to provide personalised, evidence-based care and help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

• #04-01A Valley Point Office Tower, 491B River Valley Road
• #03-01/02/03/04 i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road

physiodownunder.sg

This article about Physio Down Under first appeared in the October 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! For more on women’s health and wellness, head to our Health & Fitness section.

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