Expert Women's Health Specialists in Handforth & Wilmslow
Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab provides specialist women’s health physiotherapy for women across Handforth, Wilmslow, Cheadle Hulme and Hale who are dealing with pelvic floor problems, pregnancy-related pain, or the physical changes that come with menopause. Every appointment takes place in a private, one-to-one setting, with a dedicated women’s health physiotherapist treating you under the clinical oversight of Richard Higgs.
One in three women will experience a pelvic floor problem in their lifetime, yet most never seek help, often out of embarrassment, or because they’ve been told it’s just something you live with. It isn’t.
Our women’s health physiotherapists are specially trained to assess and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related pain, postnatal recovery, prolapse, and menopause-related changes, in a private, unhurried, and judgement-free environment at our Handforth clinic.
What We Can Help With
- Bladder and bowel issues, stress and urge incontinence, urgency, frequency
- Pregnancy-related pain, pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, rib pain, wrist pain
- Postnatal recovery, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), weak core, birth injury recovery
- Pelvic pain and sexual health concerns
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Menopause-related pelvic and musculoskeletal changes
Our Programmes
The Postnatal Check: A comprehensive, head-to-toe assessment from 6 weeks after birth, covering pelvic floor function, abdominal separation, posture and return-to-exercise readiness. Recommended after every birth, vaginal or caesarean.
The Menopause MOT: A dedicated assessment of pelvic floor, bladder, and musculoskeletal changes linked to perimenopause and menopause, with a personalised treatment and self-management plan.
Pregnancy Physiotherapy: Ongoing hands-on treatment and exercise guidance for pelvic girdle pain, back pain, and birth preparation throughout pregnancy.
What to Expect From Your Appointment
Your first appointment starts with an in-depth, private conversation about your symptoms, history, and goals, nothing happens without your full understanding and consent at every stage.
You can book your first appointment online via our Contact page, by phone on 01625 783992, or via WhatsApp on +44 7792 068822, without needing a referral. Your initial assessment lasts approximately (initial women’s health assessment duration, to confirm, typically 45 to 60 minutes). By the end of it you’ll have a clear, personalised treatment plan and a sense of how many follow-up sessions to expect, reviewed at regular intervals rather than left open-ended.
Where a physical assessment is clinically appropriate, it will always be fully explained first, and you are always in control of what you’re comfortable with. Many issues can also be assessed and treated externally, without an internal examination, and we’ll always talk through your options.
How We Treat
Treatment is built around you and may include targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation, core and movement retraining, hands-on manual therapy, breathing and relaxation strategies, and practical bladder and bowel retraining advice.
Where relevant, we can also build a bridge into our physio-led Pilates classes for ongoing core and pelvic floor strength once your initial rehabilitation is complete.
Why Choose Handforth Physiotherapy & Rehab?
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and HCPC-registered specialists
- Based locally in Handforth
- Recognised by Bupa, WPA, AXA and AVIVA
- Completely private, confidential consultation rooms
- A judgement-free approach
- A direct route into physio-led Pilates for long-term strength
Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab opened in March 2026. Women’s health care here is delivered under the clinical oversight of Richard Higgs, our Chartered, HCPC-registered Clinical Director. If you’d like to know more about the people treating you, visit Meet the Team or About Us.
Read genuine patient experiences on our Testimonials page, and learn more about our clinicians on Meet the Team.
Ready to talk to someone who understands?
Book a confidential Women’s Health Physiotherapy appointment, call 01625 783992.
You can also book online via our Contact page, find out more about us, or return to our homepage to explore all our services, including Men’s Health Physiotherapy for partners or family members who may also benefit.
If you’re still unsure whether this is the right service for you, our Who We Help page and full FAQ page cover more general questions about who we treat and how appointments work.
Women's Health Physiotherapy FAQs
Can’t find what your looking for?
Do I need a GP or gynaecologist referral?
No, you can book directly with us for a women’s health physiotherapy assessment without needing a referral from your GP or gynaecologist, although we’re happy to liaise with them if you’re already under their care.
Is women's health physiotherapy covered by my insurance?
We’re recognised by Bupa, WPA, AXA and Aviva. Please check your specific policy for pelvic health/physiotherapy cover, or contact us and we can help confirm this before your appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your symptoms and goals. Many women notice improvement within a few sessions, though some conditions, such as prolapse or persistent pelvic pain, benefit from an ongoing treatment and self-management plan.
What happens at my first women's health physiotherapy appointment?
Your first appointment is a private, unhurried conversation about your symptoms, history and goals, followed by whatever assessment is clinically appropriate and agreed with you, ending with a personalised treatment plan.
Can physiotherapy help with pelvic organ prolapse without surgery?
Yes, for many women pelvic floor physiotherapy, alongside options such as pessary fitting, can reduce prolapse symptoms and improve quality of life without surgery.
Is women's health physiotherapy only for women who've had children?
No, pelvic floor and pelvic health issues can affect women at any life stage, including before childbirth, during perimenopause, or unrelated to pregnancy at all.
Can women's health physiotherapy help with pain during intimacy?
Yes, pelvic pain affecting intimacy is a common and treatable reason women come to see us, and it’s assessed with the same privacy and consent-led approach as any other symptom.
Do I need to prepare anything before my appointment?
No specific preparation is needed, though wearing comfortable clothing and noting down your main symptoms and questions beforehand can help you get the most from your first visit.
How much does women's health physiotherapy cost?
Current prices are listed on our Pricing page, or you can call us on 01625 783992 to discuss costs before booking.
Can’t find what your looking for?