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

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

Sharon Helsby - Physiotherapist

Sharon qualified from Hertfordshire University in 2000 with a BSc Hons physiotherapy and has worked in both the NHS and private sector as a physiotherapist. Sharon has completed a postgraduate certificate in advanced physiotherapy and a postgraduate diploma in Healthcare leadership and management and is the regional physiotherapy lead for London.

Clinically, her special interests lie in rehabilitating patients following MSK and sporting injuries and in treating women with pelvic health conditions.

At Woking Hospital Sharon works closely with the pelvic health consultants accepting referrals for a variety of pelvic health conditions including, post-op rehabilitation for women who have undergone pelvic floor surgery and hysterectomy. Alongside this Sharon also treats patients who have undergone breast surgery following a cancer diagnosis and works with the consultants and breast care nurse to provide patients with appropriate advice and exercises to aid their recovery.

Sharon's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc (Hons) physiotherapy degree
• Registered with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Advanced physiotherapy postgraduate certificate
• MSc Healthcare Leadership and Management postgraduate diploma
• Acupuncture registered with AACP
• Pelvic Health Physiotherapy: Female Urinary Dysfunction postgraduate course

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: 07:30 -15:30

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.