Women's Pelvic Physiotherapy


Break free from Discomfort: Specialist Women's Health Physiotherapy

Discover How Physiotherapy Can Help You 

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Have you been told you have a prolapse?

Are you struggling with leaking when you cough, sneeze, run or jump?

Or something just doesn’t feel quite right and you are unsure where to turn for guidance?

Pelvic Physiotherapy may be exactly what you need. We take the time to understand what may be happening and provide advice, treatment and rehabilitation to give you your body back.

Problems we can help you with;

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
  • Pre- and post-natal rehabilitation and assessment
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Endometriosis
  • Post-menopausal changes

“Our mission is to empower you to take control of your body back. Women are often told they must just deal with incontinence, prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction as part of “being a woman”. These symptoms may be common, but they are not normal and not something you have to live with.”


Women’s Pelvic Physiotherapy

During a Pelvic Physiotherapy session, a thorough history of your current symptoms will be taken. This involves gathering details on: your medical history and medications; your bladder function; bowel function; pregnancy and birth history where relevant; menstrual history; sexual function and any other symptoms you may be having relating to your hips, pelvis and lower back.

A physical assessment will be done to assess the movement and strength of the hips, lumbar spine and pelvis, if indicated.

If indicated an internal examination will be offered. This is a completely optional part of the assessment. It involves a single digit, gloved, lubricated internal examination of the vagina to assess the strength, co-ordination and endurance of the pelvic floor. There are no speculums or instruments used during an internal examination with your Physiotherapist. If you do decide to go ahead with an internal examination, you can ask for a chaperone to be present and you can withdraw consent at any time.

Your Physiotherapist will then provide some advice and guidance on the best way to move forward with your treatment and rehabilitation exercises will be provided, if required.

FAQs

What happens during the appointment?

Similar to a normal physiotherapy appointment a history of your condition will be taken, including medical history and any medications. A physical examination may be required. Such as looking at your hips, spine or pelvic movement – as per normal physiotherapy. An internal examination may be suggested as an option to aid with diagnosis and rehabilitation. Manual treatment will be provided, if required and a rehabilitation programme will be provided.

What is an internal examination?

An internal examination is a gloved and lubricated single digit (finger) examination to the vagina. This is undertaken to determine the strength, function and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles more accurately. Due to the nature of this examination, consent can be withdrawn at any time. Your physiotherapist will leave the room to allow you time to undress from the waist down and cover yourself with a towel. They will re-enter the room to perform the assessment and then will leave the room again to allow you to re-dress.

Do I have to have an internal examination?

Not at all, we can discuss alternative options if this is not something you are comfortable with or something you do not want to do.

Can I change my mind during the appointment?

At any point. You are in control of what happens to your body and can withdraw consent at any time.

Can I still come if I’m on my period?

As the assessment is gloved, you are still able to be assessed. However, if you would like to rearrange the appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.

What should I wear?

Something you can comfortably move in such as leggings or tracksuit bottoms.

Do you use a speculum?

No, we don’t use any equipment to assess your pelvic floor.

Will it be painful?

It should not be painful. The gel can feel cold and it can feel uncomfortable but not painful.

Can I bring someone with me?

If you would like someone to attend the appointment with you, that’s not a problem.

I’m pregnant – can I still be assessed?

We would not assess you internally during the first trimester or if there is a history of miscarriage. We can still discuss options for strengthening and relaxing your pelvic floor to prepare for birth.

I’ve just had a baby – how soon until I can be checked?

We normally recommend waiting until 6 weeks post birth, including c-section to allow you time to heal and adjust to being post partum.

Can I bring my child with me?

That’s not a problem, we have a pram accessible facility.

Discover How Physiotherapy Can Help You

Click the Button to Arrange Your Consultation Today