Pelvic & Women’s Health Physiotherapy

Leaking urine from the bladder during a run, cough or sneeze. This can be as a response to pregnancy, childbirth, peri menopause, menopause or other pelvic floor muscle involvement.

The feeling of needing to empty the bladder frequently and/or rushing to get to the toilet in time This is often accompanied with the loss of bladder control.

A bulge of the uterus, bladder or bowel into the vaginal canal. This can present with feelings of dragging or heaviness and can be accompanied by changes to bladder or bowel function.

Many new mums are left in the dark about their bodies in the postnatal period and this assessment is designed to empower and educate you on the recovery process following pregnancy and childbirth.

Whether you had a vaginal delivery or caesarean section and whether you have specific symptoms or are making a good recovery, this appointment is vital for every woman. By optimising your recovery you can maximise your postnatal potential and reduce the risk of any long term pelvic floor dysfunction.

The appointment can be made anytime from 6 weeks post delivery and will include:

• A postural, pelvis and back assessment.
• Abdominal muscle assessment and check for separation and activation of these muscles.
• Teaching of abdominal muscle re-education and signposting for further recovery and exercise advice.
• Assessment of any bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms.
• Pelvic floor assessment with an optional internal examination to check strength and to guide correct pelvic floor exercise techniques. This may also involve learning how to relax these muscles.

Pelvic girdle pain, back pain, coccyx pain, hip pain, rib pain and carpal tunnel syndrome are all common with pregnancy. Physiotherapy can help to manage pain, restore movement and rehabilitate muscles to help keep you moving well at this time.

Injury to the pelvic floor from childbirth is common and can lead to issues with pain and bladder and bowel function. As this area of the body heals it is important to rehabilitate the pelvic floor and prevent future complications.

Pain can occur with sexual intercourse and/or you may suffer with chronic pain in the pelvic region. Pelvic pain can respond well to physiotherapy input and make a real difference to quality of life. Conditions such as endometriosis, vulvodynia and vaginismus can result in pelvic pain.

The loss of control of bowel function and/or wind. If pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is found to be the cause of these symptoms then exercises to improve control can influence symptoms.

Difficulty emptying the bowels. Lifestyle and diet changes, toileting strategies and assessment of pelvic floor muscle activity can all help in the management of obstructive defecation.

Bladder and bowel care following prostate surgery, pelvic floor training for erectile dysfunction, and management and treatment of pelvic pain.