Meet Matilda Health, the Australian digital platform working to transform endometriosis care

“We want to provide evidence-based education to everyone, irrespective of your location or finances.”

It was a conversation at a barbecue that sparked an idea that could change women’s healthcare for those suffering from endometriosis. Continence and pelvic health physiotherapist Joanna Morris and physiotherapist and researcher Dr Kevin Wernli both knew the complexities of treating chronic pain conditions and the limitations in current care. It was here that Matilda Health was born.

Matilda exists to help the 190 million people worldwide diagnosed with endometriosis. The digital platform acts as a virtual health hub by providing holistic care including physiotherapy, psychology, dietetics and naturopathy.

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Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It can cause a range of symptoms including pain, stomach problems and difficulty falling pregnant. It can take, on average, six and a half years for those living with endometriosis to be diagnosed.

Research by EndoActive and Ernst and Young found endometriosis costs the Australian economy a mammoth $7.4 billion a year in lost productivity. “As a pelvic health physiotherapist with a specific interest in treating endometriosis, I shared the challenges my patients often experienced with Kevin, who suggested we look at how digital health could help endometriosis,” Joanna says.

“We know holistic care, such as physiotherapy, naturopaths and dietetics, improves symptoms and quality of life, however, current care isn’t always holistic. It can be received too late and holistic care isn’t affordable or accessible.

“We want to provide evidence-based education to everyone, irrespective of your location or finances. Building on that, we want to provide more personalised education and access to clinicians,” she says.

The duo went on to compete in Perth Biodesign, where they won the six-month digital health program, aimed at building the next generation of healthcare innovators in Western Australia.

Through the platform, endometriosis sufferers will have the ability to track symptoms and lifestyle changes, learn from evidence-based resources and cohort-based courses and connect with specialised clinicians.

At its core, Matilda Health will provide education about endometriosis, giving access to symptom-specific community groups, cohort-based learning and group therapy focusing on specific symptoms. The ‘Tilly Tribe’ is Matilda’s community of members and a space where people can feel safe, included, validated and supported at all points of their endometriosis journey.

Since its inception in September 2022, the start-up has progressed well and concluded its pilot trial. Now it’s in the process of launching its second trial, a subscription model, to the Tilly Tribe. This trial will offer clients access to education modules, webinars, stretch classes and clinician questions and answers.

“It also offers access to [the] symptom-specific community, meaning you can connect with other people who have similar experiences. For example, if endometriosis really affects your bowels, join the bowel thread and learn from others with similar presentations,” says Joanna.

“Matilda has and will continue to be co-designed with people with endometriosis. We are clinicians who have a strong network within the endometriosis community, and we want to foster that to ensure our product fits what the market needs.”

Find out more about Matilda Health here.