Women’s Health

What Is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?

Women’s Health Physiotherapy (also known as pelvic health physiotherapy) is a specialist area focused on the unique physical health needs of women.

It involves assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the:

• Pelvic floor
• Bladder and bowel function
• Core and abdominal muscles
• Musculoskeletal system

Our specially trained women’s health physiotherapists in Norwich support women through every life stage:

Pregnancy & Postnatal Recovery

Managing pregnancy-related pain, preparing the body for birth, and restoring strength and function after delivery.

Pelvic Health

Treating pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain with discreet, evidence-based care.

Menopause & Beyond

Supporting bone density, muscle strength, joint health, and managing aches and stiffness related to hormonal change.

Our clinicians have undertaken advanced postgraduate training in women’s health to ensure you receive specialist, tailored care.

Common Women’s Health Conditions We Treat

We treat a wide range of pelvic and musculoskeletal conditions using clinically proven techniques designed to address the root cause, not just symptoms. They include:

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Your pelvic floor muscles support your bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs. When these muscles are weak, overactive, or poorly coordinated, symptoms can develop.

• Urinary Incontinence & Overactive Bladder: Leakage during coughing, sneezing, exercise, or urgency to pass urine are common — but treatable. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is recognised as first-line treatment for stress and urge incontinence.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A sensation of heaviness, dragging, or bulging can indicate prolapse. Tailored strengthening programmes and pressure management strategies can significantly improve symptoms and support pelvic stability.

Pelvic Pain Conditions

Persistent pelvic pain can feel isolating, but specialist physiotherapy can help.

• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Pain during or after sex is common but not normal. Treatment focuses on releasing overactive pelvic floor muscles, improving tissue mobility, and addressing contributing biomechanical factors.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: We combine manual therapy, movement retraining, breathing strategies, and nervous system desensitisation to reduce long-standing pain.

Bowel Health

Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect bowel control and function.

• Constipation: We help retrain pelvic coordination and improve toileting mechanics for more effective, comfortable bowel movements.
• Faecal Incontinence: Targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation can significantly improve bowel control and quality of life.

Physiotherapy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy creates significant physical changes. Specialist physiotherapy can reduce pain and support functional movement.

• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Pain around the pelvis, hips, or sacroiliac joints is common. Treatment focuses on load management, stability, and mobility.
• Lower Back Pain: As posture and weight distribution change, back pain can develop. Physiotherapy reduces strain and supports safe activity.
• Pregnancy-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Fluid retention and hormonal shifts can compress nerves in the wrist. Targeted exercises and manual therapy relieve symptoms.

Postnatal Recovery Physiotherapy

Recovery after childbirth is essential — whether you had a vaginal delivery or C-section.

• Diastasis Recti (DRAM): Abdominal separation during pregnancy can affect core stability. Rehabilitation restores strength safely and progressively.
• Coccyx (Tailbone) Pain: Manual therapy and pelvic floor retraining help reduce discomfort and restore sitting comfort.
• Perineal & C-Section Scar Pain: Scar mobilisation improves tissue mobility, reduces sensitivity, and supports optimal healing.
• Rib Flare & Postural Changes: Breathing retraining and core rehabilitation restore alignment and reduce discomfort.
• “Mummy’s Wrist” (De Quervain’s): Repetitive lifting and feeding strain the wrist and thumb. We provide load management and strengthening strategies.
• Return to Exercise: We guide safe return to running, gym, yoga, and sport through structured progression and pelvic floor testing.

Menopause Support Physiotherapy

Menopause can affect:

• Bone density
• Joint mobility
• Muscle strength
• Pelvic floor function

We create tailored exercise programmes to maintain strength, reduce stiffness, and support long-term physical health.

Your First Appointment: What to Expect

We understand that attending a women’s health appointment can feel daunting. Your comfort, dignity, and consent are always our priority.

Confidential Conversation

You’ll have time to discuss symptoms, concerns, and goals in a private setting.

Comprehensive Assessment

This may include posture, movement, muscle strength, and — if appropriate and with your consent — a gentle internal pelvic floor examination.

Clear Recovery Plan

We explain findings clearly and provide a personalised roadmap, empowering you to take control of your recovery.