Women’s health physiotherapy in Reading: pregnancy, postnatal and pelvic floor care

Women’s health

If you are pregnant, have had a baby or are going through menopause, your body is changing. Many women feel unsure about raising pelvic health. Women’s health physiotherapy in Reading can help you understand those changes and stay active. Rupali offers it at Kinetic Care in Green Park.

What does a women’s health physio do?

A women’s health physiotherapist looks at the areas most affected by pregnancy, obstetric and gynaecological events, and hormones. That includes your pelvic floor muscles, abdominal wall, lower back, hips and pelvis.

Rupali looks at how these areas move and share load, then builds a personalised plan that combines:

• Manual therapy, where you are comfortable with it.
• An exercise plan for your stage of life and goals.
• Education, so you can understand and manage your symptoms between appointments.

Antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy

Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy

Changes related to pregnancy can affect your posture. Hormones soften ligaments, and a growing bump shifts the load through your spine.

Pregnancy related lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain are common reasons to seek help. Pelvic girdle pain includes symphysis pubis dysfunction, felt around the pubic bone or the back of the pelvis. Physiotherapy can assess how you move, and manual therapy, posture advice and home exercises may help.

If you have a pregnancy complication, your midwife guides what is suitable, and Rupali works within that advice.

Postnatal recovery after birth

The NHS six-week check with your GP is an important general health check, but it is not a fitness clearance for all activity, and it is not designed to give a detailed assessment of your pelvic floor or tummy muscles. A women’s health physiotherapy assessment can look at those areas specifically.

Diastasis is a separation of the stomach muscles along the midline. Rupali can assess it and support your rehabilitation with progressive exercise and breathing work.

C-section and episiotomy scars can feel tight or tender. Once a scar has healed and your midwife or doctor is happy, gentle scar work may help, with your consent.

For a return to running or sport, a staged recovery plan may help you get back on track.

Pelvic floor physio: leaks, heaviness and pelvic pain

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel and uterus. It is worth having an assessment for pelvic floor issues if you notice:

• Leaks of urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise (urinary incontinence)
• A sudden, strong urge to pass urine
• Heaviness or a bulge in the vagina, which can be a sign of vaginal prolapse
• Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel
• Pain during intercourse
• Ongoing pelvic pain

Pelvic floor exercises, sometimes called Kegel exercises, are not right for everyone in the same way. Some people need to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, while others need to learn to relax them first. An early assessment can help you choose the right exercises within an individualised pelvic floor programme.

If you have had gynaecological surgery, such as a hysterectomy, your surgical team’s advice comes first.

Menopause: joints, muscles and the pelvic floor

Hormonal changes can affect your joints and pelvic tissues. Some women notice related musculoskeletal aches in the hips, knees and hands. An exercise programme for strength and mobility can support you. Pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation work may help if you have bladder symptoms. For menopause related symptoms such as hot flushes, speak to your GP.

What happens at your first appointment?

Your first women’s health physiotherapy appointment may include:

1. A conversation first about your general health, any health conditions and any women’s health concerns. Share as much or as little as you like.
2. A physical assessment of your posture, movement, joints, tummy muscles and painful areas.
3. Hands-on work is explained first and only goes ahead if you agree. You can stop at any point.
4. A clear treatment plan you understand.
5. Home exercises to help between sessions.

The clinic is at Unit G46a, Regus, 200 Brook Drive, Green Park, Reading RG2 6UB, in south Reading near M4 junction 11. It is convenient from across Berkshire.

When to see your GP or midwife first

Physiotherapy works alongside NHS maternity and GP care, not instead of it. Contact your GP, midwife, health visitor or NHS 111, or seek emergency care, if you have:

• Heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding
• A fever, or a wound that is red, hot, swollen or discharging
• Severe or sudden pain in your abdomen, pelvis or elsewhere
• New numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or new loss of bladder or bowel control
• A painful, swollen or hot calf
• Reduced baby movements in pregnancy

If you are unsure whether something is urgent, check with your GP or midwife first. Physiotherapy can start or continue once you have been assessed and it is safe.

Common questions

Do I need a GP referral?

Usually not. You can book private physiotherapy directly. If a symptom worries you, speaking to your GP as well is sensible.

Is pelvic floor physio only for women who have had children?

No. Symptoms can affect women who have never been pregnant. If you have leaks or heaviness, an assessment is worthwhile whatever your history.

Do I need to do anything at home?

Rupali will give you a small number of exercises suited to you. They help you take an active part.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable clothing, such as leggings and a loose top. Bring your maternity notes, any surgical information or a list of questions.

Book an assessment with Rupali in Reading

You do not have to wait until symptoms feel unmanageable. You can book your appointment with Rupali at the Green Park clinic, or call 07350 350265 if you would rather talk first.