Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at Exeter Hospital

It is a specialist area of physiotherapy, which involves the assessment and treatment of a range of conditions relating to:

• bladder problems
• bowel problems
• pelvic floor dysfunction
• pelvic organ prolapses
• pelvic pain 
• pregnancy
• problems related to childbirth 
• post-natal body check
• aiding recovery following surgery

It is even suitable if you don’t have any particular problems but would like to check how well your pelvic floor muscles work and fine-tune your technique. Our specialists will assist and advise you on the best course of action for your symptoms following a thorough assessment

Who is our women’s health physiotherapist at Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital?

We have a women's health physiotherapist who has completed additional specialist training to assess and treat women’s health-related problems.

Ali Crocker - Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Specialist and Clinical Services Manager

Ali graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. Since then she has worked for 20 years in both the NHS and private sector within the UK.

Ali completed a Master’s degree in Continence and Uro-Gynaecology in 2016 and has a wide range of experience treating a variety of Male and Female pelvic conditions with a particular interest in urinary and faecal incontinence, gynaecological prolapse conditions, pelvic pain and managing an overactive bladder.

In her spare time, Ali spends time with her family and enjoys cooking and sea swimming.

Ali's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc Hons Physiotherapy
• BA Hons Recreation and Sport Management
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (state registration)
• Full Member of the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) special interest group

Nancy Osborne - Senior Physiotherapist

Nancy Graduated from Cardiff University in 2008 and has worked predominantly as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in a variety of settings including the NHS, occupational health, and private and charitable sectors.

At the Nuffield Hospital in Exeter, Nancy specialises in post-operative rehabilitation as well as assessing and treating persistent back and neck pain, lower and upper limb dysfunction, and various sports injuries. Her treatment approach is holistic and personalised to the individual using specific exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue release, acupuncture and spinal mobilisation techniques.

Nancy is also a trained Yoga and Pilates instructor and often incorporates elements of breathing, postural awareness and core strengthening into her rehabilitation plans.

Alongside her MSK and orthopaedic work, Nancy also has experience in pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological physiotherapy. This includes pelvic floor rehabilitation for bladder dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain, post-natal pelvic floor and abdominal rehab, and post-operative gynaecological rehabilitation.

Nancy is a certified Mummy MOT practitioner. The Mummy MOT is a post-natal detailed physiotherapy assessment of the pelvic and abdominal area. It will check your posture, breathing, tummy gap and pelvic floor strength. You will receive a report of findings on the day and following assessment, an appropriate and safe exercise programme will be prescribed.

Outside of working life, Nancy enjoys looking after her 2 energetic children, practising yoga, gardening, trail running, cycling and swimming.

Nancy's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc Hons Physiotherapy
• BSc Hons Physiology
• AACP Acupuncture
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Registered with HCPC
• Member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Acupuncture (AACP)
• Member of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynecological Physiotherapy (POGP)
• Registered Mummy MOT practitioner

What happens during a women’s health physiotherapy appointment?

A detailed history will be taken of the problems you are experiencing. Some of the questions may be of a personal nature to gain a full insight into the nature of your problems. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

You may be offered an internal pelvic floor examination. This is not compulsory but forms a valuable part of the assessment and enables your physiotherapist to give you individualised treatment and ensure you can activate your pelvic floor muscles correctly. Your physiotherapist will discuss the examination in detail with you during your appointment.

What does women’s health physiotherapy treatment involve?

Women’s health (pelvic floor) physiotherapy treatments are based on exercise and advice, which is tailored to you following a detailed assessment. To ensure the best outcome, it is important that you take an active part in your rehabilitation and follow the advice of your physiotherapist.

How many appointments do I need?

This varies for each individual but most people need to attend a course of sessions over a period of around four months.

Is there anything I need to bring to my initial women’s health physiotherapy appointment?

An up-to-date list of any medications you take is useful, plus details of any past or ongoing health conditions, investigations or treatments, especially if they are related to your current symptoms.

You may also wish to note down any questions you have about the problem to ask your physiotherapist as well as thinking about the main problems you experience and how much they affect your day-to-day life.

Do I need to do anything at home for my women’s health physiotherapy appointments?

You may be asked to complete a frequency volume chart for your bladder at home prior to attending your initial appointment.

Do you inform my GP about my women’s health physiotherapy?

Your GP is not routinely informed about details of your treatment but is informed if there are any concerns about your condition or if you require further investigations or referral to another health professional.

How much is women’s health physiotherapy?

Initial assessment: £85 non-Nuffield gym member / £68 member (60 minutes)
Follow-up appointment: £60 non-Nuffield gym member / £48 member (30 minutes)

We are also approved by most major private medical insurers.

Opening times:

Nancy: Tuesday and Thursday, 08:00 - 12:00
Ali: Monday - Friday, 10:00 - 17:00

How to book a women’s health physiotherapy appointment:

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our physiotherapy reception on 0345 045 4845 to book a self-pay appointment. Please ask for a 'Pelvic Health appointment' when booking your appointment. Alternatively, please contact your private medical insurance directly.