Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Clapham

Pelvic Health Conditions We Treat

Pelvic Floor FAQs

• What is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy?

  Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialist branch of physiotherapy focused on assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor: the group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that sit at the base of the pelvis. These muscles play a vital role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and supporting the pelvic organs.

  A pelvic health physiotherapist uses a combination of hands-on therapy, tailored exercise programmes, and education to help you understand and manage your condition. Treatment is always personalised to your needs and carried out in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.

  Pelvic health physiotherapy can help women with a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Bladder leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Painful sex (dyspareunia or vaginismus)
  • Constipation or bowel dysfunction
  • Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain
  • Postnatal recovery and rehabilitation
  • Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
  • Menopause-related pelvic floor changes
  • Recovery after gynaecological surgery

  Whether you are pregnant, newly postnatal, navigating menopause, or simply noticing changes in your body, you don’t need to just put up with your symptoms. Pelvic health physiotherapy can make a real and lasting difference to your quality of life.

• What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

  Pelvic floor dysfunction means the pelvic floor muscles aren’t working as they should. They may be too weak, too tight or not coordinating well, which can lead to leaking, prolapse symptoms, constipation, chronic pelvic pain or painful sex. Pelvic floor rehabilitation with a specialist physiotherapist can help, whatever the cause.

• What's the difference between a weak and a tight pelvic floor?

  A weak pelvic floor doesn’t give enough support, so it’s more often linked to leaking and prolapse. A tight or overactive pelvic floor struggles to relax, and is more often linked to pelvic pain, painful sex and difficulty emptying. Some women have both, which is why a proper assessment matters: strengthening exercises alone can make a tight pelvic floor worse.

• Can pelvic floor physiotherapy help with pain during sex?

  Yes. Pain during sex is never something you should simply accept. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can address many of the underlying causes, including muscle tension, nerve sensitivity, and scar tissue.
  We can also provide advice on the best lubricants to use and best sex positions for your symptoms.

• Can physiotherapy help with leaking?

  Yes. Research consistently shows that pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for stress and urge incontinence. Many women see significant improvement within a few months.
  We can also provide education on supportive underwear, change of posture and use of pessaries to help manage symptoms whilst you get stronger.

• I've had symptoms for years. Is it too late?

  It is never too late. Whether your symptoms developed recently or have been present for years, pelvic floor muscles can be retrained and strengthened at any stage of life.

• What happens at a first appointment?

  Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will talk through your symptoms and history, assess your posture, breathing and core and, with your consent, your pelvic floor. She’ll explain what she finds and agree a treatment plan with you.

• Do I have to have an internal examination?

  No. It gives the most accurate picture of how your pelvic floor is working, but it’s always your choice. Olivia can still assess and treat you without one.

• Do I need a GP referral?

  No. You can book directly with Liv Physio. Olivia will carry out a thorough assessment and let you know if anything means you should also see your GP.