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 childbirth (both antenatal and postnatal), incontinence, pelvic or vaginal pain, prolapse, osteoporosis 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 female 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.

You will then have a physical assessment which will begin with an examination of your abdominal muscles, pelvis and lumbar spine. With your consent, your Physiotherapist may then do a vaginal or rectal (internal) examination. This is an important part of your assessment and necessary to assess your pelvic floor function and establish the possible causes of your symptoms. It is also used to identify injury, scarring, signs of prolapse and neural sensitivity. The findings from the assessment will ensure that your treatment is tailored specifically to you which will help improve your outcome. 

At the end of your first appointment your Physiotherapist will discuss a treatment plan with you. The treatment you receive will be individualised depending on your symptoms but can include pelvic floor strengthening, core stability and abdominal strengthening exercises, postural correction, gentle soft tissue release and mobilisation around your pelvis and spine to help release tight muscles and joints, guidance on safe exercise in pregnancy, bladder retraining and lifestyle advice.

Physiotherapy can be a very effective treatment for these symptoms 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
  • Bowel urgency and incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Vulval and pelvic floor pain disorders
  • Pregnancy related pelvic girdle and lower back pain
  • Post-natal pelvic floor conditions (including perineal tears)
  • Post-natal tummy gaps (Diastasis Recti)
  • Post-natal return to sport, strength and conditioning

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