Womens Health

Women’s Health Physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of disorders affecting the pelvis and pelvic floor muscles. Its origins are from the clinical area of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and it is the care of women’s health complaints in relation to bowel and bladder incontinence, pelvic or vaginal pain, prolapse, childbirth (both antenatal and postnatal) and rehabilitation for those undergoing gynaecological surgery. Any women throughout their life whether a young athlete, in the childbearing years, menopausal or elderly can benefit from Women’s Health Physiotherapy.

Your assessment and treatment will be carried out by our Specialist Women’s Health Chartered Physiotherapist.  The assessment usually starts with taking a confidential and detailed history and whilst we are aware that some issues can be sensitive and difficult to discuss, understanding the onset of your symptoms and how your daily life is affected is vital in directing your treatment.  We always have compassion and understanding when dealing with these sensitive issues.

Following a physical examination your Physiotherapist will discuss a treatment plan with you.  The treatment you receive will be personalised depending on your symptoms but can include pelvic floor strengthening, core stability and abdominal strengthening exercises, postural advice and correction, gentle soft tissue release, mobilisation around your pelvis and spine, guidance on safe exercise, bladder retraining and lifestyle advice.

Physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment for the following symptoms and conditions and in many cases is the first line treatment recommended before exploring other more invasive options.

  • Stress incontinence – leakage of urine on coughing, sneezing, running or jumping
  • Urinary urgency or increased frequency (overactive bladder)
  • Bowel urgency and incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Vulval and pelvic floor pain disorders
  • Pregnancy related pelvic girdle and lower back pain
  • Pelvic health and pelvic floor changes in perimenopause and menopause
  • Post-natal pelvic floor conditions (including perineal tears)
  • Post-natal tummy gaps (Diastasis Recti)
  • Persistent pelvic pain from Dyspareunia, Vaginismus, Vulvodynia and Endometriosis related pain
  • Preparation for and recovery after gynaecological surgery
  • Post-natal return to sport, strength and conditioning

POST NATAL CHECK

Welcoming a baby can bring huge changes to your body so our post-natal check is aimed at supporting Mum’s in their recovery.  Whether you had a vaginal delivery or caesarean this comprehensive check is completed by our Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist who will provide personalised guidance to help you return to daily activities, exercise, full strength and complete comfort with confidence while also addressing any concerns you may have.

  • Thorough pelvic floor and core muscle assessment
  • Examination for Diastasis Recti
  • Scar check and management
  • Posture review and advice
  • Post-natal exercise guidance
  • Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction
  • Advice on activities such as lifting, feeding positions and pushing a buggy
  • Education to support your long-term recovery and wellbeing

We recommend a post-natal check around 6 – 8 weeks after delivery but we also treat women who gave birth years ago that may still have a tummy gap or related pelvic floor issues.

To make an enquiry or book your appointment please call 01386 792126.