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

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

Laura Grant - Outpatient Lead Physiotherapist

I graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 and after working in the NHS travelled to New Zealand and Australia to continue my working career. I have worked in MSK physiotherapy for over 15 years and have a wide range of knowledge in treating lower back, neck and knee pain. I have a special interest in women's health and can treat ante and post-natal women, along with urinary continence issues and post-operative gynaecological surgery. I really enjoy gym-based rehabilitation, particularly using my Pilates knowledge which I have been using for over 12 years.

Laura's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• Acupuncture trained and member of AACP
• MCSP
• APPI-qualified Pilates Instructor
• HCPC

Maree Welch - Senior Physiotherapist

I have worked at Nuffield Health for over 15 years giving professional caring treatment to clients with all musculoskeletal complaints, including a vast array of post-surgical patients. I take pride in giving personal empathetic treatment to all clients during their journey in Physiotherapy. My special interest is Women’s health/ continence, concentrating on pelvic health. Close working links exist not only between other Nuffield Health physiotherapists in this field, but with Consultant Specialists and Nurse Specialists.

Outside of the 9-5, I pursue my love of cycling, and hockey and regularly join friends sailing on the South Coast and its lovely water.

Maree's Qualifications and Memberships:

• NZ Diploma of Physiotherapy
• HCPC
• MCSP

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 personal to gain a full insight into the nature of your problems. You will also be allowed 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, you must 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 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 before 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:

Laura: Tuesday and Wednesday, 08:30 - 14:00
Maree: Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00, Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00 and Thursday 08:30 - 11:00

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.