Who are we?
We are small team of five physios and one physio assistant, supported by a caring and proactive administrative team. We work across several bases covering all of the Wirral. Our main clinical settings are at Victoria Central Health Centre and St. Catherine’s Health Centre.
What can we offer?
Your first contact will be either a live online information session or a face-to-face group session. In these sessions you are invited to ask questions and will learn about your conditions and tips and tricks to improve your symptoms right away.
From your initial session, you will be able to opt into further contacts. We offer:
- One-to-One Assessments*, Face to Face or Virtual (*This may include an internal pelvic exam)
- Further advice and exercise prescription
- Pilates (one-to-one and group classes)
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
- Onward Referral
- Sign-Posting if we think outside agencies may be of use
If you are allocated an appointment at a time or a place that is not suitable, please ring the appointments line to request an alternative. We also offer virtual and telephone appointments.
Online session
The session online using an app called Zoom. You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone to access it via a link we will send out to you.
This session provides information and advice to start you on your journey with the Pelvic Health team.
You have been referred by either your GP, Colorectal Consultant or Urogynae Consultant.
What we will cover in brief:
Anatomy: What’s in there
Physiology: What does it do
Pathology: What can go wrong
Lifestyle advice: What changes can you do now to help your symptoms.
Exercises: Giving you a head start on your treatment and one step closer to relief
Your personal information will not be shared in this session unless you choose to do so.
After the Virtual Classroom, you will be given the chance to book a face to face one on one appointment with our physiotherapists.
The classroom gives you a chance to learn not only what may be causing your symptoms but what we can do to help you and what to expect at your first appointment.
Feedback from people who have attended
Since starting our Virtual Classroom, we have received wonderful feedback from previous Pelvic Health Virtual Classroom Alumni…
‘I attended the online pelvic floor class earlier this month and found the class to be very informative.
I was apprehensive but nevertheless found the excellent class by Jenna Brassington to be easily understood. Jenna is extremely well versed in her field and her class was the first time I have genuinely got to grips with my health concerns. The class was well set out and easily comprehended aided with clear visuals.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to attend the virtual class as it gave me the confidence to immediately make an appointment. I have been struggling for nearly 3.5 years and now feel there is a hopeful solution going forward attending the clinic.’
‘I just wanted to say thank you for the Zoom class this morning- I thought it was really excellent, extremely informative and very non-threatening. I was horrified to think it would be a Zoom meeting with other people present and didn’t really realise it was an introductory/information-giving session which people would actually find extremely helpful. I think I thought it was instead of a proper appointment, but in reality, it was actually a really useful addition and an excellent idea.
Please attend our class with an open mind and a list of questions. We look forward to meeting you!
Face-to-face group session
In this small group session, you will receive advice and support on the symptoms, risk factors and management of stress and/or urge urinary incontinence. This will be the first step in helping you learn what maybe causing your symptoms, the changes you can start to make and what we can do to support you. This will give you a head start prior to any future appointments that will be on a one-to-one basis and tailored to your specific needs.
What to expect on your first visit
You will be greeted in the waiting area by your physiotherapist and escorted to a clinic room. We prefer appointments to be one on one but if you would prefer to have a chaperone, please let us know and we can provide one for you. If you would like to bring a family member or friend to the appointment please let us know ahead of time and we will try to accommodate. If you are unable to source childcare, it is ok to bring children with you to the session.
The first appointment is typically 40-60 minutes and involves the taking of a detailed history of your symptoms, lifestyle and past medical interventions. It may be useful to bring a list of your current medications.
If time allows and its appropriate, we may do an internal exam on your initial appointment. This is not a speculum exam but rather a gloved, lubricated finger inserted to access the internal muscles of the pelvic floor. Depending on your symptoms, this may be a vaginal and/or rectal exam. It should not be painful. If you have any concerns, please discuss this with your physio on the day. It is possible to be treated by our service without an internal exam – although it does help us learn more about your condition and tailor a more personal exercise program.
At the end of your first appointment, you will have a chance to ask questions and written information regarding advice and exercises can be provided. Typically, you will receive an appointment letter by post for any follow up appointments.
Useful Links:
- Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy POGP Leaflets
- International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) Leaflets
Local Services:
- Adults Bladder and Bowel Team (Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust)
- Gynaecology (Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
- Urogynaecology and Pelvic Floor Clinic (Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
- Urology (Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
