Women's Health
Physiotherapy

What women's health physiotherapy covers

• Pelvic floor dysfunction — including urinary leaking, urgency, and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
• Pregnancy-related pain — pelvic girdle pain and back pain during and after pregnancy
• Postnatal recovery — returning to activity safely, including after caesarean birth
• Diastasis recti — separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy
• Return to exercise and sport after childbirth
• Menopause-related musculoskeletal and pelvic symptoms

Leaking is common. It is not something you have to accept

Urinary leaking after childbirth or in later life is extremely common — which is why so many women are told it is simply part of having had children or getting older. Common is not the same as inevitable. Pelvic floor muscle training is a well-established first-line treatment for stress urinary incontinence, and most women improve with a properly taught, progressive programme.

The word "properly" matters. Many women have been told to "do your pelvic floor exercises" without being shown how, without knowing whether they are contracting the right muscles, and without any progression. That is not the same as a supervised programme.

What assessment involves

1. A private, unhurried discussion of your symptoms and history — obstetric, medical and activity
2. Assessment of posture, breathing, abdominal wall and general movement
3. Where appropriate and only with your explicit consent, an assessment of pelvic floor muscle function
4. Explanation of what we find, in plain language
5. A programme you understand, with clear progression

Consent, privacy and choice

Internal assessment is never automatic and never required. It is discussed first, and you can decline it at any point and still be treated — a great deal can be assessed and progressed without it. Sessions are conducted privately, and you may bring someone with you if you would prefer. If you would rather be seen by a female clinician, ask when you book and we will arrange it where we can.

Returning to exercise after birth

There is no single date at which it becomes safe to return to running or heavy lifting. It depends on symptoms, pelvic floor function, abdominal wall recovery and the demands of the activity. A staged return, guided by symptoms rather than the calendar, is more reliable than a fixed timeline.

When to see a doctor

Please seek medical assessment for blood in the urine, pain or burning on passing urine, unexplained pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or a sudden change in bladder or bowel control. Physiotherapy addresses muscle and movement contributions — it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

How long until I see improvement?

Pelvic floor muscle training generally needs to be sustained over a period of months to show its full effect, with earlier partial improvement common. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Is it too late if my children are grown up?

No. Pelvic floor muscles respond to training at any age.

Can I be seen during pregnancy?

Yes. Assessment and treatment are adapted to the stage of pregnancy.

References

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Pelvic floor dysfunction: prevention and non-surgical management (NG210).