The pelvic floor muscles play an essential role in supporting your bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. They also help with bladder and bowel control, core stability and sexual function.
When these muscles become weak, overactive or don’t work as they should, they can contribute to a range of symptoms. At Hallamshire Physiotherapy, our specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Jackie Gibbon, provides expert assessment and treatment to help restore pelvic floor function and improve your quality of life.
Whether your symptoms have developed after pregnancy, during menopause or at another stage of life, we’re here to help.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that stretch like a hammock across the base of your pelvis.
These muscles help to:
Like any other muscle, the pelvic floor can become weak, tight or poorly coordinated.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy may help if you’re experiencing:
Your initial appointment includes a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history and goals.
Jackie may also carry out:
Following your assessment, you’ll receive an individual treatment programme designed specifically for your needs.
Treatment may include:
Jackie will also provide a personalised home exercise programme to help you continue your progress between appointments.
Pregnancy and childbirth place additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help:
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the strength and function of the pelvic floor, leading to symptoms such as bladder urgency, urinary leakage and vaginal heaviness.
Specialist physiotherapy can help improve muscle strength, bladder control and confidence while supporting your overall pelvic health.
Not always. An internal pelvic floor assessment is often the best way to assess muscle strength and function, but it is only carried out with your informed consent. Jackie will always explain the assessment fully, and you can decline at any time.
This depends on your symptoms and goals. Many women notice improvements within a few appointments when they follow their personalised exercise programme.
Yes. Pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as the first-line treatment for many types of urinary incontinence and can significantly improve symptoms.
No. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect women of all ages, including those who have never been pregnant.
If you’re experiencing bladder symptoms, pelvic pain, prolapse or pelvic floor weakness, our specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist can help.
Contact Hallamshire Physiotherapy today to book your pelvic floor assessment.
