Physio Olivia

27/06/2025

📢Please see below for an important research study and consider participating if you are breasfeeding🌸

👇
Hello, I'm collaborating on a research project with American and Australian researchers investigating Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL.)

Our study aims to discover:

- What is the awareness and health seeking behaviour of women with GSL in Australia?

- Current treatments and satisfaction with that treatment

- Barriers to treatment.

What is it?

Anonymous 5-8 minute survey, to complete online.

Why is this important?

GSL is under diagnosed and under treated and there is scope for research into diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, clinical practice guidelines and pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments. This research will raise awareness and support lactating individuals who may have symptoms.

Can you please complete if you are a lactating individual and share with your patients who are lactating. Please post in your state based parenting and mother’s groups at your discretion. (I’m in Adelaide so have networks here but not in other states.)

I've attached the survey link below please let me know if you have questions or need more information.

Image approved by Human Research Ethics Committee can also be downloaded or shared.

[[https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NxtES41WUhqNa6](https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NxtES41WUhqNa6?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwOE05MXFqMXMyNUp5SVFmeAEeD32JOPYzyHOZGmuMLRGu3V_T93L1sqb5GG3e9KNKEZDUSLESCQVFyUb5AIc_aem_WP4ly6XIPnUUQjoSwU6W7A)]

Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the collective expertise of this group, and current awareness of and treatment provided for this condition already - and thank you for your ongoing work to support women with symptoms of GSL. If you have have any important feedback or commentary please do comment below or contact me directly.

Thank you for your support with this research.

Kind regards,

Elizabeth Santos

Physiotherapist and Naturopath

Master’s Student, Southern Cross University

Email e.santos.10@student.scu.edu.au

Phone 0499925777

This survey aims to better understand the health seeking behaviours of lactating individuals in Australia with Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL), the current treatment options, and patient satisfaction with those treatments.

17/03/2025

Some 150,000 artificial joints a year go into Australians’ bodies. But they’re no easy fix. What’s it like to get a new one?

20/12/2024

🎄✝️Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025! May you experience abundant love and joy as you spend this special time together❤️🎄

I am taking a break until the 13th of January.
Thank you for your valued support in 2024 and for trusting me as part of your health care team. I am looking forward to a wonderful new year of serving the Adelaide community💕

07/09/2024

Today is World Physiotherapy Day and we are putting the spotlight on managing Low Back Pain.
Experiencing low back pain for the first time can be frightening! Read below for myths and facts and evidence based pathways to recovery💪

27/02/2024

NEW BLOG

Navigating Post-Natal Recovery: A Guide for recovery post vaginal birth

The post-natal period is a transformative time for new mothers, marked by both joy and adjustment as they welcome their newborn into the world. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of self-care. In this guide, we'll delve into the essentials of post-natal recovery following vaginal delivery, offering valuable insights and practical tips to support your journey towards physical and emotional well-being.

Written by Olivia Brendenkamp : Physiotherapist
Physio Olivia

Head over to our website www.awhc.net.au to read the full blog

27/02/2024

Wondering how to kickstart and optimise your recovery post vaginal birth? Remember “POLICE”👮

✅PROTECT and PREPARE- do your pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy
Keep poo’s soft and avoid straining💩
Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby
✅OPTIMAL LOAD- gentle pelvic floor exercises and stick to short walks
✅ICE- use perineal ice packs to reduce swelling and bruising+ for pain relief🧊
✅COMPRESS- maternity pads and any post natal support garments will provide extra perineal support. Some gentle compression over the abdominal wall will also help reduce the jelly belly feeling
✅ELEVATE- make rest breaks a priority😴 Avoid sitting or standing for long periods

📣Blog coming soon!
In the meantime if you want learn more, get in touch for personalised birth preparation and post natal recovery education. Bookings can be made through my website- link in bio.
🌸Physio Olivia

11/01/2024

👋Hello 2024! Hope you are going to be kind to us all🤗
It’s so good to be back at work this week and loved catching up with all the familiar faces and meeting some lovely new people, ready to kick their 2024 health goals💪
I’m fully booked for the remainder of January, but please get in touch for urgent appointments at Nailsworth, and Campbelltown.

I know many are shocked and saddened (including me😢) with the recent announcement about the closure of the maternity ward at North Eastern Community hospital, but just wanted to reassure you, It’s business as usual at NECH! You will still find me there on Tuesdays. Just follow the signs to the specialist suites and women’s health services🤗

I will miss seeing all the newborn babies and helping mums in the early post natal period on Glynde ward, but I also know with every ending there is a new exciting beginning. Excited to see what 2024 holds!

💓PHYSIO OLIVIA

15/12/2023

THAT’S A WRAP FOR 2023!🙌

I am humbled by all the wonderful people who have trusted me with their health in often vulnerable periods. Thank you! 🫶

My little practice has steadily grown and I’m immensely grateful for all my referrers, collaborators, friends and supporters who have played a vital role in “Physio Olivia’s” success in 2023.💕

I am taking a break from 18 December to 8 January, but looking forward to another exciting year and my return to Nailsworth, Rose Park and North Eastern Community Hospital from the 9th of January 2024.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and happy Christmas!🎄

Yours in Health
Physio Olivia🌸

04/08/2023

✨THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND for treatment of inflammatory breast conditions while breastfeeding ✨

Therapeutic ultrasound used in conjunction with heat, ice, gentle massage, medical management by your GP and advice from a lactation consultant can help to successfully manage:
- mastitis
- Blocked ducts
- Engorged breasts

Therapeutic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create a micro-massage and heat effect when applied to the affected area. It may help to improve circulation, open the ducts and improve milk flow. It reduces pain, redness and swelling and promotes healing.

It works quickly and often patients only need 1-3 sessions to notice improvement.
It cannot be used with a breast abscess. If symptoms don’t improve and you suffer from flu like symptoms, it’s best to consult your GP as mastitis should be managed promptly.

Physio Olivia work with the wonderful GP’s who are also trained lactation consultants to help mums during their breastfeeding journeys.

03/08/2023

Pelvic Health Physiotherapists play an important role in preventing pelvic floor injuries AND are even more important in helping recovery of any common injuries sustained during childbirth.

Did you know the pelvic floor is a skeletal muscle? People prepare muscles (e.g knee muscles) for surgery and put a lot of time in to help recovery of other injured skeletal muscles (e.g a calf tear). Why not also the pelvic floor??Don’t confuse common with normal. Living with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction is not normal.

The pelvic floor is something most people don't talk about and many don't even know about. Here's why it's important and how to look after yours.

03/07/2023

📣I’m taking a small break to support my daughter at the National Calisthenics Championships. Those who have seen me lately will appreciate how excited I am to watch Amelie and her beautiful teammates on stage in Brisbane🤸😍 It’s been a massive 6 months of preparation! I’ll be consulting again from the 12th of July and bookings can be made online on website physioolivia.com.au. 💖Physio Olivia

09/04/2023

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter! 💝