Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Brighton Hospital

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 Brighton Hospital?

We have a women's health physiotherapist who has completed additional specialist training to assess and treat women’s health-related problems.

Claire Higgins - MSK Physiotherapist/Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Claire qualified from Brighton University in 2015 and worked for the NHS as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, she has also worked in private practice.

Since joining Nuffield Health she has become a Pelvic (Women’s) Health Specialist and is experienced in treating such conditions as stress and urge incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and helping women recover from gynaecological surgery.

She is experienced in treating pregnancy-related pelvic girdle/lower back pain where she can also use her training in pre and post-natal Pilates to support women through pregnancy and beyond. She is passionate about helping women to improve their pelvic health through education and treatment.

Claire also performs the Mummy MOT, a specialized post-natal assessment recommended for all women following delivery – from 6 weeks to many years later. In the Mummy MOT Claire assesses the strength and function of the tummy and pelvic floor muscles to help prevent long-term childbirth-related complaints such as incontinence, low back pain and ‘mummy tummy’.

She has a broad range of experience working with patients with spinal and musculoskeletal conditions as well as post-operative rehabilitation and inpatient orthopaedic physiotherapy.

She is also trained in acupuncture and is a qualified Pilates instructor.

Claire's Qualifications:

• BSC Physiotherapy (Hons)
• MCSP
• HCPC
• APPI pilates instructor
• AACP member
• POGP member

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:

Wednesday: 08:30 - 16:30
Thursday: 08:30 - 16:30

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.