Women's Health Physiotherapy
Women's Health Physiotherapy in East Auckland
Velca Allied Health offers dedicated women's health physiotherapy at our Howick clinic, led by our Senior Physiotherapist Amal Shakeer.
This service supports women across all stages of life — from pregnancy and postpartum recovery through to menopause and beyond — with evidence-informed, one-on-one care in a private, unhurried environment.
Who This Service Is For
Women's health physiotherapy may be beneficial if you are experiencing:
Pelvic Floor and Continence
Stress urinary incontinence (leaking with coughing, sneezing, or exercise)
Urgency or urge incontinence
Overactive bladder symptoms
Bowel urgency or difficulty with bowel control
Pelvic Pain and Sexual Health
Persistent pelvic pain or tailbone pain
Pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vaginismus or pelvic floor muscle tension
Vulvodynia or vestibulodynia
Pregnancy and Postnatal
Pelvic girdle pain, sacroiliac joint pain, or pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy
Preparation for labour and birth
Postnatal recovery, including assessment of pelvic floor and abdominal wall function
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation) assessment and rehabilitation
Prolapse and Pelvic Organ Support
Bladder, uterine, or bowel prolapse (pelvic organ prolapse)
Symptoms of pelvic heaviness, bulge, or pressure
Menopause and Long-term Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor changes associated with perimenopause and menopause
Recurrent urinary tract symptoms
Musculoskeletal pain associated with hormonal changes
Hypermobility-Related Pelvic Issues
Pelvic floor instability or pain in the context of hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS)
If you are unsure whether women's health physiotherapy is appropriate for your situation, contact us and we can discuss your needs before booking.
Meet Amal Shakeer — Senior Women's Health Physiotherapist
Amal Shakeer is a senior physiotherapist with a focused interest in women's and pelvic health. Amal is registered with Physiotherapy New Zealand and holds a full APC. She completed her post graduate training in Women’s Health in 2021 and has been practicing in New Zealand since 2023.
She is dedicated to delivering patient-centred evidence-based care and supporting individuals in achieving optimal functional outcomes.
Amal works from Velca Allied Health's Howick clinic, located at 3/10 Wellington Street, and sees patients by appointment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Initial Assessment — 60 Minutes
Your first appointment is a comprehensive assessment. Amal will spend time understanding your history, your current concerns, and your goals. This typically includes:
A detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle
A physical assessment, which may include an internal pelvic floor examination (this is always explained in advance and is entirely your choice)
Assessment of posture, movement, and musculoskeletal contributors where relevant
A clear explanation of findings and a proposed plan for your care
Nothing will be done without your informed consent. You are welcome to bring or request a support person to any appointment.
Follow-Up Appointments — 30 Minutes
Follow-up appointments focus on reviewing your progress, adjusting your home programme, and continuing active treatment. The frequency and number of appointments needed will vary depending on your presentation — Amal will discuss this with you at the end of your initial assessment.
What to Bring
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or specialist letters
A list of current medications
Comfortable clothing you can move in
Do I Need a Referral? No referral is required to book a women's health physiotherapy appointment at Velca. If you have ACC-covered injuries contributing to your presentation, please mention this when booking.
Book a Women's Health Physiotherapy Appointment
Initial appointments are 60 minutes and are held at Velca Allied Health, Howick, East Auckland.
Why Choose Velca for Women's Health Physiotherapy?
Velca Allied Health is a multidisciplinary clinic in Howick, East Auckland, with a particular clinical focus on complex musculoskeletal presentations, connective tissue conditions, and chronic pain. Our women's health service sits within this wider clinical environment, which means Amal has direct access to collaboration with physiotherapy, chiropractic, counseling, massage and podiatry colleagues where a broader approach may benefit you.
Appointments are private, one-on-one, and never rushed. We aim to provide thorough care in a setting where you feel heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an internal examination always part of women's health physiotherapy? No. An internal pelvic floor examination can provide important information about muscle function and tone, but it is always optional and always explained in full before being offered. Many people benefit significantly from physiotherapy without an internal examination.
I've had symptoms for years and been told nothing can be done. Can physiotherapy still help? Pelvic floor and women's health physiotherapy is often underutilised, and many people reach us after years of being told to simply manage their symptoms. While outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed, physiotherapy assessment can identify contributing factors that haven't previously been addressed. We'd encourage you to book an initial assessment to understand your options.
Can I see Amal during pregnancy? Yes. Women's health physiotherapy during pregnancy can support the management of pelvic girdle pain, prepare the pelvic floor for birth, and address musculoskeletal discomfort. Amal can advise on the timing and nature of assessment for your stage of pregnancy.
How soon after birth can I see a women's health physiotherapist? Many practitioners recommend a pelvic floor assessment between 6 and 10 weeks postpartum, though earlier appointments can be arranged to discuss symptoms and general guidance. Amal will advise on what is appropriate based on your individual circumstances.
Do you see patients with hypermobility or EDS? Yes. Velca has a specific clinical niche in hypermobility-related connective tissue conditions, including hEDS and hypermobility spectrum disorder. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in this population and requires an adapted approach — Amal is experienced in this area and works closely with our wider hypermobility team.
What is the cost? See our pricing here. ACC-eligible patients may have appointment costs subsidised. Please contact us if you have questions about costs before booking.