Maria Olegario
Physiotherapist | Bowral
Maria (“Mabs”) is a Registered Physiotherapist with over 20 years in clinical practice, specialising in women’s health, pelvic pain, and lactation and mastitis-related issues. She’s drawn to her work through a genuine love of helping people, particularly mums and women navigating their own health journey.
Qualifications & registrations
- Registered Physiotherapist (AHPRA), qualified overseas and certified through the Australian Examining Council for Overseas Physiotherapists, 2004
- Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy
- Registered with AHPRA (PHY0001161074)
- Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Women’s Health Training Associates member
- 20+ years in clinical practice
Additional training
Women’s Health Training Association coursework including Introductory Course, SUI & POP, Exercise/Sports and Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, Pelvic Floor Related Pain Disorders, and Objective Testing of the Pelvic Floor; Australian Physiotherapy Association Sports (Levels 1 & 2), Spinal (Level 1), Lyn Watson Shoulder Course, Sports Taping (Levels 1 & 2), Aquatic Physiotherapy (Level 1), Continence & Women’s Health Masterclass (Sandy Hilton), Talli Rosenbaum’s Women’s Health Tour, and Beyond the Physical in Therapy (an integrative psychosocial model for pelvic floor practice); plus Advanced Pelvic Floor Workshop (Peter Dietz), Lactation for Health Professionals Level 1 (Melinda Cooper), Dry Needling Plus Level 1, Muscle Energy Techniques Level 1 (Barb Hungerford), McKenzie Lumbar Spine, and Basic/Advanced Babywearing Course (Die Trageschule Dresden). Maria has also published on babywearing in Inmotion Magazine, presented on the topic at the APA NSW headquarters, and peer-reviewed research for the Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy on women’s health physiotherapy clinics in the Philippines.
What Maria helps with
Maria works with pelvic floor dysfunction, musculoskeletal issues, constipation and bowel concerns, and lactation-related issues including mastitis. She has a particular interest in pelvic health, and supporting mothers and women experiencing pelvic pain.
Maria's Approach
“I am empathic as well as sympathetic, and proactive in my caring and treatment method.”
A typical consultation with Maria involves plenty of discussion and subjective assessment, alongside a pelvic floor assessment and broader pelvis and musculoskeletal assessment as needed. She works both externally and internally, and closely alongside other health professionals — including GPs, specialists, nutritionists, dietitians and psychologists — working toward each patient’s goals and providing feedback and guidance where useful.
Maria’s treatment techniques include pelvic floor manual treatment, exercise prescription, muscle energy techniques, k-tape and rigid tape, manual treatment (mobilisation and massage), electrotherapy (ultrasound and TENS), dry needling (upper and lower limb only), and biomechanics optimisation, alongside general advice and education.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Maria assesses and treats a range of pelvic floor concerns using manual therapy, exercise prescription and education tailored to your presentation and goals.
Yes — this doesn’t need to stop you attending an appointment. Maria can discuss what’s comfortable for you at the time of booking.
No — come as you are, whatever’s comfortable for you.
Maria provides physiotherapy treatment including ultrasound for mastitis, blebs and related feeding and breast concerns as part of her broader lactation and women’s health work.
Yes. NDIS can fund physiotherapy where it’s working toward goals in your approved support plan — for example movement, strength, coordination or musculoskeletal pain and injury-prevention goals, if these are included in your plan. Bring your current support plan to your appointment; we can write to your case manager outlining the therapeutic approach if that’s needed to confirm funding.
Pelvic floor issues — including leakage and pain — are common, and support is available. Maria works with each person to find an approach that helps, at a pace that suits them.
Maria has a pet Havanese dog and loves to eat, travel and spend time with her family. She’s closely involved in her kids’ school and sports communities.
Maria has four names.
The Creperie, Italo, or Plantation Cafe.