WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

Our experienced Women’s Health Physiotherapist Kathryn Melvin can support your Women’s Health at Every Life Stage

What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?

Women’s Health Physiotherapy focuses on pelvic floor health, pregnancy care, postnatal recovery, and a range of other women’s health concerns. Your appointment includes a thorough discussion, physical assessment, and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

What We Can Help With

Pregnancy

• Pelvic girdle or pubic symphysis pain

• Back pain

• Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)

• Urinary incontinence

Postnatal

• Pelvic floor weakness

• Perineal tear recovery

• Caesarean scar management

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pain with intercourse

• Core weakness

• Mastitis

General Women’s Health

• Bladder leakage (stress or urge incontinence)

• Overactive bladder

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Pelvic pain

• Endometriosis-related pain support

• Painful periods

• Return to exercise guidance

• Perimenopause-related changes

  Pessary fittings for prolapse or bladder support

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your initial consultation (up to 45 minutes) may include:

• A detailed discussion about your symptoms and goals

• Pregnancy or birth history (if relevant)

• Postural and abdominal assessment

• Pelvic floor assessment. A pelvic floor assessment may be recommended and can involve a vaginal assessment ( external or internal) . This is always optional and fully explained beforehand, with your consent. If you are not comfortable with a vaginal assessment there are other assessment options which can also guide effective treatment options.

• Education about your condition

• A personalised treatment and exercise plan

Your comfort is our priority:

• Internal assessments are always optional

• You can decline any part of the assessment, at any time

• Everything is explained clearly before proceeding

When Should I Book?

During Pregnancy

We typically recommend appointments at:

• After 20 weeks (following your morphology scan)

• Around 34 weeks

Why these times?

20+ weeks:

• Ensure pregnancy is progressing well

• Address emerging symptoms (pelvic pain, bladder changes, abdominal separation)

• Begin safe pelvic floor and core exercises

34 weeks:

• Prepare for labour and birth

• Learn pelvic floor relaxation techniques

• Guidance on perineal massage

• Birth positioning and pushing strategies

• Plan for postpartum recovery

You can book earlier if you have:

• Pelvic or back pain

• Urinary leakage

• Pelvic heaviness or pressure

• Previous birth trauma

• Any concerns or questions about exercise or pregnancy

After Birth (Postnatal)

We recommend a check-up at:

● 6 weeks postnatal (after vaginal or caesarean birth)

Why 6 weeks?

• Allows initial healing

• Aligns with your GP or obstetric review

• Safe timing for pelvic floor assessment

• Assessment of abdominal muscle separation

• Guidance for safe return to exercise

• Early identification of prolapse or bladder concerns

Book earlier if you experience:

• Significant bladder or bowel leakage

• Pelvic heaviness or prolapse symptoms

• Ongoing pain

• Concerns about stitches or scar healing

• Mastitis

• Abdominal separation concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have an internal assessment?

No. Internal assessments are optional. They are recommended in some cases for accuracy, but only performed with your full consent.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required unless you are accessing specific funding schemes.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing. No special preparation is needed.

Can I bring my baby?

Yes — babies are very welcome.

Is this only for women who have had babies?

No. We see women of all ages, including teenagers, athletes, and those in perimenopauseor menopause.

Can this help even if I’m not leaking?

Yes. Many women attend for prevention, strengthening, prolapse management, or guidance returning to exercise

Quick Summary

Women’s Health Physiotherapy supports pelvic floor health, pregnancy, and postnatal recovery.

• Appointments are up to 45 minutes

• Internal assessment is optional

• Recommended at 20+ weeks, 34 weeks, and 6 weeks postnatal

• Earlier care is encouraged if you have any concerns

We’re here to help you feel confident, supported, and strong at every stage.

Kathryn Melvin is an APA-accredited Women's Health Physiotherapist with a passion for empowering women through evidence-based care.

Certifications:

APA Women’s Health Level 1 and 2a,

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Certified (The O’ Reilly Centre)

APPI Certified Clinical Pilates Instructor

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Current Ongoing Training:

APA Level 2a and B Certified and  Women’s Health Teach Associate

Level 3 Advanced Prolapse Management

Level 3 Advanced Stress Urinary Incontinence