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Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Below you can find information about the different classes available during pregnancy.
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital
Enhanced Recovery after Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS) class
This in an online class available for those who are planning to have a caesarean birth – Caesarean Section Preparation Class. This class is available at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital every second Thursday at 11.00am on Microsoft Teams. Birthing partners are welcome to attend.
Please discuss this further with your midwife to be booked in and you will be provided with a link to the class.
Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PPGP class)
This class is available for those who are experiencing PPGP during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital physiotherapy department every second Friday afternoon at 1:00pm. If you think you would benefit from this class please complete the following self-referral form.
Information about how to manage PGP is available.
Care of your body during Pregnancy class
This class is available between 12-30 weeks pregnant. It will provide you with an opportunity to discuss pregnancy related changes to your body and how to manage them. It also aims to promote health, wellbeing and exercise in pregnancy.
This class will run every second Monday at 1.00pm at the Physiotherapy Department.
To book this class, please self-refer via the following link: Care of body class self-referral
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Physiotherapy led Care of your body during Pregnancy class
This class is available between 12-30 weeks of pregnancy. It will provide you with an opportunity to discuss pregnancy related changes to your body and how to manage them. It also aims to promote health, wellbeing and exercise in pregnancy.
It generally runs on the first Thursday of the month from 3-4.30 pm.
If you would like to book, please complete the following form
Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital
Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PPGP class)
This face to face class is available for women who are experiencing PPGP during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital once a week on a Thursday morning at 11.15am. If you think you would benefit from this class please complete the following self-referral form.
Information about how to manage PPGP is available here.
Physiotherapy led Care of your body during Pregnancy class
This class is available as a one off class to everyone between 12-30 weeks pregnant onwards. It will provide you with an opportunity to discuss pregnancy related changes to your body and how to manage them. It also aims to promote health, wellbeing and exercise in pregnancy.
It takes place twice a month, on a Monday between 1.15 -2.30 pm at the Physiotherapy Department on the Ground Floor of the Maternity Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Campus.
If you would like to book, please complete the following form
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Enhanced Recovery after Obstetric Surgery in Scotland (EROSS) class
This class is available for women who are planning to have a caesarean section – Caesarean Section Preparation Class. This class is available at the Royal Alexandra Hospital every Friday afternoon at 2.00pm on Microsoft Teams.
Class invitations will be sent to individuals once their caesarean section date has been booked.
Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PPGP class)
This class is available for women who are experiencing PPGP during their pregnancy. This class runs at the Royal Alexandra Hospital on Monday afternoon at 1.00pm. If you think you would benefit from this class please complete the following self-referral form.
Information about how to manage PGP is available here.
Physiotherapy led Care of your body during Pregnancy class
This class is available between 12-30 weeks pregnant onwards. It will provide you with an opportunity to discuss pregnancy related changes to your body and how to manage them. It also aims to promote health, wellbeing and exercise in pregnancy.
This class will run once a month on a Tuesday afternoon, from 1.30pm to 3.00pm in the Parent Education Room 2 on level 3 in the Maternity Unit.
If you would like to book, please complete the following form
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Please find bellow all our available resources with booklets and videos on pregnancy, pelvic floor, labour, birth and the post-natal period.
NHSGGC Resources: Booklets
Pregnancy related aches, pains and concerns
POGP: Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain and other common conditions
POGP When To Start and How To Do Perineal Massage
DeQuervains Tenosynovitis Leaflet
Ante Natal Exercise (Pilates) booklet
Pelvic Floor concerns
POGP Pelvic Floor Exercises video
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise and Urinary Incontinence Leaflet
Obstetrics Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) 3rd / 4th degree tears Leaflet
Labour, Birth and Post-Natal period
POGP After Birth week 1: Pain Management
POGP After Birth Week 1 Bladder Care
POGP Postnatal Caesarean Birth Recovery
POGP Postnatal Caesarean Birth Scar Tissue Management
POGP Postnatal Perineal Scar Management
POGP After birth – Your Stomach Muscles
POGP Constipation During and After Pregnancy
POGP Preparing for Caesarean Birth
Obstetrics Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) 3rd / 4th degree tears Leaflet
POGP: Exercise and Advice after the loss of your baby
https://absolute.physio/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/returning-to-running-postnatal-guidelines.pdf
NHSGGC Resources: Booklets’ translations
POGP Recite
On the following website you can download your required booklet and then use the Recite function at the top of the website to change the language as you require.
NHSGGC Resources: Videos
Circulation Changes in Pregnancy – Managing Aches & Pains Video (2 min)
Pelvic Floor, Deep Abdominal & Pelvic Tilting Video (4 min)
Positions for Labour & Breathing Video (4 min)
Relaxation for Labour Video (4 min)
Post Natal Exercise Video (3 min)
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM) Video (3 min)
Relaxation Video (4 min)
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During pregnancy and after the birth of your baby, exercising will help you manage the changes occurring to your body to improve your general health. Following these exercises below will also help reduce or prevent aches and pains during pregnancy.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises/Kegels Exercises
Your pelvic floor muscles sit at the base of your pelvis. They help to keep your bladder, womb, vagina and bowel (pelvic organs) in the right place. Your pelvic floor muscles should be kept strong and active, just like any other muscle.
All bladder and bowel functions need good pelvic floor muscles. For example, when you need to go to the toilet, you use your pelvic floor muscles to prevent any leaks. Then, you will fully relax them to pass urine when you physically get to the toilet.
Strong pelvic floor muscles boost your core strength and stability. They can improve your sexual function too. Pelvic Floor Exercises are for life and can help to stop you from having bladder, bowel or prolapse symptoms in the future.
Pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor muscles and it is normal for the pelvic floor muscles to stretch during a vaginal birth. Your muscles may be weaker and you may feel more pressure vaginally, so it is very important to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles soon after you have had your baby.
By doing your pelvic floor exercises you can avoid having symptoms such as leaking urine when laughing, coughing, sneezing and symptoms of vaginal heaviness.
For further advice on pelvic floor exercises please refer to:
POGP Pelvic Floor Exercises video
POGP Bladder and Vaginal Problems
POGP Constipation During and After Pregnancy
POGP When To Start and How To Do Perineal Massage
POGP After Birth Week One Bladder Care
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
Women’s pelvic floor muscles/NHS Inform
SqueezyApp for Information Leaflets and Videos on Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: https://www.squeezyapp.com
Exercise and physical activity during pregnancy
Being physically active in pregnancy has numerous clinically meaningful health benefits and is considered safe if you are healthy and your pregnancy is low risk. Unless you have been advised to avoid exercise during your pregnancy you can follow the advice below.
Guidelines recommend accumulating at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every week and doing muscle strengthening activities twice per week. It’s good to try and be active in some way every day, every activity counts.
Moderate intensity physical activity is intense enough to noticeably increase heart rate; you should be able to talk but not sing during activities of this intensity. Examples include; climbing stairs, yoga, swimming, gym activities such as using the treadmill, carrying grocery shopping bags, cycling, dancing and going for a walk.
Being physically active in pregnancy:
- Helps reduce high blood pressure
- Improves sleep
- Helps to prevent gestational diabetes
- Improves mood
- Reduces risk of pre-eclampsia
- Reduces the risk of having a caesarean or instrumental birth
- Decreases the risk of urinary incontinence
- Reduces the risk of excessive gestational weight gain
- Improves blood sugar
- Reduces the risk of back and pelvic pain
If you are not normally active, the advice is to start gradually. If you are already active, the advice is to keep going. It is important to listen to your body and adapt appropriately.
There is no evidence to suggest that moderate intensity activity throughout pregnancy has any negative effect on either mother or their developing baby.
Safety Precautions
- Avoid physical activity in excessive heat
- Avoid activities which involved physical contact or danger of falling
- Avoid scuba diving
- Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration – drink water before/during and after
Reasons to Stop and Consult a Health Care Provider
- Persistent excess shortness of breath that does not resolve at rest
- Severe chest pain
- Regular and painful uterine contractions
- Vaginal bleeding
- Persistent loss of fluid from the vagina indicating rupture of the membranes
- Persistent dizziness or faintness that does not resolve on rest
If you are having a high risk pregnancy or are not keeping well please speak to you obstetric team before exercising.
For further advice or ideas on exercises please follow the links below;
Physical activity guidelines for pregnant women: Physical activity for pregnant women
Exercises after Pregnancy and in the Post Natal Period
Generally, walking, pelvic floor exercises, deep abdominal and pelvic tilting exercises are safe a day or two after the delivery of your baby.
Between six and eight weeks after having your baby, you may return to low impact exercise. Here are some examples.
Always refer to your Obstetrics Physiotherapist for advice and guidance for an individualized programme.
We recommend not starting high impact exercises until after three months from the delivery of your baby to give your pelvic floor plenty of time to recover!
Always refer to your Obstetrics Physiotherapist for advice and guidance for an individualized programme.
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In the sections below you can find information about Physiotherapy and how it can help you during your pregnancy, labour, birth and in the post natal period.
Pregnancy Care
During pregnancy, your body needs to adapt to allow for your baby (or babies) to grow and develop, this means your body will change and some aches and pains can occur.
To learn more about the changes in your body during pregnancy and how to care for it, we have put together a video with some useful information.
Keeping active during pregnancy is also very important and some exercises become especially important during this time, like the pelvic floor, deep abdominal and pelvic tilting exercises or circulation exercises.
We recommend trying relaxation, and other forms of mindfulness to help you better manage all the changes. Follow this video to practice a relaxation session.
External Resources
POGP When To Start and How To Do Perineal Massage
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).
Labour and Birth
Before the time comes for labour and birth, it will be useful to check out our Reference Centre for information about relaxation, positions and breathing for labour. We recommend you try this ahead of time and with your birthing partner so you can be more comfortable and in control on the day.
If you are having a caesarean birth here are some useful videos:
Physiotherapy advice – after your Caesarean Birth
External Resources
POGP Preparing for Caesarean Birth
POGP Postnatal Caesarean Birth Recovery
POGP After Week One: Pain Management
POGP After Birth Week One Bladder Care
Information about pregnancy, labour and birth and early parenthood – Ready Steady Baby!
Information about pain relief options – Labour Pains UK
Relaxation for Labour Demo Video – BabyCentre UK
Breathing for Labour Video – BabyCentre UK
Positions for Labour Video – BabyCentre UK
Massage for Labour Video – New Life Classes Ltd
Reproduced with permission of LabourPains.com, NHS inform – Ready Steady Baby!, BabyCentre, New Life Classes and Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk)
Post Natal Care
After pregnancy and birth it is important to look after yourself. We have put together some advice and information to help your postnatal recovery. Click the link for a range of useful resources reference centre. The POGP Posture and positioning video is also helpful.
If you would like to refer to Physiotherapy with a muscle or joint problem (for example back pain, pelvic pain, hand pain), and it has been less than 6 weeks since you had your baby, please complete the self-referral form.
If it has been more than 6 weeks since you had your baby please self-refer to the MSK Physiotherapy Department.
If you are having problems with bladder or bowel control, prolapse or issues with your pelvic floor muscles or tummy muscles and had your baby less than 6 months ago, please use this self-referral form.
If it has been more than 6 months please see your GP who will be able to refer you into the right service.
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We are a team of physiotherapists who specialise in the assessment and treatment of people during and after their pregnancy.
We provide educational classes and appointments for;
- Pregnancy related muscle and joint issues.
- Bladder, bowel and pelvic floor concerns.
Helpful resources
How to access our services
Please contact your GP urgently or NHS24 on 111 if you have recently or suddenly developed any of the following:
- Difficulty passing urine or controlling bladder or bowel.
- Numbness or tingling around your back or front passage.
Please contact maternity Assessment Unit if you have any of the following:
- Bleeding
- A reduction in your baby’s movements.
Ante Natal
If you have tried our helpful resources, but you still require further Physiotherapy input, you can complete the self-referral form (you will be able to select your preferred site once in the form). Your referral will then be looked at by the Physiotherapy team and someone will be in touch to arrange an appropriate appointment.
Post Natal
If you would like to refer to Physiotherapy with a muscle or joint problem (for example back pain, pelvic pains, hand pain), and it has been less than 6 weeks since you had your baby, please complete the self-referral form.
If it has been more than 6 weeks since you had your baby please self-refer to the main MSK Physiotherapy Department.
If you are having problems with bladder or bowel control, prolapse or issues with your pelvic floor muscles or tummy muscles and had your baby less than 6 months ago, please use this self-referral form.
If it has been more than 6 months please see your GP who will be able to refer you into the right service.
Classes
- Physiotherapy led Care of your body in pregnancy Class
- Enhanced Recovery after Obstetrics Surgery in Scotland (EROSS)/caesarean birth classes
- Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain class (PPGP class)
Contact Details
Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level C
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Larkfield Road
Greenock PA16 0XN
Call: 01475 504 373
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level 2
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital
16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow G31 2ER
Call: 0141 201 3432
Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Room 3, 1st Floor Admin Corridor
Maternity Unit
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow G51 4TF
Call: 0141 201 2324
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
Maternity Unit
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Corsebar Road
Paisley PA2 9PN
Call: 0141 314 6765
Vale of Leven Hospital – Obstetrics Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Vale of Leven Hospital
Main Street
Alexandria G83 0UA
Call: 01389 817 531
Comments, Suggestions and Complaints
Or contact us via phone: 0141 201 4500 or email: complaints@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.
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On this page you will find useful information to help further manage your condition and/or your overall health.
If you have attended our Pelvic Floor or Obstetrics Physiotherapy service, your Physiotherapist will be able to direct you to the most important information and advice for you as an individual.
COVID-19
Understanding Pain
Other Physiotherapy Pathways
Physical Activity
Coping with Stress, Anxiety or Depression
Sleep, Alcohol, Smoking, Weight Management
Gender-Based Violence & Human Trafficking
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Please find some information below that may be helpful to manage your symptoms. If you need further advice please complete the self-referral form.
Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP)
PPGP is a term used to describe aches and pains experienced during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period around pubic bone, groin, buttocks, hips and/or lower back.
Use the links below for advice on how to manage PPGP:
POGP Back and Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain and other common conditions in pregnancy | POGP
Video with relevant exercises (Pelvic floor, pelvic tilting and deep abdominal exercise)
External Resources
Working from Home – Advice and Exercises: www.csp.org.uk/publications/do-you-sit-desk-all-day-leaflets
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4
Pregnancy related Low back pain
Pregnancy related Low Back Pain is pain experienced during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period around the bottom of your back. If you have pain in other areas around your back, this information will also be useful.
Use the links below for advice on low back pain during pregnancy or after having a baby:
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM)
DRAM is part of the normal changes that occur during pregnancy. It involves stretching of the tissues and muscles around your tummy to accommodate your growing baby. This can take up to a year to recover.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing DRAM are;
- Multiple Pregnancy or larger babies
- Stretching in previous pregnancies
- Poor abdominal muscle tone
- Genetics
A small amount of separation of the tummy muscles, 2-3 fingers width, is common after most pregnancies and likely to resolve with time. You can check your DRAM by following the steps below;
- Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed
- Place 4 fingers across your tummy just above your belly button
- Raise your head and shoulders slightly off the floor
- You will feel the two tummy muscles coming together against your fingers
If you notice the following then you may require a specialist physiotherapist to review;
- The space is more than 3 fingers wide
- A visible bulge in your tummy
- Your fingers sink deeply into your tummy
You can self refer for this up to 6 months after you have had your baby by completing the following form;
External Resources
- POGP Fit for Future
- POGP After Birth – Your Stomach Muscles
- POGP: Post Natal Pilates
- Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (http://pogp.csp.org.uk)
Bladder, Bowel and Pelvic Floor Concerns
You can find information on the Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy section of this website.
If you are seeking advice regarding symptoms following birth then you can contact your local department for advice.
External Resources
POGP Pelvic Floor Exercises video
POGP Constipation During and After Pregnancy
POGP Bladder and Vaginal Problems
POGP – Management of Continence
POGP – Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
POGP – Improving your bowel function
NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video
SqueezyApp for Information Leaflets and Videos on Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and SqueezyApp.com
Coccydynia
Coccydynia (tailbone pain) is pain experienced in and around the sitting bone, especially when sitting. This can appear during pregnancy or after birth.
Use the links below for advice about coccydynia or tailbone pain:
POGP Leaflet on Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain and other common conditions
External Resources
Working from Home – Advice and Exercises
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is pain, numbness, pins and needles and tingling of the fingers and hand(s). There may be also swelling of the hands and you might feel your hands are clumsy, weak and tire easily. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.
Use the links below for advice on how to manage carpal tunnel syndrome:
Wrist Splint Size Guide
DeQuervains Synovitis
DeQuervains Synovitis is pain on the base of the thumb, swelling and reduced movement. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.
Use the links below for advice on how to manage DeQuervains Synovitis:
Thumb Spica Size Guide
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Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy service in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde supports people experiencing bladder and bowel problems, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and post-surgical issues.
All appointments are conducted by HCPC-registered Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapists with advanced training in pelvic floor assessment and treatment. Our approach follows evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe and effective care.
At your appointment, a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist will:
- Take a detailed history
- Discuss your symptoms and concerns
- If appropriate, carry out an examination
Some questions may feel personal. However, your physiotherapist will explain everything clearly at the start of your consultation.
This page explains:
- What the pelvic floor muscles are and how to exercise them
- The conditions treated by pelvic floor physiotherapy
- How pelvic health physiotherapy can help bladder, bowel and prolapse symptoms
- How to access our pelvic floor physiotherapy service
- Where our pelvic health clinics are located across Glasgow and Clyde
What are the Pelvic Floor Muscles?
The pelvic floor muscles are a hammock of muscles that lie beneath your pelvis. They support the bladder, bowel, and the uterus (in women). These muscles help keep the bladder and bowel openings closed to prevent unwanted leakage (incontinence) and they relax to allow normal bladder and bowel emptying.
How to Exercise your Pelvic Floor Muscles
To exercise the pelvic floor muscles, lie, sit or stand with your knees slightly apart. First, tighten your back passage as though you are trying to stop yourself from passing wind. Then, at the same time, tighten the muscles you would use to stop yourself from passing urine. As you do this, focus on the sensation of “squeeze and lift,” gently closing and drawing up both the back and front passages.
There are two ways to exercise your pelvic floor muscles:
Short Squeezes
- Quickly tighten up your pelvic floor muscles
- Hold for 1 second and relax
- Repeat this up to 10 times
Long Squeezes
- Tighten your pelvic floor muscles for up to 10 seconds
- Relax fully for 4 seconds
- Now tighten again for the same time
- Relax fully for 4 seconds
- Repeat this up to 10 times
Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Bladder Problems
Bladder dysfunction affects how urine is stored or passed. It can affect people of all ages and may significantly impact daily life.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers non-surgical treatment for many bladder problems. Physiotherapy can improve bladder control, reduce leakage, and restore confidence.
Common bladder issues include:
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is when urine leaks during activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. It happens when the pelvic floor muscles are weak and cannot fully support the bladder. Although more common in women, it can also affect men.
Urinary Urgency
Urinary urgency is a sudden, strong need to urinate that may be hard to control. It can be caused by overactive bladder muscles or nerve signals that trigger the bladder too often and may make you feel anxious about finding a bathroom in time.
Urinary Urge Incontinence
Urinary urge incontinence occurs when urine leaks due to a sudden, strong urge to empty the bladder. You may not reach the toilet in time. It is often caused by overactive bladder muscles that contract too frequently or without warning.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder is a condition that may include:
- A strong, sudden need to urinate (urinary urgency)
- Going to the bathroom more than 6 to 8 times during the day (frequency)
- Waking up more than once at night to urinate (nocturia)
- Sometimes leaking urine before reaching the toilet (urinary urge incontinence)
Common Causes of Bladder Problems
Bladder problems can develop for many reasons. Understanding the cause helps your pelvic floor physiotherapist provide the right treatment. Common causes include:
- Life stages: Pregnancy, childbirth, ageing, menopause.
- Weight and lifestyle: Obesity, high-impact exercise.
- Medical procedures: Pelvic or prostate surgery.
- Bladder and bowel issues: Overactive bladder muscles, constipation, urinary tract infections.
- Medications and diet: Water tablets, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, spicy or acidic foods.
- Bladder habits and fluid intake: High fluid intake, frequent “just in case” toilet visits, anxiety.
- Neurological conditions: Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal injury, diabetes.
What Can Help
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the muscles that support the bladder can improve bladder control and help reduce leakage. These exercises are a core part of pelvic floor physiotherapy.
- Bladder Training: Structured bladder training helps increase the time between toilet visits and reduces urgency, frequency and improves overall bladder function.
- Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on fluid intake, diet, and healthy toileting habits can support long-term bladder health and complement pelvic floor exercises.
- Electrical Stimulation: A gentle electrical current may be used to activate weak pelvic floor muscles, particularly when they are difficult to contract voluntarily. This can help improve muscle strength over time.
- Biofeedback: Sensors provide visual or audio feedback on how your pelvic floor muscles are working. This helps you learn to contract and relax the muscles correctly, enhancing the effectiveness of your exercises.
- Squeezy App for Women: This app guides you through pelvic floor exercises and tracks your progress. Using it regularly supports consistent practice and helps maintain long-term bladder control.
Bowel Problems
Good bowel function is important for overall health. When things aren’t working properly, it can quickly affect quality of life. Bowel problems affect around 10% of the population, and pelvic floor physiotherapy can help you manage these issues.
Common bowel issues include:
Constipation
Constipation occurs where there are changes to how you move your bowels. This may include not opening your bowels as often as normal and finding it hard to get your stool (poo) out. Often the stool is hard and lumpy and difficult to pass and most people will experience constipation at some point, but this is usually temporary. However, for some people constipation can become a long term issue.
What Can Help:
- Stay Hydrated: Aim to drink 1.5–2 litres of water-based fluids each day.
- Diet: Eating more fibre can help keep stools soft and easier to pass.
- Toilet Positioning: Using the right posture can make bowel movements easier. Your physiotherapist can advise on this and watch this video for tips.
- Helpful Guides: Resources like POGP Good Bowel Health and POGP Improving Your Bowel Function provide additional support.
Faecal Incontinence
Faecal incontinence is the unwanted leakage of stool or wind from the back passage. This condition can be distressing and diarrhoea can make it worse. It can occur suddenly without any warning and may be linked to an urgent need to have a bowel movement which may lead to accidental leakage.
What Can Help:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the back passage can improve control.
- Healthy Diet: Eating enough fibre helps keep stools well-formed.
- Toilet Positioning: Using the right posture can make bowel movements easier. Your physiotherapist can advise on this and watch this video for tips.
- Medication: Some people may benefit from medication. Speak to your healthcare professional.
- ‘Just Can’t Wait’ Card: Gives quicker access to public toilets. Applications are available online here.
- RADAR Key: Provides access to locked accessible toilets across the UK for people with mobility or continence needs. You can order one online via Disability Rights UK.
Obstructive Defecation
Obstructive defecation is a term used to describe having difficulty opening your bowels. It is often associated with frequent toilet visits and a feeling of being unable to fully empty the bowel. This can result in excessive straining, which can increase the risk of vaginal or rectal prolapse.
In a normal bowel movement, the muscles around the back passage relax to allow stool to pass. In obstructive defecation, these muscles may not relax fully or may even tighten, making bowel movements difficult.
What Can Help:
- Fluids: Drink 1.5–2 litres of water-based fluids daily.
- Healthy Diet: Eating enough fibre helps keep stools well-formed.
- Stay Active: Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity daily to support bowel movement.
- Belly Breathing: A relaxation technique that helps release the pelvic floor. Your physiotherapist can teach you how to do it correctly.
Faecal Urgency
Faecal urgency is a sudden, strong urge to empty your bowels. You may reach the toilet in time, but it can also lead to accidental leakage.
What Can Help:
- Healthy Diet: Eating enough fibre helps keep stools well-formed.
- Holding On Programme: This programme trains your bowel to delay the urge to go. A healthcare professional can guide you through it.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the back passage improves control and confidence, helping you reach the toilet on time.
- ‘Just Can’t Wait’ Card: Gives quicker access to public toilets. Applications are available online here.
- RADAR Key: Provides access to locked accessible toilets across the UK for people with mobility or continence needs. You can order one online via Disability Rights UK.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more of the vaginal walls, or the uterus, move downwards, causing a bulge or a feeling of heaviness in the vagina. This can lead to pressure or discomfort, and sometimes you may notice a bulge inside or at the vaginal opening. Prolapse can also affect bladder or bowel function, as well as sexual function.
What Can Help
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the muscles can help support the pelvic organs and reduce prolapse symptoms. These exercises are a core part of pelvic floor physiotherapy.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and practicing safe toileting habits can support pelvic health.
- Supportive devices: In some cases, a vaginal pessary may be recommended by a healthcare professional to provide additional support.
- Helpful Guides: Resources like POGP Pelvic Organ Prolapse – a Guide for Women. This guide provides information and practical advice on managing prolapse.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can have many different causes. It is important to get the underlying cause checked by your GP, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Sexual Health Clinic, or Consultant. Depending on the diagnosis, Pelvic Health Physiotherapy may help you manage and reduce your symptoms.
Common types of pelvic pain issues include:
Bladder Pain Syndrome
This condition causes pelvic pain and difficulty urinating. As there is no single test to confirm it, diagnosis can take time.
Vaginismus
Repeated difficulty allowing vaginal entry of a penis, finger, or other object. It may lead to involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, along with fear or pain.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is painful sex. This can be pain or discomfort at the opening to the vagina or felt deeper into the pelvis.
Tight or Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscles
Pelvic floor muscles may be tense or overactive. This can contribute to pelvic pain.
What Can Help
- Relieving Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension: Tips and exercises to release tension in pelvic floor muscles.
- Relaxation techniques: Learning to relax your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles can help reduce pelvic pain.
- Your Pelvic Floor – Dyspareunia: A guide to understanding dyspareunia, including treatment options.
- Brook – Painful Sex: Information on causes, symptoms, and ways to manage painful sex.
- Pelvic Pain: Comprehensive guide to understanding pelvic pain and management strategies.
Gynaecology Surgery
After your gynaecology surgery, you will be seen by a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist on the the ward. They will advise you on:
- How to stay comfortable during your hospital stay
- How to get up and move safely after surgery
- Ways to support your recovery and gradually return to your usual activities
If you need ongoing physiotherapy after your surgery, your consultant or GP can refer you to the GGC Pelvic Health Team.
What Can Help
- POGP Fit Following Surgery: Advice & Exercise Following Major Gynaecological Surgery.
- POGP Fit Following Surgery: Advice for Trans Men, Trans Masculine and Non-Binary People Following Hysterectomy.
- POGP Promoting Continence with Physiotherapy.
Prostate Surgery
After your prostate cancer diagnosis and the decision to have Robotic Assisted Removal of Prostate (RARP) surgery, your Urology consultant or clinical nurse specialist will inform the GGC Pelvic Health Team.
You will be invited to attend a pre-surgery appointment at one of the NHS GGC hospitals. This may be offered individually or as part of a group session. The appointment aims to provide information on:
- How to stay comfortable during your hospital stay.
- Hot to get up and move safely after surgery.
- Education on pelvic floor muscle exercises to help manage any urinary incontinence after surgery
- Ways to support your recovery and gradually return to your usual activities
Post-Surgery Follow-Up
A follow-up appointment will be arranged from six weeks after surgery to monitor your progress. Any additional appointments will depend on your recovery and symptoms.
What Can Help
- Prostate UK: Information and support for men with prostate conditions.
- Prostate Scotland: Support and guidance for people affected by prostate issues in Scotland.
- POGP Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises for Men: Guidance on exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
- POGP Pelvic Floor Exercises and Advice – A Guide for Trans Women, Trans Feminine and Non-Binary People (assigned male at birth): Tailored pelvic floor exercise guidance for trans and non-binary individuals.
- POGP Promoting Continence with Physiotherapy: Advice on maintaining bladder and bowel control through physiotherapy.
- Squeezy App for Men: This app guides you through pelvic floor exercises and tracks your progress. Using it regularly supports consistent practice and helps maintain long-term bladder control.
How to Access Our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Service
A referral letter is required from:
- Your GP
- A hospital consultant
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Clinic Locations and Contact Details
Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level C
Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Larkfield Road
Greenock PA16 0XN
Call: 01475 504 373
New Stobhill Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
The New Stobhill Hospital
Balornock Road
Glasgow G21 3UW
Call: 0141 355 1642
New Victoria Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
New Victoria Hospital
Grange Road
Glasgow G42 9LF
Call: 0141 347 8685
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Level 2
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital
16 Alexandra Parade
Glasgow G31 2ER
Call: 0141 201 3432
At present we can only accept referrals from up to 12 weeks post-natal patients who have had their deliveries at this hospital.
Queen Elizabeth University Maternity Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Room 3, 1st Floor Admin Corridor
Maternity Unit
1345 Govan Road
Glasgow G51 4TF
Call: 0141 201 2324
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Ground Floor
Maternity Unit
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Corsebar Road
Paisley PA2 9PN
Call: 0141 314 6765
Vale of Leven Hospital – Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Department
Vale of Leven Hospital
Main Street
Alexandria G83 0UA
Call: 01389 817 531
Further Information
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