Women’s Health Physiotherapy

Where we are

We have two treatment areas at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. You will be informed which area to come to when your book your appointment. These are:

Physiotherapy Department                     Gynaecology Outpatients
Level 2                                                         Level 3
Out-patients East                                      Out-patients West.

Obstetric Physiotherapy

The women’s health physiotherapy team aims to provide
physiotherapy support to women through their experience
of pregnancy, childbirth, and the early post-natal period.

Making an appointment

Women who are currently pregnant, or who have had a baby in the last three months, can self-refer to physiotherapy help line for problems with muscles or joints if they are using the maternity services at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. This includes:

• Low back pain

Pelvic girdle pain (including symphysis pubis dysfunction and hip pain)

Wrist, hand or thumb conditions

Pelvic floor muscle problems including bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms

Problems with abdominal muscles.   

 

 

Call the helpline on

01603 287130

Please leave the following information on our 24 hour answer phone;

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Hospital number – a seven digit number on the top right hand corner of your hospital sticker on your handheld notes
• How many weeks pregnant/post-natal you are
• Contact telephone numbers during working hours
• A brief description of the problem.

The answer phone is checked regularly during the working day, and we will telephone you to discuss your condition and book an appointment if needed. It may be possible for you to have physiotherapy at another clinic nearer to your home.

Your obstetric physiotherapy appointment

Please make sure you know which treatment area your appointment is in 

• Bring your maternity handheld notes
• Wear something comfortable to move about in – you may need to remove some clothing so that the physiotherapist can assess you.
• If you would like to bring a family member along you are welcome to do so. If you will be bringing your baby with you, please use a pushchair or car seat for them. It may be helpful to bring snacks or toys to keep young children occupied during your appointment.

Inpatients

The team sees women on the post-natal ward (Blakeney ward , Monday – Saturday mornings) for advice and exercises for abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, along with any muscle or joint problems. 

Physiotherapy for Bladder, Bowel or Prolapse Symptoms

The physiotherapy team aims to provide a sensitive and
supportive service for patients with these symptoms.
Patients may be referred by their GP or a consultant for
bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms.

Out-patients:

Your appointment

You should receive a letter or phone call to invite you to book your initial appointment which will last approximately 45 minutes, and will include a discussion about your lifestyle, work and medical history. The appointment may include a physical examination after a discussion with the physiotherapist. You are welcome to bring a friend or relative to your appointment. If you are a woman having a menstrual period on the day of your first appointment you should still attend for physiotherapy.

Follow-up appointments

Most patients have three or four physiotherapy appointments at monthly intervals, although some need more and some require fewer appointments. The physiotherapist will keep your doctors informed of your progress.

Inpatients

The team sees women on Cley ward (Monday – Saturday mornings) who have had major gynaecological surgery including Hysterectomy and prolapse repairs. You should have received an exercise leaflet before you come in to hospital. The physiotherapist will help you with the exercises after your surgery, and advise you on returning to your normal activities.

 

Contact Details

Main Telephone Number: 01603 286990
Fax Number: 01603 287369

How to Find Us

The department is located on Level 3 in the West Block
Please use the West Out-patients entrance/s and follow the signs to Women's Health Gynaecology

If you are coming by car and need to park, the closest carpark/s are B, C, D

Based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich