Pelvic Health Assessment

Any symptoms affecting the pelvic floor. Including: - Bladder urgency, frequency, or leaks (urinary incontinence). - Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels. - Constipation or incontinence. - Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (heaviness, bulging, discomfort). - Pelvic pain or painful intercourse.

We’ll start with a holistic conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities and goals. Then, I may assess your posture, breathing, and core function. If appropriate, I may offer an internal examination, but this is always optional and fully explained beforehand. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you experience bladder or bowel issues, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, pelvic pain, or discomfort during intercourse, a Pelvic Health Assessment can help identify the cause and provide treatment. It’s also beneficial for postpartum recovery, general pelvic health maintenance and can be used to check you are recovering after gynae surgery or postnatally.

What this video to find out:

No, an internal examination is never mandatory. However, it is an informative way to assess your pelvic floor function, but I will always explain the process, and you can decide what feels right for you. There are also external assessments and alternative techniques available. Watch the video at the bottom of these FAQs on what happens during an internal pelvic floor assessment.

Yes! Urinary incontinence is common but not normal. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can strengthen the muscles and improve bladder control.

Symptoms may include a heavy or dragging feeling, bulging in the vagina, or discomfort. Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms and prevent worsening.

Wear something comfortable that allows movement, such as leggings or loose-fitting trousers. If a physical examination is needed, we will ensure you feel at ease throughout.

Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include pelvic floor exercises, breathing techniques, manual therapy, lifestyle and posture advice, and relaxation strategies. The plan is fully personalised to your needs.

Many clients notice improvements within a few weeks, but this depends on the severity of symptoms and consistency with the treatment plan. I will guide you every step of the way to ensure progress.

Yes! It’s never too late to seek help. Whether your symptoms are recent or long-standing, physiotherapy can still improve function, reduce discomfort, and enhance quality of life.

As a sole practitioner, I do not routinely have a chaperone present during appointments. If you would like a chaperone to be present for any part of your assessment or treatment, including an intimate examination, please let me know before your appointment wherever possible. I will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request, however this may not always be possible and, in some circumstances, your appointment may need to be rearranged. If I do not hear from you before your appointment, I will assume that you do not wish to request a chaperone in advance. However, you will still be offered the opportunity to discuss chaperones, consent and examination options at your appointment before any assessment or treatment takes place. You are welcome to bring a family member, friend or supporter with you if you would prefer, although they would not be considered an independent clinical chaperone.

There is free parking available directly outside the clinic.

Every woman is different, so the number of sessions required will depend on your symptoms, goals and individual circumstances. Some women attend for a single assessment to gain reassurance, education and a personalised plan. However, where symptoms involve physiological changes such as pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, bladder or bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, postnatal recovery or return to exercise, meaningful improvement often takes time and may benefit from a course of treatment and rehabilitation. My aim is always to give you the tools, knowledge and confidence to manage your symptoms independently wherever possible. We will work together to create a plan that is right for you, and I'll always be honest about what I feel is likely to be most beneficial. During your assessment, we'll discuss your goals, expected recovery timescales and whether follow-up sessions are likely to help you achieve the best outcome.