Women's health physiotherapy covers the pelvic floor, bladder and bowel, pregnancy, postnatal recovery and the menopause. These problems are common, but they are not something you have to put up with.
What is women's health physiotherapy?
Women's health physiotherapy, sometimes called pelvic health physiotherapy, is a specialist area that supports women through every life stage. It covers bladder and bowel problems, pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, pregnancy-related pain, recovery after birth, and changes around the menopause.
These issues are very common, affecting around one in three women at some point, yet many women wait years before seeking help. Physiotherapy is effective, non-invasive, and recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment for many of these conditions.
Common symptoms we treat
Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, run or lift; needing to rush to the toilet; getting up at night to pass urine; a heavy, dragging or bulging feeling in the vagina; pelvic or intimate pain; pain in pregnancy; and a gap in the tummy muscles after having a baby.
You do not need to put up with any of these. Even long-standing symptoms often improve significantly with the right support.
Your appointment: private and consent-led
We understand that talking about these symptoms can feel difficult. Your appointment takes place in a private room with a specialist physiotherapist. We start with a conversation, and every part of the assessment is explained before it happens and only carried out with your permission.
An internal examination can provide useful information, but it is always optional. A chaperone is available at every appointment, and you can request a female physiotherapist.
How treatment helps
Treatment is tailored to you and may include pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining, relaxation techniques for overactive muscles, gentle manual therapy, lifestyle advice on fluids and lifting, and a graded return to exercise.
Most women notice improvement within six to twelve weeks of regular practice, and we review progress regularly so you can see what's changing.
When to see your GP
See your GP if you notice blood in your urine, unexplained bleeding, a new lump, or symptoms of a urinary infection such as burning or fever. We can work alongside your GP and our in-house GP where needed.
Women's health physio in Slough and Ealing
Gogodoc Physio offers specialist women's health physiotherapy at both our Slough and Ealing clinics, with weekday and weekend appointments. No referral is needed, and we accept self-pay and private medical insurance.
Women's Health conditions we treat in Slough & Ealing
- Bladder leakage
- Stress and urge incontinence.
- Prolapse symptoms
- Heaviness, dragging or bulging.
- Pelvic pain
- Persistent pelvic pain and painful intercourse.
- Pregnancy pain
- Pelvic girdle, back and rib pain.
- Tummy gap
- Abdominal separation after pregnancy.
- Menopause changes
- Pelvic floor and bladder support.
More conditions we help with
- Endometriosis-related pelvic pain
- Managing pelvic pain and muscle tension alongside your medical care.
- Painful sex (dyspareunia)
- Gentle, consent-led treatment for pelvic floor tension and pain.
- Vaginismus
- Education, relaxation and graded techniques at your own pace.
- Menopause and pelvic health
- Bladder changes, prolapse symptoms and strength and bone health during menopause.
- After a hysterectomy
- Rebuilding core and pelvic floor strength and returning to exercise.
- Overactive bladder
- Urgency and frequency managed with bladder retraining and pelvic floor work.
- Female physiotherapist
- You can ask to be seen by a female physiotherapist when you book.
Not sure if we can help? See our A–Z of conditions we treat or call 020 3371 0995.
Your first appointment: privacy and consent
We know women’s health appointments can feel daunting. Here is exactly what happens:
- A private conversation about your symptoms, history and goals, with time for questions
- We explain what an examination would involve and why it might help
- Any internal examination is optional. It only happens with your consent, and you can stop at any time
- A chaperone is always offered, and you can bring someone with you
- You can ask to see a female physiotherapist when you book
- You leave with a clear explanation and a personalised plan
Women's Health treatments and techniques
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation
- Targeted exercise to restore strength and control.
- Bladder retraining
- Reduce urgency and frequency.
- Manual therapy
- Gentle hands-on techniques where helpful.
- Education
- Understand your body and what helps.
- Pregnancy support
- Advice, belts and safe exercise.
- Return to exercise
- Graded plans back to activity.
Your women's health recovery timeline
- First visitConversation, consented assessment, first plan.
- Weeks 2–6Regular practice and review.
- Weeks 6–12Noticeable improvement for most women.
- OngoingMaintenance and confidence.
Women's Health prices
- Initial women's health assessment60 min£85
- Follow-up treatment45 min£65
Self-pay prices. Insured? We can bill most major insurers directly. All prices
Who women's health physiotherapy is for
Women of any age with pelvic, bladder or bowel symptoms, pregnancy aches, postnatal concerns or menopause-related changes.
You may benefit if you notice: leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise; a heavy or dragging feeling in the pelvis; pelvic or intimate pain; pain in pregnancy; a tummy gap after having a baby.
Women's Health Physiotherapy: frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
Can I request a female physiotherapist?
Will I need an internal examination?
Is it only for women who have had babies?
What does a women's health physio do?
Can I see a women's health physio without a referral?
Can physio help with menopause symptoms?
Is women's health physio only for after childbirth?
Book women's health physiotherapy near you
Appointments are available at Gogodoc Physio Slough, for patients from Slough, Langley, Burnham, Farnham Royal, Windsor, Cippenham and Iver, and Gogodoc Physio Ealing, for patients from Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Acton, Southall and Greenford.
Women's health physiotherapy treats pelvic floor, bladder, bowel, pregnancy and menopause-related problems, as well as pelvic pain. At Gogodoc Physio in Slough and Ealing, specialist physiotherapists see you in a private room, explain every step and offer a chaperone. You can book without a GP referral.
Reviewed by the Gogodoc Physio clinical team, led by Sen Ramanathan, Clinical Director, Principal Practitioner · Updated October 2026This guide is general information and not a substitute for individual clinical advice. For severe or sudden symptoms, contact your GP or NHS 111.