Pelvic and Maternal Health Physiotherapy

Who we are

The pelvic and maternal health physiotherapy team (formerly the women’s health physiotherapy team) care for women with obstetric (pregnancy) physiotherapy problems who plan to deliver at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The team also sees adults and children with bladder or bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, and prolapse symptoms in women.

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 you book your appointment. These are:

Physiotherapy Department
Level 4
Outpatients East

Gynaecology Outpatients
Level 3
Outpatients West

Maternal Health Physiotherapy (Obstetric Physiotherapy)

The pelvic and maternal health physiotherapy team aims to provide physiotherapy support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-natal period.

If you are currently pregnant, or have had a baby in the last three months, you can self-refer to physiotherapy. We see patients with;

• Wrist, hand or thumb conditions
• Other muscle and joint problems
• Pre-existing disabilities
• Pelvic floor problems including bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms

 

Self Help Videos

You may find these videos helpful if you have low back pain or pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. They should help you to manage this yourself, and make you more comfortable. If you have been advised not to exercise by a health care professional, please seek advice before starting these.

Advice on posture, daily activities and pelvic floor muscle exercises

Advice for sleeping

Exercises with or without a gym ball

How to Self Refer for an Obstetric Physiotherapy Appointment

If you would like to book a physiotherapy appointment, please complete the online form by using this QR code:

If you are unable to complete the form online, you can phone 01603 287 130

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 your problem.

The online and phone systems are checked regularly during the working day. We will telephone you to discuss your condition and book an appointment if needed.

Your physiotherapy appointment

Please make sure you know which treatment area your appointment is in, this can be found in your confirmation letter or text.

• 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
• You are welcome to bring a family member or friend. 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.

 

If you are having bladder or bowel symptoms during pregnancy or up to 1 year after birth, you can access support via the Perinatal Pelvic Health Service (PPHS)

 

 

Pelvic Health Advice and Information during and after pregnancy

 

 

 

You can book onto a group advice session here https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/pregnancy-early-days/pelvic-health-advice-sessions/

 

 

 

 

Squeezy Pelvic Floor Excercises

Obstetric Inpatients

The team sees women on the post-natal ward for advice and exercises to help with recovery and  family life.

Pelvic health physiotherapy

We aim to provide a sensitive and supportive service for patients with bladder, bowel, pain or prolapse symptoms. Patients need to be referred by a healthcare professional.

Outpatients

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 who have had major gynaecological surgery including hysterectomy or 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.

Physiotherapy Advice after gynaecological abdominal surgery

Physiotherapy Advice following laparoscopic or vaginal surgery

Physiotherapy Advice following prolapse surgery