Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Bristol 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 Bristol Hospital?

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

Hayley Saunders - Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

I graduated from Brunel University in 2001 with a First Class Honours Degree in Physiotherapy. I have spent many years working in large NHS teaching hospitals in London and Bristol, in a variety of specialist musculoskeletal settings. I have also worked with sports teams, as well as working at rugby league player development camps at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

Previous roles have included working in specialist spinal clinics within the NHS. I have vast experience in assessing and treating spinal pain, my treatment approach is personalised to the individual using specific exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue release and spinal mobilisation techniques. I specialise in pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological physiotherapy. This includes pelvic floor rehabilitation for bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain, post-natal pelvic floor and abdominal rehab, and post-operative gynaecological rehabilitation.

I am also a certified Mummy MOT practitioner, a specialised post-natal assessment recommended for all women following delivery - from 6 weeks to many years later. In the Mummy MOT, I assess the strength and function of the tummy and pelvic floor muscles to help prevent long-term childbirth-related complaints such as incontinence, lower back pain and 'mummy tummy'.

Hayley's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• BSc Sport Rehabilitation and Sport Science
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Health Professions Council
• Member of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy
• Certified Mummy MOT practitioner
• APPI Ante and Post Natal Pilates
• APPI Matwork Pilates
• APPI Pilates for Pelvic Floor
• APPI Pilates for Menopause

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 think 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 and Thursday.

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.