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Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Quick access to specialist physiotherapists
- Pregnancy, post-pregnancy and menopause support
- Personalised care after gynaecological and urological treatments
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PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we understand the sensitive nature of issues surrounding your pelvic health. Our women’s physiotherapy team is here help women of all ages, providing compassionate care and helping you regain confidence and control of your body.
Our specialist physiotherapists are experienced in treating all gynaecological, pelvic, bladder and bowel issues, from stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse to recovery after a hysterectomy and childbirth. They can also provide advice and guidance if you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, giving you the confidence to embrace better pelvic health into older age.
Our specialist physiotherapists are experienced in treating all gynaecological, pelvic, bladder and bowel issues, from stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse to recovery after a hysterectomy and childbirth. They can also provide advice and guidance if you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, giving you the confidence to embrace better pelvic health into older age.
The pelvic floor is made up of a group of muscles and ligaments that stretch from the pelvic bone, at the front of the pelvis, to the coccyx (tail bone) and from side to side. They act like a sling to support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and bowel) and the spine. They’re also responsible for helping to control the bowel and bladder.
The muscles within the pelvic floor are always kept slightly contracted to support the pelvic organs and stop any leaking of urine from the bladder, and wind or faeces from the bowel. When you urinate or open your bowels, these muscles relax to allow you to fully empty your bladder and bowel. Afterwards, they contract again to restore control.
When you do anything that increases the pressure on your abdominal muscles, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting or exercising, the pelvic floor muscles actively contract to stop any leakage.
The muscles within the pelvic floor are always kept slightly contracted to support the pelvic organs and stop any leaking of urine from the bladder, and wind or faeces from the bowel. When you urinate or open your bowels, these muscles relax to allow you to fully empty your bladder and bowel. Afterwards, they contract again to restore control.
When you do anything that increases the pressure on your abdominal muscles, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, lifting or exercising, the pelvic floor muscles actively contract to stop any leakage.
The main causes of pelvic floor weakness are pregnancy, childbirth, lifestyle choices, such as smoking and an unhealthy diet, and menopause.
Your pelvic floor muscles help control and support the organs in the pelvis, so when they are weakened it’s common to experience symptoms such as leaking urine, wind and faeces, or being unable to fully empty your bladder or bowel. You may also experience a heavy dragging feeling within your pelvis or lower back area, and a lump in your vagina.
Your pelvic floor muscles help control and support the organs in the pelvis, so when they are weakened it’s common to experience symptoms such as leaking urine, wind and faeces, or being unable to fully empty your bladder or bowel. You may also experience a heavy dragging feeling within your pelvis or lower back area, and a lump in your vagina.
It’s a specialised form of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles within the pelvic floor through techniques such as pelvic floor training. It can also include other therapies like biofeedback, when an electronic device is used to monitor your pelvic floor muscle activity, or be used to target specific issues such as incontinence or pelvic pain.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can make you feel confident and in control by helping to relieve back pain, improving your posture and rebuilding the strength of your pelvic floor and core muscles.
At HCA UK, we often recommend this form of physiotherapy if you undergo surgery around the pelvic area. It’s all part of the comprehensive rehabilitation service we offer.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can make you feel confident and in control by helping to relieve back pain, improving your posture and rebuilding the strength of your pelvic floor and core muscles.
At HCA UK, we often recommend this form of physiotherapy if you undergo surgery around the pelvic area. It’s all part of the comprehensive rehabilitation service we offer.
Women’s health physiotherapy can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, supporting vital organs such as the bladder and womb, while helping to reduce the risk of pelvic conditions. These can include incontinence, pelvic pain or pelvic organ prolapse.
Physiotherapy can also help to identify where the pelvic floor has become tight or is overworking, often leading to pain or dysfunction. This can help if you’re experiencing discomfort in the area or if you’re finding internal examinations or intercourse painful.
Women's health physiotherapy can also be used both as a preventative measure and as a form of management, treatment or rehabilitation for various conditions. It can offer long-term guidance, so you can embrace better pelvic health into older age.
Physiotherapy can also help to identify where the pelvic floor has become tight or is overworking, often leading to pain or dysfunction. This can help if you’re experiencing discomfort in the area or if you’re finding internal examinations or intercourse painful.
Women's health physiotherapy can also be used both as a preventative measure and as a form of management, treatment or rehabilitation for various conditions. It can offer long-term guidance, so you can embrace better pelvic health into older age.
We offer pelvic floor physiotherapy to women experiencing conditions relating to pelvic health, including:
- Urinary incontinence
- Faecal incontinence
- Pelvic pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Issues related to menopause
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Pain or issues related to endometriosis
200+
women’s health consultants
48-hour
turnaround for diagnostic results
One-stop
dedicated clinics offering full investigation and treatment plans
Fast access to appointments
See a physiotherapist or specialist in as little as 24 hours.
Tailored exercises and techniques
Receive a personalised physiotherapy treatment plan.
Dedicated women’s healthcare facilities
Choose from private hospitals in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Your pelvic floor physiotherapy at HCA UK
What to expect
Our women’s health physiotherapy service is for both inpatients and outpatients. We offer inpatient physiotherapy assessments after your surgery has taken place at our hospitals. This is to help you during your recovery and after you have left the hospital.
We also provide physiotherapy on an outpatient basis, so if you’re experiencing difficulties after surgery, childbirth, during pregnancy or menopause, we can help you build strength and control in your pelvic muscles.
We want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible during your time with us.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage of your physiotherapy treatment. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQs section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’re a patient at one of our hospitals, have self-referred or have a referral from a GP or one of our consultants, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our specialist physiotherapists.
They’ll take the time to talk to you and understand your concerns. They’ll also ask about your medical history and lifestyle to gain a better understanding of your symptoms.
They’ll take the time to talk to you and understand your concerns. They’ll also ask about your medical history and lifestyle to gain a better understanding of your symptoms.
02
Diagnosis
Depending on your symptoms, your physiotherapist may need to carry out an external examination of your pelvis, legs and abdomen to assess posture and pelvic alignment.
If you’re experiencing pain, certain physical tests can help identify how your pelvic area may be contributing to the pain you're experiencing. An internal examination of the vagina or rectum may be recommended, but it’s not compulsory.
An internal examination helps assess pelvic function, identifying potential causes of pain or tense areas in your pelvic muscles. Please let the physiotherapist know if you’d like a family member, friend or female chaperone with you during your examination(s).
The examinations are important and will help your physiotherapist determine what the best course of treatment should be. To ensure an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions, they may recommended additional diagnostic tests or referrals.
If you’re experiencing pain, certain physical tests can help identify how your pelvic area may be contributing to the pain you're experiencing. An internal examination of the vagina or rectum may be recommended, but it’s not compulsory.
An internal examination helps assess pelvic function, identifying potential causes of pain or tense areas in your pelvic muscles. Please let the physiotherapist know if you’d like a family member, friend or female chaperone with you during your examination(s).
The examinations are important and will help your physiotherapist determine what the best course of treatment should be. To ensure an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions, they may recommended additional diagnostic tests or referrals.
03
Treatment
Your physiotherapist will put together a personalised treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms or any discomfort.
Physiotherapy sessions may include massage, advice on managing symptoms, bladder and bowel retraining and exercises (possibly including exercises to do at home).
Depending on your circumstances, your physiotherapy may be provided during your inpatient stay or through a series of outpatient sessions.
04
Aftercare
Your physiotherapy will generally take place over several appointments and your physiotherapist will carefully monitor your progress at each session, providing feedback and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. The frequency of these sessions will vary from person to person.
Your physiotherapist will also recommend any additional services or referrals that may be beneficial at this stage, if needed, to ensure you receive comprehensive care for your symptoms.
Your physiotherapist will also recommend any additional services or referrals that may be beneficial at this stage, if needed, to ensure you receive comprehensive care for your symptoms.
Our locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Women’s Health Centre
27-29 Harley Street W1G 9QP London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy FAQs
Antenatal physiotherapy focuses on preparing your body for childbirth. This typically involves addressing pregnancy-related aches, pains and other issues relating to a weakened pelvic floor. It can be an invaluable course of treatment for reducing discomfort while pregnant.
Postnatal physiotherapy addresses your body's recovery after birth. It can strengthen pelvic floor function, improve abdominal muscle activity and help you safely return to your usual activities and movements.
Many women opt for both antenatal and postnatal physio to support ongoing changes. You can find out more on our physiotherapy for pregnancy page.
Postnatal physiotherapy addresses your body's recovery after birth. It can strengthen pelvic floor function, improve abdominal muscle activity and help you safely return to your usual activities and movements.
Many women opt for both antenatal and postnatal physio to support ongoing changes. You can find out more on our physiotherapy for pregnancy page.
Your physiotherapist will create a treatment plan that’s tailored to you and your symptoms. This may include teaching you pelvic floor retraining exercises or gently massaging the area to help release muscle tension. They may also give you exercises to do at home and suggest relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, to help you manage the pain. Your treatment will take place over several sessions, with regular check-in appointments to monitor your progress and offer guidance and support.
In women’s health, pelvic floor physiotherapy can be crucial to understanding the foundations of pelvic floor wellbeing. This means having well-functioning pelvic floor muscles, reducing the risk of developing conditions such as incontinence or prolapse due to ageing or during pregnancy.
Your physiotherapist can provide exercises designed to engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles. These often include lifting, holding and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles while contracting your vaginal muscles and closing your back passage. You'll be asked to do both short and long squeezes. Your plan may also include breathing exercises or core work.
They may also guide you on lifestyle changes, including posture and movement adjustments.
Your physiotherapist can provide exercises designed to engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles. These often include lifting, holding and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles while contracting your vaginal muscles and closing your back passage. You'll be asked to do both short and long squeezes. Your plan may also include breathing exercises or core work.
They may also guide you on lifestyle changes, including posture and movement adjustments.
We offer women's health physiotherapy in the lead-up to and after gynaecological surgery, such as a hysterectomy.
Before your operation, we’ll advise you on how you can stay active and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to enhance your recovery. After surgery, we’ll recommend exercises, such as deep breathing, supported coughing techniques and advice to help with post-surgical symptoms.
You’ll also be given circulatory exercises, along with pelvic tilting and abdominal exercises, all of which can be done from your bed. Once your discharged, we’ll give you exercises to do at home that help you regain movement and strength in your pelvic floor muscles.
Before your operation, we’ll advise you on how you can stay active and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to enhance your recovery. After surgery, we’ll recommend exercises, such as deep breathing, supported coughing techniques and advice to help with post-surgical symptoms.
You’ll also be given circulatory exercises, along with pelvic tilting and abdominal exercises, all of which can be done from your bed. Once your discharged, we’ll give you exercises to do at home that help you regain movement and strength in your pelvic floor muscles.
“At HCA UK, our team is dedicated to delivering personalised, evidence-based treatments that address physical symptoms but also empower women to regain confidence and independence. The therapeutic approaches we use are grounded in the latest research and delivered with the utmost care and empathy.”