Tel: 03 9417 5064
Fax: 03 9416 2485
Annabelle completed her Physiotherapy degree with honours at Melbourne University in 2007 and has since completed Postgraduate studies in both Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy and Exercise for Women. She has worked in a number of health services across both the public and private sectors. These include The Royal Women's Hospital, Australian Prostate Centre, St Vincent's Continence Service and Barwon Health Continence Clinic. Annabelle is passionate about empowering patients through education and assisting with behavioural change, particularly for those patients suffering from bowel dysfunction.
Ms Annabelle Citroen
B Physio (Hons) PG Cert Pelvic Floor Physio
Physiotherapist
Training and professional positions
Appointments
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Call us on 03 9417 5064 or email info@centralmelbournegastro.com.au
Please note waiting times may apply.
Patient appointments with our physiotherapists do not require a referral letter from a general practitioner or specialist. However, background information from your doctor regarding your condition can be helpful. If you are eligible for a GP care plan, a Medicare rebate may be claimable. Please contact our office to discuss fees and to arrange an appointment.
Questions?
Please call or email our friendly staff if you have any questions about our services, specialists, referrals or fees.
Bowel Behavioural Retraining and Biofeedback Program
The therapy program Isabella provides at Central Melbourne Gastroenterology includes:
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Thorough assessment of the existing problem(s) and possible contributing factors.
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Education about the condition and strategies for managing it on a daily basis.
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Establishing a regular bowel habit
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A personalised program designed to improve the function of the muscles involved in effective bowel emptying and /or effective bowel control, which need to be practiced daily at home.
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This may involve any of the following:
Correcting posture and breathing patterns
Improving control of the abdominal muscles
Improving control of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles
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It may include the use of a small balloon placed into the rectum (lower bowel) while in the clinic. This is to help the muscles learn how to perform the correct actions ie “emptying” or “holding on”. It also helps to train bowel sensation - “ knowing when there is something there” and is often referred to as “biofeedback”. This treatment is not painful.
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Assistance with diet and medication - either getting off bowel medications/laxatives or using them more effectively.
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Progress is monitored and the training program adjusted over time.
Learning new skills and habits can take as long as 3 to 6 months, with the training program consisting of 3 to 6 therapy sessions over that time.
Most people benefit significantly from completing a full program and by following it diligently at home. Improvement can be maintained long term with ongoing attention to the strategies learnt.
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