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

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

Priya Gulla - Senior Physiotherapist and Pelvic Health Specialist

Priya Gulla is a Senior physiotherapist in Nuffield Hospital from 2021, who specialises in women’s health.

Priya qualified from one of the prestigious institutes of India, Jamia Hamdard University, in 2018, she then completed her postgraduate in advancing physiotherapy practise from Coventry University in 2020 and joined Nuffield Tees Hospital in 2021 as a Senior Physiotherapist.

Priya has worked at The Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India specialising in musculoskeletal assessment, post-operative orthopaedics assessment, and the Clinical management of both OPD and IPD cases. With an interest and passion towards pelvic health, she completed a course on Female Urinary dysfunction to gain detailed insight into vaginal examination and treatment.

With her professional experience of working in various healthcare departments including orthopaedics, medicine and surgery, gynaecology, cardiorespiratory, Pulmo-respiratory and neurology, her aim is to make a difference in the outlook of physiotherapy practice as a whole. Her particular interest lies in women’s health focusing on pelvic health. A friendly helping hand to solve patient problems is a quality that stands out for her among her peers. With immense knowledge and a keen interest in improving her clinical skills, she is always there for all our patients whenever required.

Priya's Qualifications and Memberships:

• Bachelors of Physiotherapy
• MSc Advancing Physiotherapy
• POGP- Affiliated Member
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Member of Health and Care Professions Council

Victoria Reynolds - Physiotherapy Manager and Pelvic Health Specialist

Vicky graduated from Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh in 1989 and has had a wide and varied career.

She joined the Tees team in 2003 working with outpatients and developed her skills with a post-grad certificate in musculoskeletal studies and has continued to consolidate her skills with a number of training courses, in such areas as Clinical Pilates and Yoga, ultimate knee rehabilitation, low light laser therapy and acupuncture to name a few, all allowing her to treat clients with a wide range of injuries and post-operative conditions.

Vicky'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 and pelvic pain. I am also interested in helping menopausal women manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Vicky is also fully trained to deliver acupuncture and can use this alongside any of her treatments.

Vicky 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.

I have been Physiotherapy Manager at Nuffield Health since 2012 continuing to develop a first-class physiotherapy team.

Victoria's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc in Physiotherapy
• PGc in Musculoskeletal Studies
• Affiliated member of POGP
• Acupuncture - Foundation Level & women’s health trained
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Member of Health and Care Professions Council

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:

Priya: Monday
Victoria: Monday - Thursday

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.