Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD
Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health
PhD, MPhil, Dip.Physiotherapy, B.Science, Dip.Manipulation, Post Graduate Certificates in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor and Acupuncture)
Certificate in Health Science
Certificate in Health Science
Prekure Certified Health Coach
Hi, I'm Dr Melissa Davidson — a Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health, registered under specialist scope with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.
I train health professionals around the world in pelvic health, and I know first hand there simply not enough well trained clinicians in this space. That means many women struggle to access clear, trustworthy information.
That's why I created these short courses about prolapses, treatment options, and using pessaries to help manage them, if you go in that direction.
I want to give women worldwide access to research based, evidence informed education on pelvic organ prolapse and their treatment options. You have the choice about how much you want to learn, you can just do one stand alone course, or all three to get the information you need.
These courses are designed to empower you with clear, practical knowledge, cutting through the myths and misinformation, so you can make informed decisions about your pelvic health.
It's not a replacement for your healthcare provider — it's here to answer your questions, explain your options, and support confident self management.
My hope is that these courses help you feel informed, supported, empowered, and back in control of your health.
Melissa
Courses for Women
I have created these courses for women who want more information about pelvic organ prolapse, and conservative (non-surgical) management of prolapses. We also have a specialty course about using pessaries to support your prolapse, to help you get back to full function doing everything you want to do.
The courses are based on the best research available, as well as my 35 years plus of clinical experience in pelvic health.
I believe a woman has the right to live her life fully, without any restrictions due to her pelvic health. My aim is to enable you to achieve whatever it is you want to do.
Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD
Understanding Prolapses
Evidence based education that helps you feel informed, supported, and in control.
90 minutes of plain speaking, real information on what prolapses actually are, with all the medical information broken down into understandable normal English.
We review what your symptoms could be and why, and the signs (what your health professional sees and measures). And we talk about how sometimes, these don't match up at all!
It can be scary when you first learn you have a prolapse. I'm here to help demystify this area of your health.
Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD
Treatment Options for Prolapse
Evidence based education to help you make confident decisions about your pelvic health.
85 minutes of in-depth discussions around the conservative (non-surgical) options to treat your prolapse/s. Conservative management is THE recommended first line of treatment for prolapses, before anything else should be considered.
I review how important your pelvic floor muscles are for supporting your prolapse, lifestyle modifications that don't take things away from you, bladder and bowel health, and sexual function.
I also review surgical options that you can consider if conservative management doesn't provide you the outcome you desire.
Did you know that pelvic floor muscle training (done correctly!!) is the recommended first line of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse? It is classified as reaching Level 1A - the highest evidence we have of the effectiveness of treatments.
Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD
Considering a Pessary for Prolapse
Everything you need to know about pessaries explained clearly, calmly, and based on research.
Two and a half hours of research based information on silicone vaginal pessaries. Pessaries are considered part of conservative management, for those women who need that little extra support within their vagina - they are like internal scaffolding for the vagina.
I discuss who is suitable for pessaries, who should avoid them, what complications can occur and how to manage those complications. We review many different types of pessaries available on the market, how to fit them, how they work for different prolapses, and how to self-manage them.
We also discuss the importance of working with your health care team to ensure you use pessaries safely and effectively.
I have seen patients' lives change for the better after being fitted with a pessary suited for the particular shape of their vagina. Choosing the correct pessary is vital to ensure women have a successful pessary experience.
Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD
What is a Specialist Physiotherapist?
The title Specialist Physiotherapist is awarded by the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand to physiotherapists who are practising at an advanced, expert level. The specialist scope of practice is hard to obtain and is only granted after a rigorous assessment process. Specialists must demonstrate advanced clinical skills and knowledge, contribute to the profession through leadership in their chosen field, and have an on-going involvement in research.
Currently there are approximately 5,000 physiotherapists practicing in New Zealand. As at March 2026, only 22 have been granted the title of Specialist in their chosen field of musculoskeletal, pain, sports, or pelvic health. Dr Melissa Davidson is the only specialist physiotherapist in pelvic health and has held this scope of practice since 2016.
Medical Disclaimer
Our courses for women are designed for educational purposes only. They provide general information about pelvic organ prolapse and related topics to support women in better understanding their bodies and health.
These courses do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and are not a substitute for professional medical care. The information presented is intended to be general in nature and may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Dr Melissa Davidson is a qualified health professional; however, participation in this course does not create a practitioner–patient relationship between you and Dr Davidson.
You should always seek the advice of your doctor, physiotherapist, or other qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare, exercise routine, or treatment plan—particularly if:
- You have existing medical conditions
- You are pregnant or recently postpartum
- You have symptoms that are worsening, severe, or concerning
Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of information you have learned in this course. While every effort is made to ensure the information in this course is accurate and up to date, no guarantees are made regarding completeness, accuracy, or suitability for all individuals or jurisdictions.
By accessing and participating in this course, you acknowledge and agree that:
- You are responsible for your own health decisions
- You use the information at your own discretion
- Dr Melissa Davidson Pelvic Health Training is not liable for any injury, loss, or adverse outcomes arising from the use or misuse of the information provided.
If you experience new or worsening symptoms, pain, bleeding, or any health concerns, you should seek prompt medical assessment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Contact Us
Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD - Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health
M: +64 274 142 258 | E: [email protected] | W: drmelissadavidson.com
Consulting Rooms: Kinloch (Taupō), New Zealand, and via Video Telehealth internationally.
You are welcome to leave a message using this form.
(c) Dr Melissa Davidson, 2026