Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Letchworth 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 Letchworth 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.

Vicky Sharpe - Physiotherapist

Vicky qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2006 and has worked within the NHS and private sector.

Vicky started working in the private sector in 2012 and has gained wide experience in treating both sporting and non-sporting injuries, including spinal pain. She treats a variety of injuries including post-operative patients. Vicky trained to do acupuncture in 2010 and uses this regularly to help with musculoskeletal pains. She is also qualified to teach Pilates 1:1.

Vicky has a 13 year history of working within a rugby club treating acute injuries pitch side and then aiding the rehabilitation of the players.

More recently Vicky has set up a Menopause Cafe at the gym which is held monthly. This is a forum open to everyone to come and chat about all things menopause related. Alongside this, she has organised for specialists to come in and discuss certain topics relevant to menopause eg exercise, nutrition and mental health. She has also started hosting menopause workshops in local schools for staff.

Vicky is qualified in women's health physiotherapy which involves being able to assess the female pelvic floor and give treatment and advice on managing continence issues and prolapse. She can also provide treatment for pregnancy-related pain and post-natal complications.

Vicky's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc Hons Physiotherapy
• Registered with HCPC
• Acupuncturist registered with AACP

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:

Monday: 09:30 - 15:00
Tuesday 09:15 - 17:00

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.