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

We have a women's health physiotherapist who has completed additional specialist training to assess and treat women’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 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:

Thursday and Friday

How to book a women’s health physiotherapy appointment:

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