PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY BEDFORD
MEET OUR PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
JESSICA FRENCH
Jessica’s graduated from Queen Margaret University with a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy. Jessica’s professional experience has provided her with the opportunity to be involved with many aspects of the physiotherapy profession ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Her most recent qualifications include running assessment and injury prevention, manual movement courses, pre-medical assessment and critical strength and mobility testing.
READ FULL BIO
WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is an evidence based and focused practice of physiotherapy that works specifically on the muscles, ligaments, bones and wellbeing of the pelvis. The pelvis is the bony structure between your hip bones and houses the bladder, uterus and colon. The pelvic floor muscles stretch from the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis, to the coccyx (tail bone) located at the back of the pelvis, and remain between the ischial tuberosity (your two sit bones). The musculature of the pelvis may need to be stretched, or strengthened and can be positively impacted with physiotherapy treatment. This can be done by manually stretching the tissue or applying resistance to the tissues to help improve strength.
PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary Incontinence encompasses many things, including:
Urgency
Frequency
Feeling of incomplete urination
Pain with urination, either during, or after.
These conditions are impacted by the strength and tone of the muscles of the pelvic floor and can be positively impacted with physiotherapy treatment!
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ASSESSMENT
A detailed subjective history — during this time we will discuss your past medical history, including your pregnancy stories, specific questions about bladder and bowel function as well as sexual function. Anatomy of the pelvic floor muscles to be assessed as well as a step by step process of what will occur with the objective digital palpation will be discussed.
Objective assessment — the tissue health, including strength and tone will be assessed via both external and internal palpation. If you are not sure about internal palpations, no problem! We can work with whatever you are comfortable with.
Finishing up the session — we will review with education and a treatment plan.
We are aware that this is a sensitive topic and that it may feel very personal to share such information and our commitment to you is to help you feel comfortable and confident while effectively treating your unique concerns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I have treatment if I am on my period?
Absolutely! Menstruation is a normal part of life. However, if you are not comfortable with this we can schedule your appointments around your cycle.
Is the internal exam required?
The internal digital palpation is strongly recommended. You are in complete control of the appointment, and if you would prefer not to have the digital internal palpation that is within your right and there are many other things we can work on externally or through exercise.
What do I wear?
Whatever you wear during your day is perfect - come as you are and we have everything you need to feel comfortable and confident during your pelvic floor assessment and treatments.
Important to note at this time Jessica will only be treating urinary incontinence in females assigned at birth. If your main concern is prolapse, painful sexual intercourse, or urinary incontinence in males assigned at birth, please note this is not in Jessica’s scope of practice yet but keep an eye on this page for updates!
Unsure if this is for you? Jessica is offering complimentary discovery calls, this can be a face to face meeting, a phone call or virtual appointment to discuss questions or concerns you may have prior to booking an Initial Assessment.