Expert Men’s Health
At Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab
Men’s Health Physiotherapy at Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab is a confidential service for men dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder or bowel control problems, or recovery after prostate surgery. Many patients have found these concerns difficult to raise with a GP, or simply haven’t known that physiotherapy could help. Appointments take place in a private consultation room with Richard Higgs, so you see the same clinician for assessment and treatment throughout.
This service is designed to support men experiencing sensitive but important concerns, including pelvic floor dysfunction, post-prostate surgery recovery, and bladder or bowel control issues. Care is provided in a professional, discreet, and respectful clinical environment, where privacy and dignity are always prioritised.
Our approach to male pelvic health rehabilitation is informed by guidance on rehabilitation following prostate cancer treatment and by professional standards from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) network on male pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation.
Handforth Physiotherapy is based at 59 Wilmslow Road, Handforth, Cheshire SK9 3EN, serving men across Handforth, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge and the whole of the North West who would prefer a discreet, local option away from larger hospital settings.
What to Expect
Before your appointment
Booking is simple and discreet: call, email or use our contact form. You don’t need to go into detail about your symptoms when booking; a brief description such as “pelvic health assessment” is enough for us to arrange the right appointment length and clinician.
Your first appointment
Your initial appointment takes place in a private consultation room away from the main clinic gym.
Your appointment begins with a confidential consultation to understand your medical history, symptoms, and personal goals in a calm, professional setting.
We will then undertake what could be described as a “typical” physiotherapy assessment, where we assess movement, strength and pain of associated areas such as the low back, hips and core muscles.
Where appropriate, a physical assessment may be recommended to evaluate pelvic floor function and contributing factors. This is always fully explained beforehand and only carried out with your clear informed consent.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Education to help you understand your condition and recovery process
- Pelvic floor retraining programmes
- Targeted rehabilitation exercises
- Practical lifestyle and behavioural strategies
Ongoing sessions and reviewing progress
How many follow-up sessions you need depends on your goals and how you respond to initial treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss an expected course length with you rather than committing you to a fixed package upfront, and your plan is reviewed and adjusted at each appointment.
Your Questions, Answered.
Can’t find what your looking for?
Do I need a referral from my GP or urologist?
A formal referral is not required to book a Men’s Health physiotherapy appointment, although if you have one, or have relevant clinical letters from a urologist or consultant, please bring them to your first appointment.
Is everything discussed completely confidential?
Yes. Your consultation and any assessment are treated with the same confidentiality as any medical appointment. Information is only shared with other healthcare professionals with your consent, or where we are legally required to do so.
Is this service covered by my insurance?
Handforth Physiotherapy is recognised by Bupa, WPA, AXA and Aviva. Whether Men’s Health physiotherapy specifically is covered depends on your individual policy, so we recommend checking with your insurer before your appointment. Full self-funded costs are on our Pricing page.
What is pelvic floor dysfunction in men?
Pelvic floor dysfunction in men refers to problems with the muscles that support the bladder and bowel, and it can cause symptoms such as urinary leakage, urgency, a weak stream, or bowel control difficulties, often following prostate surgery, ageing, or in some cases without any obvious cause.
Will I need to undress for my appointment?
This depends on the assessment needed and is always explained and agreed with you beforehand. Where a physical assessment is recommended, you’ll be given privacy to prepare and a clear explanation of what it involves before you consent to it.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person and depends on your symptoms and how you respond to initial treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss an expected course of sessions with you after your first assessment rather than before.
Can physiotherapy help after prostate surgery?
Yes, pelvic floor physiotherapy is commonly used to support bladder control and recovery following prostate surgery, in line with NICE guidance on rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment, and can be started once your surgical team confirms you’re ready.
Is Men's Health physiotherapy only for older men?
No, pelvic floor and continence issues can affect men of any age, including after surgery, injury, or as a result of certain sports and lifestyle factors, not only in later life.
Can’t find what your looking for?
Related services
If you are supporting a partner, or are interested in our wider pelvic health services, you may also find these pages helpful: Women’s Health Physiotherapy and Pessary Fitting. You can also read more about the conditions we treat on our Men’s Health condition page and Urinary Incontinence page.
To see the full range of people and conditions we support, visit our Who We Help page.
Read patient feedback on our Testimonials page, or see our full FAQ for more general questions.