Treatment

Treatment

I believe in a truly holistic approach to my assessments and treatment plan and use a variety of modalities and treatments all which are individually tailored to meet the needs of each client. When needed, I regularly liaise with and refer to other healthcare and medical professionals to enable the very best outcome of recovery.

You can expect time, privacy and empathy during an appointment with myself as well as constant explanation, consent and reassurance throughout. Your initial session will include:

  • Taking a detailed history
  • Postural/movement assessment
  • Pelvic examination (internal and external)
  • Thorough explanation of findings, treatments and suggestions
  • Email follow-up including exercises

Treatments I use may include:-

  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation and re-education
  • Internal and External manual therapy/trigger point release
  • Soft Tissue Mobilisation including myofascial release
  • Education
  • Scar tissue and massage
  • Visceral mobilisation
  • Breathing and relaxation techniques
  • Toileting techniques
  • Bladder training
  • Postural education
  • Biofeedback
  • Vaginal dilators
  • Individual exercise programme and support with return to activity
  • Joint and spinal Mobilisation

FAQs

What is a women’s health assessment?
An appointment for women of any age experiencing pelvic health concerns. These may include bladder or bowel issues such as frequency, urgency, a vaginal or rectal bulge indicating pelvic organ prolapse or pelvic pain. Those who experience pain during intimacy or sexual activity or those preparing for or who have had gynaecological surgery (hysterectomy, vaginal repair or gynae cancer surgery) will all benefit from women’s health physiotherapy.
What to expect at your initial appointment
  • A detailed discussion  with respect to your current symptoms and concerns regarding  bladder, bowel and sexual function.  Relevant medical history, pregnancies and births, menstrual or hormonal health and any previous surgeries will all be discussed.  Postures, daily activity and exercise and your hopes and expectations of physiotherapy are talked about in detail with relation to your specific fears, concerns and goals
  • A physical assessment may include a full postural assessment, pelvic alignment check, observe breathing patterns and a pelvic floor examination.  A pelvic floor examination may be offered to assess pelvic floor technique, strength, tone, pain and prolapse. This can be carried out both externally and internally and performed in lying as well as in the standing position, to fully assess the functional pelvic floor.  The examination helps to determine why you may be experiencing bladder or bowel leaks, pelvic pain or symptoms of vaginal heaviness. It is always performed with upmost respect, privacy and consent which is ongoing throughout the assessment and is never compulsory.
  • A bespoke, individualised treatment programme is then discussed with you which may include pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation techniques, manual therapy, toileting strategies, bladder & bowel retraining, education and advice, breath work, postural corrections, stretches, exercises and more..
How long is a session?
As there is lots to discuss and assess, your appointment will last for approximately 60-70 minutes. After the appointment, all that has been discussed will be emailed to you detailing any exercises, advice and suggestions made. A full and clear understanding of your condition, management and treatment plan is fully discussed with you to ensure a clear insight into your condition . Any follow-up sessions are 30-40 minutes Long.
How many sessions will I need?
Some women feel that a single women’s health assessment fully addresses their concerns, while others may require follow-up appointments depending on the type and extent of treatment needed. The assessment includes a comprehensive discussion of each individual’s needs, and any decision to return for further treatment is entirely the client’s choice.
What does follow-up treatment involve?

Depending on your individual needs and symptoms, treatments may include one or more of the following:  manual therapy, re-education of pelvic floor function, strength and release exercises, bladder and bowel re-training, exercise progression and tailored programmes to enable a safe return to specific sport or activity, breath work strategies and education and advice surrounding bowel habits and constipation.  This list is not definitive and treatment is always bespoke to your requirements

    What do I wear?
    There is no requirement to wear specific clothing for your appointment. However, to complete a thorough assessment, you may be asked to remove certain items of clothing. For your privacy and comfort I will leave the room whilst you change and during any vaginal assessments a sheet is provided to help maintain modesty at all times. The room is fully private and the door can be locked when required
    Are you covered by insurance companies?
    Yes, I am covered by most but not all health insurance companies. It is important to check with your individual provider if they cover full or part of my session costs. For most insurance companies I ask that you pay the full cost of the session to me and I will provide you with a formal receipt to claim back the cost from your insurance company.
    Do I need a GP referral?

    No, it is not necessary to have a GP referral and you can contact me directly for an appointment. Any letters or correspondence from any health professionals that you may have are always helpful to see but not essential and always treated in strict confidence.

    Your comfort, dignity and consent are central to every appointment.  All assessments and treatments are discussed with you, you are always in control and I will tailor treatment to your individual needs.
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    Contact Gemma

    To ask any questions, book an appointment or to receive further information please email:

    gemma@gpphysiotherapy.co.uk
    or call me on: Mobile: 07773 716 505

    Alternatively head to the booking section. For appointments in Reigate, virtual appointments and home visits please contact me directly.