Women's Health Physiotherapy
Women’s Health Physiotherapy is a specialised physiotherapy service aimed at treating the broad spectrum of physical changes and issues that occur throughout a woman’s life, with particular focus on the pelvis and pelvic floor. This includes:
- the management of hormonal changes
- pre and postnatal rehabilitation
- peri and post-menopausal care
- pre and post-surgical rehabilitation
While the incidence of pain, dysfunction, and injury in these areas is all too frequent, many of these issues are preventable and/or treatable, given prompt intervention.
Unsurprisingly, The World Health Organisation recommends that all women should have access to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. NHS England (NHS England 2022) have also recognised the failing in service provision and stated that physiotherapy is by far the most cost-effective intervention for preventing and treating incontinence and prolapse.
Initial Assessment
An initial appointment will involve both a subjective and objective assessment, carried out by a specialist Women’s Heath Physiotherapist.
In the subjective assessment, we’ll ask you a number of specific and targeted questions to help us better understand your symptoms, the underlying issue or condition and any contributing factors. (This may include personal questions around bladder/bowel function and full Pelvic Health screenings).
In the objective assessment, we’ll look at the physical impact of your symptoms and we’ll also assess your posture, movement patterns, and muscle and joint strength and stability, to give us further insights into the underlying cause.
If it is warranted and you consent to it, we may also carry out an internal pelvic floor assessment to assess the strength and control of the pelvic floor and the integrity of the tissues. (If an internal examination is required, we will offer you the option of a chaperone.)
Your Physio will then explain the diagnosis not just of the immediate issue and symptoms but also of the underlying cause. She will then discuss your treatment and rehab plan and help you understand what to expect as your programme progresses.
Ongoing Support
Ten’s specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapists provide treatment for a range of conditions, amongst them:
- Bowel issues
- Urinary and faecal incontinence
- Pelvic floor issues
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Pelvic pain
- Menopausal incontinence and musculoskeletal issues
- Prolapse
- Post surgical rehabilitation
- Pain with Sex
- Vaginismus
If you have questions or would like to talk in confidence to one of our Women’s Health Physiotherapists, please contact us.
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FAQ
About Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Still have questions? Read our full FAQs or contact our team, and we'll be happy to assist
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What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Women’s Health Physiotherapy is designed to support women with a range of Pelvic Health conditions, as well as throughout the many physiological changes they will experience during their lifetime.
Up to 25% of women globally experience chronic pelvic pain. Around 50% of adult women experience urinary incontinence, but fewer than 60% of women will even talk to their health care providers about it.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy aims to make healthcare for conditions such as this more accessible to women to help them attain the best health levels possible.
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What can I expect from Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
After your initial assessment, your therapist will create a treatment plan for you that is based on your assessment findings and personal goals. Your sessions may vary, depending on the nature of your symptoms.
For bladder and bowel conditions, such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, faecal incontinence, constipation and urgency without incontinence, we can provide education and guidance for managing symptoms at different stages of your life. This can include toileting habits and positions, fluid input and output, brief dietary advise and lifestyle changes. We can also create a pelvic floor strengthening and/or relaxation program to help ease discomfort.
For pelvic pain relating to conditions such as Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Vulvodynia or Vaginismus, we offer targeted exercises, manual therapy (including pelvic floor release), acupuncture and education to help alleviate pelvic pain symptoms. This can include addressing muscle imbalances, breathing, down training, and de-sensitising techniques, promoting relaxation for enhanced pain management and improving quality of life.
And for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, we understand that hormonal changes can occur during this time which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and atrophy. Other physiological changes can also include reduced bone density and sarcopenia. Women’s health physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms of the pelvic floor and offer support through exercises for bone and muscle health, education on symptom management, as well as promoting overall wellbeing during this time.
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Do you offer private Physiotherapy?
Yes – we offer private Physiotherapy appointments, which can be self-paid or covered by your private medical insurer. As with any condition, we would recommend seeking pre-authorisation from your provider in advance of booking.
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What happens in an internal Women’s Health Physiotherapy pelvic floor assessment?
An internal examination is the best way to assess the strength of your pelvic floor and is recommended by national guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence).
All of our assessments are carried out in private treatment rooms. The Physiotherapist will leave the room whilst you take off your trousers and underwear and lie on the treatment bed. You will be given a towel to cover your lower half. As part of the examination, the Physiotherapist will insert a lubricated gloved finger into your vagina to assess the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. You will be asked to perform a series of exercises to assess your muscle function. Throughout the examination your Physiotherapist will discuss what she is doing and make sure you’re comfortable and happy to continue with the assessment. The assessment takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
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What should I wear to a Women’s Health Physio appointment?
It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. It is important that the Women’s Health Physiotherapist can see the outline of your body and how it is moving, so sportswear such as leggings, shorts and sports tops are ideal.