A women’s health physiotherapist is a physiotherapist with a specialist interest and an additional qualification in pelvic health. They can provide support to women at any time in their lives to help with the management of a wide range of conditions.
Womens health physiotherapy
1 in 3 women experience problems relating to their bladder, bowel or pelvic floor at some point in their lifetime but are either too embarrassed to seek or help or do not realise that help is available. This can result in problems such as incontinence, vaginal prolapse, pain on sexual intercourse or constipation. Many women experience pain in their pelvic joints during pregnancy that can be debilitating. A consultation with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist can help to alleviate these problems. With the correct assessment, advice and treatment techniques these problems can be managed.
When the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are stretched and weakened and no longer able to support the uterus, (womb) this can result in pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Symptoms include the bladder or bowel bulging against the vaginal walls, lower back pain or difficulty emptying the bowel as well as bladder problems. There are many causes for this weakness including frequent heavy lifting, constipation, pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, abdominal or pelvic surgery or as part of the ageing process.
Mild to moderate prolapse can be treated with a tailored pelvic floor exercise plan following a careful assessment by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
- Women’s health physiotherapy is for all women, but can be particularly helpful for women who;
- Have undergone gynaecological surgery
- During and after pregnancy and childbirth
- Suffer with stress incontinence or other pelvic dysfunction
- Have increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Pelvic pain – including pain when having sexual intercourse
Why choose us?
Here at The Women’s Health Clinic our qualified professionals are able to offer you an appointment at a location and at a time that is convenient to you.
We are able to offer you an appointment time at a clinic location that is suitable for you without the long waiting times you may experience at an NHS clinic and everything is completely confidential – we will not inform your GP unless you specifically ask us to.
Your named professional will be an expert in the field of women’s health with years of knowledge and experience and hold specialist qualifications within this field. Our expert physiotherapist works closely with our Gynaecologist and specialist women’s health nurse to help you achieve optimum pelvic health.
Gynaecological Physiotherapy
Gynaecological Physiotherapy
The female body is complex and subsequently there can be many gynaecological conditions you may experience throughout your life. The conditions can be eased, improved and even cured by seeing a women’s health physiotherapist. No woman should have to suffer in silence, we are here to support you.
This includes the assessment and treatment of all urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, vulval pain, sexual dysfunction and much more.
Your first appointment will last an hour. Your physiotherapist will begin by talking through your symptoms and your medical history and with your consent, they will then perform a vaginal examination to assess the degree of any perceived prolapse and the strength and technique of your pelvic floor muscle activation. They will offer a diagnosis and talk through all available treatment plans
Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles may contribute to chronic pelvic pain. The aim of the treatment plan is to release these muscles using a variety of treatment techniques. After an individual assessment, this plan may include manual therapy to the pelvic floor (stretching, lengthening and restoring function). Breathing exercises may also be used, as well as relaxation strategies and specific strengthening exercises that may improve function and consequently quality of life.
Antenatal and Postnatal Physiotherapy
Antenatal and Postnatal Physiotherapy
Antenatal Physiotherapy
Pregnancy is a beautiful but challenging time for a woman. The pregnant body goes through enormous changes and this can affect women in many ways. Some of these changes may cause pain, incontinence or emotional anxiety, our specialist women’s health physiotherapist will be able to guide you on your journey into motherhood, allowing you to be the best you can for you and your baby. Even if you aren’t experiencing pain or problems in your pregnancy, she will be able to advise and support you to continue exercising in a safe and effective way.
Postnatal Physiotherapy
The time after the birth of your baby is an important time of recovery for your body. It is important to assess and address any problems in this period so as to prevent bigger problems in later life.
This is often a time where women feel at their most vulnerable, our experienced physiotherapist will make you feel comfortable and supported whilst you discuss any problems that you encountered in labour, this can include any pelvic floor trauma or perineal tears.
You may be wondering how to ease back into exercise or want to discuss tummy muscle separation. She will be able to help you regain your strength and confidence so you can begin to feel like yourself again.
What we offer?
We offer four packages:
- Incontinence and Pelvic Dysfunction Physical Therapy with or without medical laser
- Pain in Pregnancy
- Accompanied Pregnancy
- Full Pregnancy Physical Therapy
Packages
Packages
This targets anyone who may suffer from Prolapse, Sexual disorder or pain, Pelvic Griddle pain, Diastasis recti, Abdominal or inguinal hernia, Stress incontinence, Urinary distress, Overactive bladder, Fecal or gas incontinence.
This package includes three sessions and access to exclusive content on the fundamentals of breathing and posture.
You will be spend one session your assigned physical therapist who will assess your posture and breathing habits. You will also learn the biomechanics of the body and how pelvic floor dysfunction arises. With your consent, your assigned practitioner will examine you and identify any dysfunctional organs.
Two sessions will be based on the a tailored programme specific to you. Your Physical Therapist will provide a tailored treatment, using the information collected and the diagnosis established.
The option of laser treatment will also be discussed in depth.
You will be spend one session your assigned physical therapist who will assess your posture and breathing habits. You will also learn the biomechanics of the body and how pelvic floor dysfunction arises. Your practitioner will establish a general diagnosis and provide treatment accordingly.
You will also be given access to exclusive content on the fundamentals of breathing and posture.
A session will be dedicated to use the information collected and any diagnoses established in the first session to establish a treatment programme in relation to any pain during pregnancy.
You will be spend one session your assigned physical therapist who will assess your posture and breathing habits. You will also learn the biomechanics of the body and how pelvic floor dysfunction arises. Your practitioner will establish a general diagnosis and provide treatment accordingly.
You will also be given access to exclusive content on the fundamentals of breathing and posture.
There will be two sessions where both parents will learn about the phases of labor, their individual role during this process, how to talk to the health care professional who will be attending you on the day, how to best accompany the mother during labour, the importance of the biomechanics of the pelvis for baby’s descent, postures to alleviate pain as well as breathing techniques. Parents will also be able to have time to ask any questions or share any fears they have on the process.
This package also includes a single session dedicated to a postpartum checkup to assist you on regaining pelvic floor and core strength.
During each session, your assigned physical therapist will assist you with an individualised training programme to follow for the different stages of pregnancy.
Your assigned practitioner will explain the biomechanics of the body and how pelvic floor dysfunction arises. Your practitioner will establish a general diagnosis and provide treatment accordingly.
You will also be given access to exclusive content on the fundamentals of breathing and posture.
This package also includes a single session dedicated to a postpartum checkup to assist you on regaining pelvic floor and core strength
Prices apply to UK Only where we are Nurse led. In many countries only Doctors are allowed to carry out this treatment. Please check the relevant clinic page for country specific pricing information
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain is the term given to pain within the pelvic floor muscles at the entrance to the vagina. This pain is localised in the rectum or pelvis and can cause either continuous pain or pain during sexual intercourse. The cause is often unknown but, if left untreated, it can result in a variety of conditions including:-
Tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles may contribute to chronic pelvic pain. The aim of the treatment plan is to release these muscles using a variety of treatment techniques. After an individual assessment, this plan may include manual therapy to the pelvic floor (stretching, lengthening and restoring function). Breathing exercises may also be used, as well as relaxation strategies and specific strengthening exercises that may improve function and consequently quality of life.
Pelvic girdle pain (previously called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or SPD)
Pelvic girdle pain is very common and thought to affect 1 in 5 pregnant women. It can result is pain anywhere around the pelvic joints and the intensity varies with each individual. Physiotherapy can significantly help to reduce the pain and improve mobility following thorough assessment to produce an individualised treatment plan. This plan may include exercises, advice about posture and the use of support aids where needed.
Diastasis recti
This is the term used when the two muscles that run down the middle of your stomach become separated during pregnancy. This is the result of a natural separation rather than a tear or a split in the muscles. It can result in a noticeable bulge especially when getting out of bed or out of the bath. If the gap is greater than 3 cm, then physiotherapy is recommended.
Sexual dysfunction
Women can develop sexual problems at any time of their lives and are often unsure about where to go for help. Here at The Women’s Heath Clinic our physiotherapist Kirsten has also completed a post graduate diploma in Psychosexual Medicine. In the past, this qualification was only available to doctors. Her approach to the management of sexual problems, such as pain and fear, combines counseling with physical examination, including desensitization work. Supervision and advice can be given in the use of a number of aids (such as dilators) designed to help in symptom relief. First appointments will take one hour in order to facilitate rapport with clients. A safe and confidential environment is provided to all clients to enable open discussion of matters which may be of an intimate nature.
Massage
Massage is a great adjunct to other treatments. Swedish massage is gentle, relaxing and can provide a sense of wellbeing. Sports massage is more vigorous, ideal for ladies who are keen to loosen up their muscles in preparation for returning to exercise. Prior to any hands on therapy, there will be an in depth interview to check clients’ health status so that the most appropriate treatment can be given. Client safety is of the utmost importance, so clients will be asked questions about allergies, ongoing health issues, and medical history. Clients who attend for a massage will be given basic postural advice and tailored information on suitable forms of exercise. A list of current medication will also be required prior to treatment.
