Dr Melissa Davidson - Pelvic Health Training

Dr Melissa Davidson

Clinical Educator

PhD, MPhil, Dip.Physiotherapy, B.Science, Dip.Manipulation, Post Graduate Certificates in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor and Acupuncture)
Certificate in Health Science

My mission is to remove the taboo around pelvic health. In my clinical practice I can only help one patient at a time. As a clinical educator, I can share my knowledge and experience with you so you can help women and men with pelvic health issues in your community.

I am currently the only Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health registered with the New Zealand Physiotherapy Board. This is my specialty. This is my passion. I graduated in 1990, and since then I have worked hard to extend my knowledge and skills in women's and men's health with Post Graduate Certifications, a research Masters, and a PhD.

At Dr Melissa Davidson - Pelvic Health Training, we offer evidence-informed courses to give you hands on skills you can apply immediately in your own practice.

Help us spread the word about pelvic health and #removethetaboo.

Melissa

Courses for Pelvic Health Professionals

Welcome Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Nurses, GP's, and Gynaecologists.

(Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, and Kinesiologists see our Courses for Musculoskeletal Professionals.)

Our courses for Pelvic Health Professionals are:

Curated by Dr Melissa Davidson, New Zealands's only Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health
Up to date with content revised every year.
Evidence informed with extensive references
Include content for both women's health and men's health.
Open to health professionals of all genders
Backed up with options for Professional Support to help you apply your learning

CORE COURSES

Complete our four core courses: INTEGRATION, INTERNALS, PELVIC PAIN, and ADVANCED to achieve the Keystones of Pelvic Health Credential.

The Credential is made up of two parts: the Part A: Pelvic Health Fundamentals Certificate, and the Part B: Pelvic Health Proficiency Certificate.

Part A: Pelvic Health Fundamentals Certificate

Start with INTEGRATION and INTERNALS to complete the Part A: Pelvic Health Fundamentals Certificate.

Purchase each course separately, or enquire about a Part A Certificate package and save $145 on your course fees.

INTEGRATION: Integrating Pelvic Health into Musculoskeletal Practice

2025 course now available On-Demand

"The Integration course was great to get a taste of pelvic health. I wasn't too sure if it was the route i wanted to go down, but after this it has solidified my choice. I feel excited to go and put this knowledge into practice on Monday and can see how important this subject is for all physios to learn, even if they are not going down the pelvic heath pathway."

- Gaby, Physiotherapist

"The integration course was an excellent introduction/foundation to the anatomy, physiology and dysfunction of the pelvic floor. I am a nurse and found Melissa was excellent in teaching to a variety of professionals (Physio, osteo, nursing etc). The course was very engaging and the food amazing! I will be booking my next course."

- Charlotte, Nurse

"Integration, what a great day to learn the basics of integrating pelvic health into daily practice. The course was comprehensive but not overwhelming. I have walked away with a new passion which I can't wait to further pursue with Melissa's future courses. If you are on the fence I highly recommend integration."

- Haley, Osteopath

INTERNALS: Introduction to Pelvic Health Internals

2 Days In-Person in Auckland

"Great course. As a male was quite apprehensive at first, but was made to feel very comfortable and it wasn't an issue in the slightest."

- Seb, Osteopath

"Thanks Melissa for creating fantastic courses. Have done the integration earlier in the year which was a great intro to pelvic health, and gave me information I could discuss with patients and skills to externally palpate the pelvic floor. And after just finishing the internals course, which I was rather nervous about initially, however Melissa creates such a safe, comfortable learning space and really hammers-home the importance of informed consent and lots of examples of how to continuously do that before and throughout assessment to ensure the patient has a great experience. She also teaches to all different learning types - auditory, visual, and we even got to head outside to help visualize the internal exam better."

- Emma, Physiotherapist

Part B: Pelvic Health Proficiency Certificate

Build on the skills learned in Part A with PELVIC PAIN and ADVANCED to achieve the Part B: Pelvic Health Proficiency Certificate.

Purchase each course separately or enquire about a Part B Certificate package and save $145 on your course fees.

PELVIC PAIN

2025 course now available On-Demand

"I found this course very useful to identify nociplastic pain in complex pelvic pain patients and feel equipped with a new treatment approach that is wholistic and can also be used for people with chronic pain in other areas."

- Kirsty, Physiotherapist

"The Pelvic Pain course was excellent and new assessment and treatment skills obtained can be immediately put into practice with my patients."

- Fran, Physiotherapist

"As a gynaecologist, I have never fully appreciated the work and expertise of the pelvic health physiotherapist. My eyes have been opened at this course, what a privilege it has been to watch experts at work, with compassion, empathy and finesse. I have learned so much, and encouraged by the hope that there are others who can help my patients on their chronic pain journey."

- Alice, Gynaecologist

ADVANCED: Advanced Level Pelvic Health

Theory 1 Day On Demand +

Practical 1 Day In-Person in Kinloch or Auckland

"Great course, with incredible food, and lovely friendly participants and relaxed but very informative."

- Richard, Osteopath

"As always, Melissa is a knowledgeable and engaging presenter and with Simon providing top technical and all-round support , this makes for a sensational team in their field ! Great group also. Thank you both so much!"

- Peggy, Nurse

"GREAT course! GREAT information! It compliments the initial internals course perfectly. It's not too much or too little progression from the first internals course and you walk out feeling more advanced than before! Kinloch is beautiful and would be happy to come to another course here again!"

- Liana, Physiotherapist

"Great course helped me to improve my Pelvic Internal skills. Highly recommended!"

- Giulia, Osteopath

PESSARIES COURSES New Zealand

(For Pessaries Courses in Australia click here)

PESSARIES: Introduction to Pessary Fitting

2 Days In-Person in Auckland

"Melissa and Simon always deliver on these courses. So organised, so well thought out, so thorough and informative. The theoretical and practical aspects of the course are so well balanced that it enables a true learning experience and allows one to fully grasp the content and retain all learning by putting it all into a "real experience". Having Fran's Pelvic health and Pessary and Alice's Gynaecological knowledge and experience really sets this course above and beyond. Not to mention the IT, cleaning and food extaordinaire, Simon! and how can we forget THE FOOD...always deliciously spectacular. I got so so so much out of this course and would absolutely recommend it to all who would love to learn more and become competent in the world of Pessaries."

- Tessa, Physiotherapist

"The pessary course not only gives you everything you need to be safely and competently fitting and managing pessaries, but also thorough evidence based up to date knowledge on POP."

- Sara, Physiotherapist

"I have been on a number of Melissa's courses now and they just keep getting better! This "Pessaries" course was absolutely amazing. I walked away feeling so satisfied, motivated and eager to continue my work in this field."

- Rebecca, Physiotherapist

PESSARIES: Advanced Pessary Fitting

*New course for 2025*

1 Day In-Person in Auckland

"Highly informative and practical course - within a relaxed environment which enhances the overall learning experience. As a GP with an interest in women's health I found the skills learned essential."

- Christina, GP

"Fantastic evidence based course with robust protocols and excellent clinical application."

- Glenn, Osteopath

"Fantastic course with plenty of practical sessions and take home information to use immediately within your practice"

- Eileen, Physiotherapist, Australia

"As a PHPT confident in treating POP conservatively, I found this course wonderful in learning how to safely fit and monitor pessaries both practically and administratively."

- Kat, Physiotherapist

"Very good course. Evidence -based approach, and here in NZ. Learned to assess and fit 3 different pessaries which is great to have some options to offer."

- Natalie, Physiotherapist

Courses for Musculoskeletal Health Professionals

Welcome Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, Kinesiologists, and other Musculoskeletal Health Professionals.

Our courses for Musculoskeletal Health Professionals are:

Curated by Dr Melissa Davidson, New Zealands's only Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health
Up to date with content revised every year.
Evidence informed with extensive references
Include content for both women's health and men's health.
Open to health professionals of all genders.
Backed up with options for Professional Support to help you apply your learning

INTEGRATION: Integrating Pelvic Health into

Musculoskeletal Practice

2025 course now available On-Demand

This course is appropriate for musculoskeletal professionals (Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, Kinesiologists, etc.) who want to advance their skills but may not want to start a career in pelvic health.

For registered health professionals (Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, etc.) who do decide to continue on the Pelvic Health pathway, your next step would be to complete INTERNALS to achieve the Part A: Pelvic Health Fundamentals Certificate.

"I really enjoyed the Integration course, I found it very helpful as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to get a general understanding and baseline knowledge on pelvic health conditions and treatment. I would recommend this course to every physio even if not wanting to go down the pelvic health route so that we can help guide our patients to getting treatment and get talking about a commonly taboo subject."

- Ella, Physiotherapist

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course - great to have the online option meaning that no travel was required, making otherwise an unaccessible course due to location very accessible. I felt engaged the entire day (which if you have done full day training courses is sometimes very hard to do and maintain). Really appreciated the language used - the humour, the balance of technical terminology and conversational language."

- Jaimee, Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher

PELVIC PAIN

2025 course now available On-Demand

This course is appropriate for musculoskeletal professionals (Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, Kinesiologists, etc.) who want to advance their skills in the comprehensive care of patients with pelvic pain.

For registered health professionals (Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, etc.) who decide to continue on the Pelvic Health pathway, your next step would be to complete the Part A: Pelvic Health Fundamentals Certificate (INTEGRATION + INTERNALS) before completing ADVANCED to achieve the Part B: Pelvic Health Proficiency Certificate (PELVIC PAIN + ADVANCED).

"As a gynaecologist, I have never fully appreciated the work and expertise of the pelvic health physiotherapist. My eyes have been opened at this course, what a privilege it has been to watch experts at work, with compassion, empathy and finesse. I have learned so much, and encouraged by the hope that there are others who can help my patients on their chronic pain journey."

- Alice, Gynaecologist

"An excellent course with a well structured framework that allows you to deep dive into understanding and working with pelvic pain in your clinic."

- Glenn, Osteopath

"I highly recommend this course to anyone treating pelvic health patients, it can be applied to so many people including those who are not pelvic based, such a useful course!"

- Jenny, Physiotherapist

Courses Outside New Zealand

Hong Kong

Part B: Pelvic Health Proficiency - Hong Kong

Sat/Sun/Mon 15-17 March 2025

Join Melissa in Kowloon, Hong Kong for this 3 day In-Person course combining PELVIC PAIN and ADVANCED to achieve the Part B: Pelvic Health Fundamentals Certificate. This course will be taught in English.

Contact our training partners HK Physiotherapy Academy to register your interest.

South Korea

WOMEN'S HEALTH - Seoul

Fri/Sat/Sun 6-8 June 2025

Join Melissa in Seoul, South Korea for this 3 day In-Person course. The course will be taught in English with translation into Korean. Enquiries to [email protected].

Australia

PESSARIES: Introduction to Pessary Fitting - Melbourne

Sat/Sun 21/22 June 2025

Clinically relevant – you leave the course with the ability to objectively measure POP, assess the vaginal mucosa using speculum examinations, and pessary fitting skills (ring, cube and Gellhorn).
Business systems to enable immediate application of pessary management into your clinic to ensure you meet the needs of your patients and your business.
Multiple practical sessions using peer-to-peer learning to embed the skills learnt on the course.
Taught by experienced clinician and clinical educator Dr Melissa Davidson, a registered specialist physiotherapist in pelvic health.

Professional Support

Engaging with mentors, supervisors, and peers has helped me achieve success in my career and in my business. Let me share my three decades plus years of knowledge and experience to help guide you professionally.

Professional support to accelerate your career. We have three options for you to choose from:

Pelvic Health DIRECT. Online forum to ask Melissa your Pelvic Health questions. Join for FREE.
Pelvic Health CONNECT. Private members group with forum, live group mentoring and training with Melissa and access to resources for your Pelvic Health business. Paid membership.
Pelvic Health PRO. One-on-one mentoring, training, or supervision with Melissa. Priced per hour. Discounts for Pelvic Health CONNECT members.

Pelvic Health Directory

Be found on the web where Kiwi referrers and patients are looking for Pelvic Health Professionals who can help with appropriate assessment and treatment for their pelvic health concerns.

Pre-requisite: INTERNALS (or equivalent).

Recommended: INTEGRATION

Course FAQs

Q. I'm not a physiotherapist. Can I do these courses?

A. These courses were initially focused on providing training to physiotherapists. However they have been expanded to enable other registered health professionals with an interest in the field of pelvic health such as Osteopaths, GP's, Nurses, Gynaecologists, Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, Kinesiologists, and more.

Q. I'm a male. Can I learn about pelvic health?

A. Yes. Our courses are open to females, males, and gender diverse individuals. Pelvic health can be a rewarding career path for all genders.

Q. I'm not living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Can I attend your in-person courses?

A. Yes. Physiotherapists can attend our courses in New Zealand without having to be registered by the Physiotherapy Board of NZ. While in NZ you are restricted from calling yourself a 'physiotherapist', but you can say you are a 'physiotherapist registered in .......'.

Other health professionals (Osteopaths, Nurses, Gynaecologists, Personal Trainers, Exercise Physiologists, Kinesiologists, etc.), please check with the relevant professional board in NZ. Any questions regarding this, please contact Melissa prior to enrolling.

Q. I'm looking for your INTERMEDIATE course. Where do I find it?

A. In 2024 we renamed INTERMEDIATE as ADVANCED to better reflect the content taught on the course. Combine ADVANCED with PELVIC PAIN to complete the Part B: Pelvic Health Proficiency Certificate.

Q. Where is Kinloch and how do I get there?

A. Kinloch is in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand about 20 minutes from Taupō and a 3 hour drive from Auckland.

Air New Zealand has flights to Taupō from Auckland, and Sounds Air from Wellington. It is about a 30 minute drive from Taupō Airport to Kinloch.

There are many B&Bs in Kinloch and a range of accommodation options in Taupō.

🐾 Please note: 🐾 Any courses held in Kinloch will have two black labrador dogs present (Ripley and Strider) - its their home 😊. If this is going to be a issue for you, I suggest doing the course in a different location.

Q. Where can I find the dates for all your courses?

A. Keep scrolling down to see our latest Course Calendar.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel more than 8 weeks before the course, you will receive a full refund less a $50 admin fee.

If you cancel up to 4 weeks before the course, you will receive a 50% refund less a $50 admin fee.

No refund will be given if you cancel with less than 4 week's notice. There are no exceptions to this.

If Melissa is unable to teach due to illness, the course will be moved to another date. Your registration will be changed to the new course date, or you will be offered a full refund, whichever suits you.

Please take this into account if you are flying in for the course or booking accommodation. Make sure you have flexible arrangements in case the course is rescheduled (unlikely but possible).

Q. What can I do if I can't attend and it's less than 4 weeks to the course?

A. We know that sometimes life happens and people can't attend a course due to illness, a family situation, or other last-minute reasons. In this case, we give you the option to find a suitable health professional to take your place on the course. Let us know their contact details (name, email, mobile number) so we can transfer your enrollment to them. And you sort out payment directly with them. Our Cancellation Policy applies to your replacement as well.