Men's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Taunton Hospital

At Nuffield Health we have several Physiotherapists specialising in the treatment of men’s health issues. Physiotherapy can be useful in diagnosing and assessing a condition. This means that a treatment programme can be prescribed to address pain and dysfunction.

Conditions we can help with:

• Bladder dysfunction
• Bowel dysfunction
• Bladder and bowel problems following prostatectomy (removal of the prostate)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Pelvic pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction

Who is our men’s health physiotherapist at Nuffield Health Taunton Hospital?

We have a men's health physiotherapist who is specially trained to assess and treat men’s health-related problems.

Jo Dafforn - Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health

Jo is the National Lead for Pelvic Health Physiotherapy for Nuffield Health.

After graduating from Southampton University in 1997 with an honours degree in Physiotherapy - she soon specialised in Pelvic Health. She gained a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation - focused on pregnancy-related pain and continence care (in both men/women).

Jo joined Nuffield Health in 2014, before this she was the Clinical Specialist in Women's Health at Imperial College Healthcare in central London.

Jo's particular area of clinical expertise lies in treating pelvic floor muscle dysfunction including symptoms of vaginal prolapse, bladder and bowel weakness. She also specialises in treating pregnancy-related back/pelvic pain and male bladder/bowel weakness. Jo is also fully trained to deliver acupuncture and can use this alongside any of her treatments.

Jo is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives by restoring their pelvic health and helping them return to a full, active lifestyle. Sessions are provided in a comfortable, relaxed environment, and with a reassuring, honest and open approach to your physiotherapy treatment and care.

Jo also performs the Mummy MOT, a specialized post-natal assessment recommended for all women following delivery – from 6 weeks to many years later. In the Mummy MOT Jo assesses the strength and function of the tummy and pelvic floor muscles to help prevent long-term childbirth-related complaints such as incontinence, low back pain and ‘mummy tummy’.

Jo's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc Hons Physiotherapy
• MSc in Rehabilitation (Obstetrics & Continence)
• Acupuncture - Foundation Level & Pregnancy trained
• Clinical Pilates Matwork Level 1 (APPI)
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Member of Health and Care Professions Council
• Member of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) Group

What happens during a men's pelvic 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 (ano-rectal) 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 and a chaperone can be arranged if you would like one.

What does men's pelvic health physiotherapy treatment involve?

Pelvic health (pelvic floor) physiotherapy treatments are based on 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 for around four months.

Is there anything I need to bring to my initial men's 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 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 men's pelvic health physiotherapy appointments?

You may be asked to complete a frequency volume chart for your bladder at home before 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.

How much is men’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:

Thursday and Friday.

How to book a men’s health physiotherapy appointment:

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated bookings line and ask for a men's pelvic health appointment with Jo Dafforn on 0345 045 4845. Alternatively, please contact your private medical insurance directly.