Women’s Health Physiotherapy

Specialist care for every stage of life

Women’s health physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the pelvis, pelvic floor, and surrounding structures—from pregnancy and postnatal recovery to bladder, bowel and pelvic pain concerns.

At Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab, we provide discreet, specialist-led care in a calm, private setting. Our approach is always tailored to you—your symptoms, your goals, and your lifestyle.

What We Can Help With

Women’s health physiotherapy covers a wide range of conditions—not just during pregnancy.

Pelvic Floor & Bladder Symptoms

• Urinary leakage (stress or urge incontinence)
• Increased urgency or frequency
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
• Bowel issues (including constipation or leakage)
• Pelvic pain

These symptoms are often linked to pelvic floor dysfunction and are common—but not something you have to live with.

Pregnancy

• Antenatal MOT – become fit for delivery and recover quickly afterwards
• Pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
• Lower back or hip pain
• Rib or mid-back discomfort
• Wrist/hand pain (e.g. carpal tunnel)

Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms, improve movement, and support you through pregnancy safely.

Postnatal Recovery

• Postnatal MOT – Safely return to what you love
• Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
• Weak core and pelvic floor
• Ongoing pain after birth
• Return to exercise guidance

Postnatal rehabilitation plays a key role in restoring strength, function and confidence after childbirth.

Pelvic Pain & Sexual Health

• Persistent pelvic pain
• Pain with intercourse
• Vaginal or vulval pain conditions
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis

These issues are more common than many realise and can often be improved with the right physiotherapy approach.

Prolapse & Menopause-Related Changes

• Menopause pelvic health MOT
• Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms (heaviness, dragging sensation)
• Changes in bladder or bowel control
• Pelvic floor weakness linked to hormonal changes
• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

What to Expect From Your Appointment

Your first session is thorough, professional, and completely tailored to you.

We will:

• Take time to understand your symptoms, history and goals
• Carry out a detailed physical assessment (external, and internal if appropriate and with full consent)
• Explain your diagnosis clearly—no jargon
• Begin treatment straight away where appropriate

Assessment may include pelvic floor and abdominal evaluation to fully understand your condition and guide treatment.

How We Treat

Treatment is always individual—but may include:

• Targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation
• Core and movement retraining
• Hands-on treatment
• Breathing and relaxation strategies
• Bladder and bowel retraining advice
• Return-to-exercise planning
• Neuromuscular Stimulation

The aim is simple: restore confidence, control, and function—not just manage symptoms.

Why Choose Handforth Physiotherapy & Rehab?

• Specialist-led care with advanced training in women’s health
• Private, comfortable environment where you can feel at ease
• Evidence-based treatment tailored to your goals
• No unnecessary treatments or long-term plans—just what you need
• Conveniently located in Handforth, serving Wilmslow, Cheadle, Heald Green and surrounding Cheshire areas

Many women delay seeking help due to embarrassment or assuming symptoms are “normal”—but effective treatment is available and often highly successful.

When Should You Book?

You don’t need to wait.

We recommend booking if:

• You’re experiencing any pelvic floor symptoms including bladder and bowel dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse or you’d just like a pelvic health MOT
• You’re pregnant and in pain
• You’ve had a baby—whether recently or years ago—and things still don’t feel quite right, or you’d simply like an antenatal or postnatal check-up (MOT)
• You’re returning to exercise and want to do it properly