Physiotherapy treatments for men & women's health
Nuffield Health has a network of Physiotherapists who are specially trained to assess and treat men’s and women’s health related problems. These include urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, which can affect both men and women and can be successfully treated with exercise therapy.
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Men’s Health Physiotherapy
A Men’s Health Physiotherapist will have the skills and knowledge (achieved through post-graduate study) to treat male bladder and bowel problems that may occur following surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy) or as a result of weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. They will assist and advise you on the best course of action for your symptoms following a thorough assessment.
Women's Health Physiotherapy
Women’s Health Physiotherapists can help treat a range of conditions such as pregnancy related (pre- and post-natal) pelvic issues, problems with bladder or bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and pelvic floor weakness. They will assist and advise you on the best course of action for your symptoms following a thorough assessment.
What to expect at your pelvic health appointment?
What happens during a pelvic health physiotherapy appointment?
A detailed history will be taken about 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 (vaginal or ano-rectal). 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 and a chaperone can be arranged if you would like one.
What does pelvic health physiotherapy treatment involve?
Pelvic health (pelvic floor) physiotherapy treatments are based around exercise and advice, which is tailored to you following a detailed assessment. It may also involve some manual therapy, relaxation and breathing techniques. To ensure the best outcome, it is important that you take an active part in your rehabilitation and follow the advice of your specialist physiotherapist.
How many appointments do I need?
This varies for everyone, but most people need to attend a course of between 3-5 sessions over a period of around four months.
Is there anything I need to bring to my initial pelvic 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 pelvic health physiotherapy appointments?
You may be asked to complete a frequency volume chart for your bladder at home prior to attending your initial appointment or at some point during your treatment.
Do you inform my GP about my pelvic 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.