Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Farnham Fitness & Wellbeing Gym

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 Farnham Fitness & Wellbeing Gym?

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

Charlotte Barton - Senior physiotherapist in Pelvic Health

Charlotte qualified from the University of Northumbria in 1998. She started her career at Sunderland Royal Hospital before moving down South to work at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital where she developed her passion in Pelvic Health. In 2003 she started working at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital as a specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and then worked as an Extended Scope Physiotherapy Practitioner and Team lead for nearly 20 years. She gained her Masters in Women’s Health at Bradford University and full membership of POGP. Following this, she qualified as an independent Non-Medical Prescriber.

Her specialist interests include Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Menopause, Paediatric Incontinence, Sexual Dysfunction, Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Charlotte is married with two energetic young boys, 3 dogs and two cats. Charlotte also works as a veterinary physiotherapist (ACPAT) at a small animal hospital. In her spare time, she enjoys all aspects of sport and is currently in training for an Ironman Triathlon. More relaxing hobbies include gardening and baking.

Charlotte's Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• MSc Rehabilitation (Obstetrics & Continence)
• Acupuncture - Foundation level & Pregnancy trained
• Clinical Pilates Matwork Level 1, Ante & Post Natal (APPI)

Charlotte's Professional Memberships

• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Member of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (Supplementary register independent non-medical prescriber)
• Member of Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy Group (POGP)
• Member of the British Menopause Society

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:

Monday: 08:30 -15:30

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.