Headshot of Dr Melissa Davidson - Physiotherapy Specialist in Pelvic Health & Clinical Educator
Dr Melissa Davidson, PhD
Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health
Clinical Educator
Master Health Coach
Specialist pelvic health physiotherapy for patients
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Women's health | Men's health |Prolapse | Pessary Management |Pelvic pain | Bladder and bowel conditions | Pregnancy and postnatal care | Prostate
Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for complex pelvic health conditions with one on one consults available in Kinloch, near Taupō, New Zealand; and via video telehealth. 
Courses for health professionals
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Fully online learning | Hybrid - online and in-person learning | Professional Mentoring
Practical, evidence‑based CPD and support for health professionals working in pelvic health by an internationally recognised specialist.
Courses for women 
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Understanding Prolapse | Treatment Options for Prolapse | Considering a Pessary for Prolapse? 
Evidence‑based courses designed to support women navigating prolapse and treatment choices.
In the news
Podcast Interview
Listen to Melissa chat with Michelle Lyons on the Celebrate Muliebrity Podcast
 
We discussed the importance of evidence-based practice in pelvic health physiotherapy, particularly regarding prolapse, pessaries, assessment of levator ani muscle avulsions, and muscle tone.
 
Melissa shared her experience developing the 'Lily' 3D pelvic model with Granville Biomedical for clinical and patient education, and discovering its effectiveness in helping patients understand complex medical concepts.
 
Listen on Apple or Spotify or your favourite podcasting app.
Podcast Interviews
Listen to Melissa chat with Dr Carrie Pagliano on the Active Mom Podcast over two episodes (we had a lot to talk about!)
 
We break down some of the most misunderstood topics in pelvic health. From prolapse to levator avulsions to the role of pessaries, this conversation focuses on what's actually happening in the body and how we can move away from fear-based messaging toward informed, empowering care.
 

We discuss the reality of anatomical changes, what "normal" really means, and why modification is often more helpful than restriction. Melissa shares clinical insight on assessing and managing prolapse, understanding tissue changes, and helping women feel more confident in their bodies across different life stages, including menopause. 

The second episode moves beyond definitions and into what actually matters in practice: clinical decision-making, patient education, and navigating an evolving pelvic health landscape where access is expanding—but not always with the training to support it.

We talk about how to explain complex diagnoses in a way patients can actually understand, why accurate assessment matters, and how clinicians can balance symptom management with long-term capacity building.

We also unpack the growing conversation around pessaries—including types, fitting considerations, complications, and the rise of over-the-counter options—and what that means for both patients and providers.

This is a nuanced conversation about where pelvic health care is right now... and where it still needs to go.

 Listen on Apple or Spotify or your favourite podcasting app.
(c) Dr Melissa Davidson, 2026