WOMEN'S
HEALTH

How can physiotherapy help you?

Pelvic organ/vaginal prolapse is experienced in up to 50% of women who have had children.
In women who haven't had children – up to 60% will have some significant bladder/bowel or pain symptoms.
Approximately 20% of 18-50 year old women will complain of chronic pelvic pain.
All women will, at some point, go through menopause.
1 in 3 women experiences urinary incontinence during their lifetime.

Many women have tolerated these problems for years, thinking they are a normal part of being a woman. Embarrassment often prevents women from seeking help, and many women are unaware that effective treatments are available.

It’s worth working with a Chartered physiotherapist and persevering with your programme – pelvic floormuscle physiotherapy helps to cure or improve the symptoms of weak pelvic floor muscles for over 70% of women.

Conditions we can help with

Our specialist Physiotherapists can help you with a range of conditions including:

pregnancy-related musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome
bladder dysfunction
bowel dysfunction
pelvic floor dysfunction
incontinence
pelvic pain
pelvic organ prolapse
sexual dysfunction

Following pregnancy, many women are concerned about aches or pains and have questions about how they can safely return to sport without any risk to their pelvic floor. Our Physiotherapists can offer you

a postnatal body check, including postural, abdominal and pelvic floor assessment, will give you back confidence in your body following your child's birth.

Physiotherapy can also address some of the many side effects of menopause, including physical aches and pains, vaginal symptoms and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.

Our Physiotherapists are passionate about helping women resolve their problems, improve their quality of life and help them return to the life they love. Our service is highly confidential and respects the often sensitive nature of these problems.

We offer virtual appointments for those who would rather not come to a clinic or make a home visit.

Obstetrics/ antenatal (Pregnancy care):

Advice and treatment for any pain in pregnancy, including back and pelvic girdle pain (sacroiliac or symphysis pubis /SPD). Also, for nerve problems such as sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome (pain, pins and needles or numbness in the hands).
Your obstetric physiotherapist can help your physical preparation for labour (positions for labour, breathing techniques, perineal massage, relaxation, TENS).
Pelvic floor exercises and training to prevent and treat incontinence.

Postnatal treatment includes:

Post-natal abdominal retraining for weak distended abdominal muscles and rectus divarication (separation of abdominal muscles).
Treatment for any pain post-pregnancy, including back, neck and pelvic pain and practical advice relating to breastfeeding and carrying your baby and improving your posture.
Pelvic floor muscle re-education and strengthening – for incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain or following perineal trauma during delivery.
Bespoke and safe 'return to exercise' programmes.

Gynaecology physio:
The treatment of incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain (vulvodynia/vaginismus/bladder pain syndrome) include:

Pelvic floor Physiotherapy (using Kegel exercises, EMG biofeedback, muscle stimulation and cones).
Manual therapy for overactive or painful pelvic floor muscles.
Bladder training and acupuncture for overactive bladder syndrome.
Rehabilitation following pelvic floor surgery or hysterectomy.

About your pelvic health appointment

What happens during a pelvic health physiotherapy appointment?

A detailed history will be taken of the problems you are experiencing. Some of the questions may be of a personal nature to gain a full insight into the nature of your problems. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

You may be offered an internal (vaginal) pelvic floor examination. This is not compulsory but forms a valuable part of the assessment and enables your physiotherapist to give you individualised treatment and ensure you can activate your pelvic floor muscles correctly. Your physiotherapist will discuss the examination in detail with you during your appointment and a chaperone can be arranged if you would like one.

What does pelvic health physiotherapy treatment involve?

Pelvic health (pelvic floor) physiotherapy treatments are based on exercise and advice, which is tailored to you following a detailed assessment. It may also involve some manual therapy, relaxation and
breathing techniques. To ensure the best outcome, it is important that you take an active part in your rehabilitation and follow the advice of your specialist physiotherapist.

How many appointments do I need?

This varies for everyone, but most people need to attend a course of between 3-5 sessions over a period of around four months.

Is there anything I need to bring to my initial Pelvic Health physiotherapy appointment?

An up-to-date list of any medications you take is useful, plus details of any past or ongoing health conditions, investigations or treatments, especially if they are related to your current symptoms.

You may also wish to note down any questions you have about the problem to ask your physiotherapist, as well as think about the main problems you experience and how much they affect your day-to-day life.

Do I need to do anything at home for my pelvic health physiotherapy appointments?

You may be asked to complete a frequency volume chart for your bladder at home before attending your initial appointment or at some point during your treatment.

Do you inform my GP about my pelvic health physiotherapy?

Your GP is not routinely informed about details of your treatment but is informed if there are any concerns about your condition or if you require further investigations or referral to another health professional.