What should I expect on my first appointment?

During your appointment I will listen to the concerns you have about your pelvic health and take a full history; I will carry out a detailed assessment checking your posture, breathing and examine your abdomen, back and if indicated perform an internal pelvic examination. I will discuss my findings with you, offer you specific advice and design and provide you with a tailored evidenced based treatment programme that will address your needs to achieve your goals. The services I provide are confidential and can be in either the comfort of your own home or at one of the clinics I practise from. If you have any questions please contact me, please be reassured any conversation you have with me will be strictly confidential.

 What if I am on my period?

You can still have your consultation and treatment if you are on your period. I can take a full history and assess your posture, breathing, abdomen and body. If a pelvic exam is indicated then this can be performed as long as you are comfortable with this, it is not a problem for me. If you are not comfortable then this can be done at your next session or you can reschedule your appointment.

I have had these symptoms for years, can physiotherapy still help me?

Yes physio can still help you, it is never too late to start treatment! The body is capable of change at any stage of life no matter how long you have had your symptoms for. It could take a bit longer to see results but women do get better.

Am I too old for physiotherapy to help me?

I find some of my older clients are the most consistent with their programmes and obtain great results. Results happen because of consistency, optimising form/lifestyle, challenging the body to change with load and variabilty. Age is not a predictor of successful outcome.

What if I am already doing my pelvic floor exercises and it is not helping. How will physiotherapy be able to help?

We know that many women (40%) do not perform their pelvic floor exercises correctly so having an assessment to ensure you a performing them correctly is vital to a successful outcome. It is not just about squeezing your pelvic floor though, exercises need to be co-ordinated with your breathing and the rest of your body as they work as part of a team to maintain abdominal pressure and stability so that you can move. A women’s health physiotherapist will assess how you connect and co-ordinate your pelvic floor with your body and design a specific programme to reconnect and rebuild your pelvic floor with the rest of your body. Furthermore, it is not just about doing your pelvic floor exercises, yes they are important but there are other factors that may be contributing and driving symptoms too that need to be addressed and modified.

I feel too embarrassed to talk about my pelvic problems, what can I do?

First of all, you are not alone, pelvic problems are very common and due to the sensitive nature of symptoms women often can feel embarrassed about seeking help and instead put up with symptoms, sometimes for years. However, it does not have to be this way, why don't you get in touch with me. I am friendly and will put you at ease as we talk through your symptoms and discuss your treatment options. Any conversations you have with me are always confidential. So don't suffer in silence, take action.