Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is part of Bluebell’s women’s health physiotherapy service at Blue Bell Hill. It starts by understanding symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic discomfort or difficulty returning to exercise after childbirth. The women’s health service also covers pelvic floor weakness and rehabilitation, bladder leakage and incontinence, postnatal recovery, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse support, pregnancy-related pain and abdominal separation. The next step is an individual discussion and assessment, not automatically doing more pelvic floor squeezes.
Arrange the right appointment
Tell the clinic that you would like to discuss pelvic floor symptoms when making your enquiry. You can describe leakage, heaviness, pain or postnatal concerns without having to diagnose the cause yourself. Our women’s health service also covers pregnancy-related pain, prolapse support and abdominal separation. This page focuses on arranging pelvic floor rehabilitation, while our pelvic floor problems guide explains the possible symptom patterns and medical warning signs in more detail. There is no need to accept discomfort as something you should simply put up with.
What you can discuss at the first visit
A private conversation can cover when symptoms happen, what has changed and how they affect activity or confidence. It may be useful to note whether leakage happens with coughing, running or lifting, whether you feel pressure, and whether symptoms vary during the day. Mention previous pregnancies, operations or relevant medical advice. You choose what you feel comfortable sharing and can ask why a question is relevant. The discussion helps decide whether physiotherapy is the right next step or whether medical review should come first.
Your comfort and consent
Physical assessment is always explained before it begins and needs your agreement. You can decline or stop any part of an assessment, and you can ask for anything to be explained again. If you have concerns about privacy, mention them when booking so the appointment is arranged in a way you are comfortable with. You should be able to discuss the options rather than assume there is only one way to attend.
Rehabilitation is not just strengthening
The pelvic floor contributes to support and bladder and bowel control. Symptoms can involve strength, relaxation, coordination or a combination, so doing more contractions without understanding the problem may not be the best approach. A rehabilitation plan can connect the assessment to everyday demands such as coughing, lifting or returning to impact exercise. Ask how to recognise the movement you have been advised to practise, what to do if it is uncomfortable and how progress will be reviewed. No fixed outcome or timetable can be promised.
Bladder symptoms, bowel concerns and pelvic pain
Stress incontinence describes urine leakage associated with pressure, such as coughing or exercise. It is one reason people seek pelvic floor support, but a symptom alone is not a diagnosis. Constipation, unexplained pelvic pressure and pain associated with endometriosis can also warrant a conversation with your GP. Pelvic floor physiotherapy may form part of care for some symptom patterns; it does not cure endometriosis or replace investigation of bowel or gynaecological symptoms. Explain any existing diagnosis and advice so different parts of your care can be considered together.
Location, booking and fees
Appointments take place at Warren Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RD, at the clinic’s single location. There is free on-site parking. You can book privately without a GP referral, although symptoms requiring medical investigation should be checked first. Contact us for current fees and the available appointment arrangements before committing to a visit. If you already have letters or a care plan, bring them so the discussion starts with the information you have rather than repeating advice without context.
Common questions
Can a physio help with pelvic floor symptoms?
Physiotherapy can assess symptoms and discuss a rehabilitation approach where appropriate. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so a generic exercise list is not a substitute for assessment.
Can I go to pelvic floor physio on my period?
In most cases you can attend as normal. If you would prefer to rearrange, contact the clinic; your comfort comes first and the appointment can be adapted.
Why do I feel pressure on my pelvic floor?
Pressure has several possible explanations and cannot be diagnosed from that description alone. Discuss new or worsening symptoms with your GP, particularly with bleeding, difficulty passing urine or a new lump.
When do pelvic symptoms need urgent help?
New bladder or bowel control loss with numbness around the groin needs A&E immediately. Sudden severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or feeling acutely unwell also needs urgent medical help.