Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service

The Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service is a small team made up of two Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapists and a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assistant. 

You will recieve an assessment with your Physiotherapist and using their experience and specialist knowledge they will explain what they feel is the best treatment method for you. Every patient is different and therefore you will be offered a bespoke treatment plan and advice.

Our Physiotherapists have many years of pelvic health experience, and the team also have close links with the Bladder and Bowel Community Nursing team and the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service. You may find that you are under the care of these services as well as the Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service, as these teams work together to provide the best care possible for you at the right time.

Sometimes discussions around your treatment might include sensitive issues, therefore, all pelvic health physiotherapy sessions are conducted in a private room. If you are referred to the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Assistant, you might be seen in a gym or a cubicle, however, if you would like to be seen in a private room, please let the team know.

When you attend your first appointment please bring your appointment letter or card, and a list of any medication you are taking. Please also inform the therapist when you arrive if you have an electrical implant e.g. pacemaker, or if you may be pregnant.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your initial appointment will usually take 40-50 minutes to complete.

Once you arrive at your first appointment and check in with the receptionist, your physiotherapist will call you into a private clinic room and introduce themselves. Your physiotherapist will have a copy of your referral and they will ask you further questions to ensure that they have all the required information for them to complete an assessment. 

After they have taken a detailed history, they may need to complete a physical examination, this may include an internal vaginal or rectal examination. An internal examination is the best way to assess your pelvic floor/sphincter muscles as they are inside your pelvis. This will be discussed with you fully before the examination and your consent obtained. Your physiotherapist will explain why the examination might be required and what the examination consists of. 

Following an examination your physiotherapist will discuss and agree a treatment plan and what the next steps are following your assessment.

There is not always time to complete a physical examination at your first appointment.  

Is there an alternative to an internal examination?

If for any reason you do not wish to be examined, you are free to decline without disclosing your reasons. An observation of the pelvic floor/sphincter muscle activity is an option. If you decline you can still receive treatment, however internal assessment will guide the most effective course of treatment and outcome. 

Can I have a Chaperone?

You have the opportunity to have a chaperone, if you require one please do not hesitate to let us know.

How will my follow up appointment be arranged?

If you need further appointments, a mutually convenient appointment time will be arranged.

In order to access this service, you must have a referral from a health care professional and be 18 or older. This health care professional could be your GP, Consultant, Physiotherapist or Nurse. We do not currently accept self-referrals into the service.

Email: CCICPcommunitybladderbowelservice@mcht.nhs.uk

Telephone: 01270 826360

Address:   
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service
Infinity House
Mallard Way
Crewe
CW1 6ZQ

The Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Service run clinics in several locations across Cheshire - to make it as convenient as possible for you to get to your appointments. The team will do their best to make your appointment at your chosen location, however, this is not always possible.

The Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team work at four sites:

• Leighton Hospital, Crewe
• Dene Drive, Winsford
• Victoria Infirmary, Northwich
• Alsager Medical Centre

You can find the full playlist of videos around Pelvic Health by clicking here. 

Individual videos: 

Diabetes and increased passing of urine overnight: click here 

Diabetes and pelvic floor sexual health: click here 

Faecal leakage: click here 

Fluid and diet that can affect your bladder and bowel: click here 

How Diabetes effects bladder and bowel function: click here 

How the bladder works: click here 

Training your bladder: click here 

Normal bladder function: click here 

Patient journey and outcomes: click here 

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: click here 

How to activate your pelvic floor & check you're doing it correctly: click here

Pelvic organ prolapse: click here 

Postnatal issues: click here 

The anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles: click here 

Things that can cause pelvic floor dysfunction: click here 

Introduction to Urogynaecology: click here 

Pelvic floor exercises: click here 

You can find useful links to information on the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) website, on the patient information page. Click here to visit the site. 

If you are unable to attend for your appointment please call: 01270 826360 to reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.

If you fail to attend without advising the team, you may be discharged and your doctor informed. Please arrive on time - If you arrive late, it may not be possible for you to be seen.