Women’s Health Physiotherapy

The women’s health team work with pregnant women, both antenatally and postnatally (Obstetrics). We also see women with incontinence of the bladder and bowel and those women who have undergone gynaecological surgery (Gynaecology).

Obstetrics

Antenatal care

• We assess and treat women with muscle or joint problems as a result of pregnancy
  
  
• We are involved in parentcraft  classes where we advise on managing the aches and pains commonly encountered during pregnancy as well as advice on safe exercise during pregnancy

Postnatal care

• We assess and treat women with muscle or joint problems as a result of pregnancy
  
  
• Women will be seen individually following the birth of their baby if they have a difficult or complicated delivery (forceps, 3rd & 4th degree tears, emergency caesarean section) or develop incontinence post-natally—the advice given will include pelvic floor exercises and abdominal exercises as well as advice on how to return to normal daily life
  
  
• We provide outpatient follow up care for anyone who has suffered either a 3rd or 4th degree tear during their delivery or who has ongoing muscular joint problem postnatally

Please note: Pelvic braces and wrist splints can only be provided following a referral and full assessment by a women’s health physiotherapist.

Gynaecology

• We work as part of the urogynaecology team in the assessment clinic working alongside the doctors, urogynaecology specialist nurse and continence advisor
  
  
• We assess and treat women with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary or faecal incontinence
  
  
• We see women after gynaecological surgery to give advice on the pelvic floor and also on how to return to normal activities of daily life

Education

We are involved in various groups and events to provide information on women’s health topics.

Where we work

We are based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in the Physiotherapy Department on the ground floor by lift bank C and in Urogynaecology Clinic in Outpatients 1 on the 1st Floor.

Referral information

We accept referrals from GPs, Consultant's, Midwives and Specialist Nurses

FAQs

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

This varies according to demands on the service. For up to date information please contact the physiotherapy dept on extension 8404.

What treatment can I expect?

At your first visit you will be fully assessed by a women’s health physiotherapist who will discuss and agree a treatment plan with you, based on your individual needs.

What will happen on my first appointment?

• Obstetrics: If you are attending with a pregnancy related problem, you may be asked to reomove some of your clothing so that the physiotherapist can assess you appropriately.
  
  
• Gynaecology: If you are attending with a gynaecological problem such as incontinence or a prolapse you will have an initial assessment to establish your main problem. On your next visit your physiotherapist may need to perform a vaginal examination with your consent. If you wish you may ask for a chaperone or you may bring a friend with you for support.

How often will I be seen?

The physiotherapist will advise you on this when you are assessed. Some conditions require intensive treatment initially, but as your problem improves the treatment interval will lengthen or you may be discharged.

What happens if I am late for my appointment?

If you know you will be late please telephone 020 3315 8404 and we will advise you if you can still be seen. If your delay is unexpected, please report to the receptionist on arrival and we will do our best to see you.

Note: Please allow plenty of time when travelling to your appointment. Particularly if using the hospital car park as there is often a long wait.

What if I can’t make my appointment?

Please let us know as soon as possible as we may be able to offer your appointment to someone else. This will help us to keep the service running efficiently and reduce waiting time for others.

Failure to attend two appointments without contacting the department with a good reason, will lead to you being discharged.

Useful links

• Bladder and Bowel Foundation—a national charity for people affected by bladder and bowel problems. It provides support and information and represents the interests of people with incontinence problems.
  
  
• Bowel Control UK—Information and practical advice for people with altered bowel control.
  
  
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health—represents a clinical interest group for physiotherapists. This site contains useful links to other related sites.
  
  
• Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood international—a site controlled by parents with disabilities. It aims to provide support for pregnant women and parents with disabilities.