Pelvic Health physiotherapy is a specialist area that works with women in the management of pain, sexual dysfunction, SUI, OAB, prolapse, antenatal and postnatal women, Diastasis Recti, Peri and Menopausal women. 

Our pelvic health team is led by Shakira Hassan, a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist.  Shakira has extensive experience and has built a reputation for providing quality and compassionate care in a safe, supportive environment. Shakira uses the latest research and guidelines to ensure the treatment provided incorporates the most up to date techniques and the best advice available.

Bladder weakness is more common than most people realise and statistics show that one in three suffer with incontinence at some time.  It is a very private matter and too many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment.  However, the right advice and effective treatment can assist in the reduction and resolution of the problem.

How would you answer the following questions:

   •         Do you ever leak when you laugh, cough, sneeze, jump or run?

   •         Do you have to wear pads to avoid mishaps when you are out?

•           Do you feel dry and irritated or experience painful sex? 

   •         Do you always need to find the location of toilets when visiting somewhere new? 

•           Are you newly postnatal and would like a check of your abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor? 
•           Would you like to get back into exercise but not too sure how? 

If you answered yes to any of the above then you now have the chance to take control and book an appointment with our specialist women’s health physiotherapist.  It is important to realise that you do not have to accept this way of life as these problems can be treated.  In time you can gain confidence again in doing normal things without worrying about embarrassing symptoms.

Shakira Hassan also offers 1:1 pilates sessions and postnatal Mummy & Me classes. You can self-refer and book an appointment directly, or alternatively, speak to your GP and ask to be referred to our specialist.  We use a variety of treatments including specific pelvic floor exercises alongside education on lifestyle changes, such as relaxation or altering diet and drinking habits.  More specialist techniques and approaches may be used depending on the outcome of your detailed assessment.

Our pelvic health team work very closely with urological and gynaecological consultants based at St Joseph’s Hospital. Recent guidelines state the importance of specific physiotherapy-based interventions prior to the consideration of any surgery for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.  A holistic multi-disciplinary team approach to incontinence surgery is effective and can provide measurable improvements in outcomes for patients.