Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Brentwood Hospital
Women’s health or pelvic health physiotherapy is the treatment of disorders affecting the pelvis and pelvic floor.
Please ask for a Pelvic Health Appointment when booking your appointment
It is a specialist area of physiotherapy, which involves the assessment and treatment of a range of conditions relating to:
- bladder problems
- bowel problems
- pelvic floor dysfunction
- pelvic organ prolapses
- pelvic pain
- pregnancy
- problems related to childbirth
- post-natal body check
- aiding recovery following surgery
It is even suitable if you don’t have any particular problems but would like to check how well your pelvic floor muscles work and fine-tune your technique. Our specialists will assist and advise you on the best course of action for your symptoms following a thorough assessment
Who is our women’s health physiotherapist at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital?
We have women's health physiotherapists who have completed additional specialist training to assess and treat women’s health-related problems.
Linda Griffin - Men's and Women's Health Physiotherapist
Since qualifying in 2003, Linda Griffin has worked within the NHS, initially as a junior rotational post. This enabled her to consolidate her knowledge and then develop a breadth of experience treating both acute and chronic conditions. It was during this period Linda had the opportunity to rotate into women’s health.
Having worked as a night sister on a busy gynaecology/surgical ward since 1994, it was a great opportunity for Linda to combine the experience gained from both of her professions. It has been and always will be an area she has a special interest and passion for.
Currently, Linda works as the clinical lead therapist in the women’s health Physiotherapy department in Southend Hospital, she has been in post there since 2005.
Linda has completed her ACPWH Ano-rectal and vaginal assessment and management course. Completion of a Manual pelvic floor therapy course has provided her with an array of treatment options for those with chronic pelvic/vulvar pain. She has also completed matwork 1+2 APPI course and uses this regularly within her practice.
Linda joined Nuffield Health in 2011 and has been given the opportunity to develop this service, which now offers assessment and management of bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain to men and women. She also offers ante and post-natal care.
Kayleigh Lewellyn - Outpatient Lead Physiotherapist
Kayleigh is a US-trained physiotherapist who graduated with her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2015. Following graduation, Kayleigh worked in a variety of settings across America, quickly focusing in the musculoskeletal and orthopaedic fields with a focus in sports medicine and post-operative rehabilitation. She is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Clinical Pilates instructor and uses these techniques within her treatment plans to help her patients get stronger and more confident. She aims to empower her patients with the knowledge and motivation needed to achieve their goals.
Since moving to the UK 5 years ago, Kayleigh has worked at our London City Fitness and Wellbeing gym and across a couple of our corporate sites before joining the team at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital. She also completed her training during this time to become a Pelvic (Women’s) Health Specialist and now treats conditions such as stress and urge incontinence, pelvic organ prolapsed, problems related to childbirth, and rehabilitation following gynaecological surgery.
What happens during a women’s health physiotherapy appointment?
A detailed history will be taken of the problems you are experiencing. Some of the questions may be of a personal nature to gain a full insight into the nature of your problems. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
You may be offered an internal pelvic floor examination. This is not compulsory but forms a valuable part of the assessment and enables your physiotherapist to give you individualised treatment and ensure you can activate your pelvic floor muscles correctly. Your physiotherapist will discuss the examination in detail with you during your appointment.
What does women’s health physiotherapy treatment involve?
Women’s health (pelvic floor) physiotherapy treatments are based on exercise and advice, which is tailored to you following a detailed assessment. To ensure the best outcome, it is important that you take an active part in your rehabilitation and follow the advice of your physiotherapist.
How many appointments do I need?
This varies for each individual but most people need to attend a course of sessions over a period of around four months.
Is there anything I need to bring to my initial women’s health physiotherapy appointment?
An up-to-date list of any medications you take is useful, plus details of any past or ongoing health conditions, investigations or treatments, especially if they are related to your current symptoms.
You may also wish to note down any questions you have about the problem to ask your physiotherapist as well as thinking about the main problems you experience and how much they affect your day-to-day life.
Do I need to do anything at home for my women’s health physiotherapy appointments?
You may be asked to complete a frequency volume chart for your bladder at home prior to attending your initial appointment.
Do you inform my GP about my women’s health physiotherapy?
Your GP is not routinely informed about details of your treatment but is informed if there are any concerns about your condition or if you require further investigations or referral to another health professional.
How much is women’s health physiotherapy?
Initial assessment: £85 non-Nuffield gym member / £68 member (60 minutes)
Follow-up appointment: £60 non-Nuffield gym member / £48 member (30 minutes)
We are also approved by most major private medical insurers.
Opening times:
Linda: Thursday 16:00 - 19:30
Kayleigh: Monday 08:30-16:30, Tuesday 08:30-16:30, Wednesday 13:30-16:30, Thursday 10:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-16:00
How to book a women’s health physiotherapy appointment:
Don't hesitate to get in touch with our physiotherapy reception on 0345 045 4845 to book a self-pay appointment. Please ask for a 'Pelvic Health appointment' when booking your appointment. Alternatively, please contact your private medical insurance directly.