Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Women's Health
“Louise has been a godsend over the last few months – her knowledge, kindness, reassurance, listening skills & physio plan were spot on”
Women’s Health Physiotherapy Services:
Antenatal Care
During pregnancy, physical & hormonal changes occur which can affect the musculoskeletal system. These changes can sometimes lead to pain & discomfort, commonly in the pelvic girdle, lower back and legs, wrist & hands, ribs and muscles.
There can also be changes to the tummy muscles which sometimes separate. Pregnancy can lead to changes in the bladder & bowel, with needing to go to the toilet more often and incontinence/ leaks.
There are a number of ways in which Physiotherapy can help, from hands-on techniques, taping and more. Physiotherapists are well-placed to advise on other aspects of pregnancy-care such as exercise and being active.
POSTNATAL CARE
After giving birth, it’s important to remember the mum, providing the care & attention they need too. As a result of pregnancy & delivery, there is usually a hormone imbalance in the woman’s body.
The combination of hormones & physical changes can lead to musculoskeletal problems; such as increased joint mobility, muscle imbalances & weakness of the pelvic floor and tummy muscles. Repeated postures (for example from feeding, nappy changing) combined with the above hormonal & physical changes can exacerbate conditions commonly seen during the postnatal period:
- Pelvic Girdle Joint pain
- Trunk & lower back pain
- Muscle spasm & pain
- Tummy seperation
- Scar pain
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Our Woman’s Health Physiotherapist will work with you in clinic with hands-on techniques, & practical guidance for when you are at home. This may include achievable, practical exercises such as Kegel, tips on positioning & guidance.
MOT for Mums
An MOT for Mums is a specialist postnatal examination for women following vaginal or caesarean deliveries. This is recommended after the 6-8 week GP check.
Mums have this session for a number of reasons; from reassurance that all is OK to guidance on returning to physical activities such as running.
Whatever your reason may be, the MOT assesses your:
- posture
- pelvic floor muscles
- tummy muscles
- bladder, bowel & sexual function
and is designed to assist with recovery after childbirth.
You will be given
- education & advice on how to minimise postural strain
- personal exercise and activity plan with access to free exercise app
- health & wellbeing guidance
This may be a one-off session to address your concerns, or you may be advised to continue with Physiotherapy sessions.
Womens’ Health ranges from pelvic floor health, incontinence to Menopause. Our specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist can provide support and appropriate management for a number of conditions including:
- Gynaecological surgery
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary incontinence (bladder leaks) including urgency & frequency
- Chronic constipation
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovaries
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Coccyx pain
- Menopausal symptoms
- Pain during or after intercourse (Dyspareunia)
We also provide Physiotherapy for those recovering from post Breast Cancer surgery. To find out more about this service please click here.
How to book & other information
- Support from Louise Thompson, our specialist Women's Health Physiotherapist
- You can self-refer, with all initial Women's Health appointments £110 for 60 minutes
- Subsequent appointments are £85 for 45 minutes or £65 for 30 minutes.
- We welcome referrals from other healthcare professionals
- Our Women's Health services are currently open to self-pay, Bupa, Axa, Nuffield and WPA clients
- Access to a free exercise app
- We work alongside local healthcare providers for mums & babies