Support through pregnancy, recovery and changing life stages
What is women’s health physiotherapy?
Pregnancy, birth, postnatal recovery and other life stages can bring changes in pain, continence, pelvic floor function, strength and confidence. These concerns deserve individual assessment and clear, respectful support. Our women’s health physiotherapists work with you to understand your symptoms, priorities and preferences, and adapt care to your comfort and goals.
What it can help with
- Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle or lower back pain
- Postnatal recovery and return to exercise
- Urinary or bowel symptoms
- Pelvic floor weakness, overactivity or coordination concerns
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction
- Abdominal separation
- Musculoskeletal concerns associated with feeding, lifting or caring for a baby
Your assessment
An initial Women’s Health assessment involves discussing your main concerns, medical history, bladder and bowel function, sexual function and obstetric history. We explain each part of the appointment before it happens.
Assessment may also include observation of movement, real-time ultrasound or an internal vaginal assessment where clinically appropriate. Internal assessment is optional and will only be undertaken after a clear explanation and with your informed consent.
Your treatment
Following assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan based on your symptoms, function and goals. Care may include pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder or bowel retraining, breathing and pressure-management strategies, pain-management strategies, and strength and movement exercise.
Real-time ultrasound may be used to give you visual feedback as you learn pelvic floor and abdominal exercises. During pregnancy, care may include movement advice, hands-on treatment and supportive strategies for back and pelvic girdle pain. After birth, it may include abdominal and pelvic floor rehabilitation and a guided return to walking, Pilates, gym training, running or other activities. There is no single timeline that suits everyone. Where appropriate, we work alongside your GP, obstetrician, midwife or other health professionals.