Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future.
It takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care.
Physiotherapy can be helpful for people of all ages with a wide range of health conditions, including problems affecting the:
- bones, joints and soft tissue – such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports injuries
- brain or nervous system – such as movement problems resulting from a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease
- heart and circulation – such as rehabilitation after a heart attack
- lungs and breathing – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis
Physiotherapy can improve your physical activity while helping you to prevent further injuries.
Physiotherapy is provided by specially-trained and regulated practitioners called physiotherapists.
Physiotherapists often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in various areas of medicine and settings, including:
- hospitals
- community health centres or clinics
- some GP surgeries
- some sports teams, clubs, charities and workplaces
Some physiotherapists can also offer home visits.
Physiotherapists consider the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the individual aspects of an injury or illness.
Some of the main approaches used by physiotherapists include:
- education and advice – physiotherapists can give general advice about things that can affect your daily lives, such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries
- movement, tailored exercise and physical activity advice – exercises may be recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body
- manual therapy – where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to encourage better movement of the body
There are other techniques that may sometimes be used, such as exercises carried out in water (hydrotherapy)
Read more about the main physiotherapy techniques.
You will need a referral from your GP to have physiotherapy.
Ask your nurse or doctor on your ward if you are an inpatient or your GP or Consultant if you are an Outpatient to refer you to a Physiotherapist for assessment to see if you need treatment.
Introduction to the team
The Women’s and Men’s Health Team are based within the physiotherapy outpatient department over two hospital sites, Warrington Hospital and Halton General Hospital. We see a range of patients in the outpatient department. Common outpatient conditions that are treated by the Women’s and Men’s Health Team include;
- Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse)
- Faecal incontinence
- Obstructed defecation
- Pelvic pain
- Arm/Shoulder problems following breast surgery
Locations
Warrington Physiotherapy Reception: 01925 662500
Halton Physiotherapy Reception: 01928 753206
Services we provide:
Physiotherapy for pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions Obstetric/Pregnancy: Women with pregnancy-related back/pelvic pain, pregnancy-related abdominal weakness, pregnancy-related carpel tunnel syndrome
Physiotherapy for gynaecological conditions: Women with bladder problems, prolapsed pelvic organs, pelvic pain.
Physiotherapy for Colorectal conditions: Women or men with bowel problems
Physiotherapy for urological conditions: Women or men with bladder problems.
Physiotherapy following breast cancer surgery: Women or men who experience arm or shoulder problems following breast cancer surgery.
How can you be referred?
If you see a doctor or specialist at Warrington or Halton Hospital they are able to refer you to our service. If you are patient who has a GP within Halton and St Helens PCT, they are also able to refer you to our service.
Women with pregnancy-related back/pelvic pain, pregnancy-related abdominal weakness, pregnancy-related carpel tunnel syndrome.
What do we do?
Our aim is to help patient manage their symptoms during their pregnancy and in the early postnatal period.
We provide;
- - Individual assessments and treatments which may include manual therapy, advice, exercises, acupuncture, TENS, and advice for labour
- - Antenatal education class including back care, posture advice, exercises, breathing and relaxation for labour, labour positions, massage, post natal advice
- - Post delivery advice to women on the postnatal wards. At all times our patients are involved in the decision making process of their treatment plan and receive advice/exercise leaflets to support this.
At the end of treatment a report is forwarded to the patient's consultant/GP.
Common pregnancy related conditions we may assess and treat in the physiotherapy outpatient department:
• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP):
1 in 5 women experience Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP). Women with PGP may experience different symptoms. The aim of physiotherapy is to reduce the impact symptoms these have on your life during and after pregnancy.
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) advise class
We run a weekly advice class in the Physiotherapy department for patients, at any stage in their pregnancy, who are experiencing any lower back or pelvic symptoms. It is a 60 minute advice session incorporating topics such as anatomical reasons for pain, postural advice, exercise advice and ADL care at home. Patients are then able to book back in for a 1:1 appointment if required
The Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Triage Service (MSKCATS) is service for patients aged 16 and over with any muscle or joint problem. It is staffed by Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practitioners (AMPP’s) who are specialised physiotherapists with expertise in musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions e.g. back pain, neck pain and arthritis.
You can self-refer into the service if you are suffering with an MSK problem without the need to see a GP first. YOU MUST HAVE A WIDNES OR RUNCORN G.P.
Visit the MSK CATS page here.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Leaflet
Perineal Tears post childbirth
Diastasis Recti
Website Links
ACPWH PGP
http://www.acpwh.org.uk/docs/ACPWH-PGP_Pat.pdf
ACPWH fit and safe
http://www.acpwh.org.uk/docs/Fit_and_Safe_%28Mothers%29.pdf
ACPWH fit for future
http://www.acpwh.org.uk/docs/leaflets/ACPWH-FFFuture.pdf
ACPWH fit for pregnancy
http://www.acpwh.org.uk/docs/leaflets/ACPWH-FFPregnancy.pdf
ACPWH fit for birth
http://www.acpwh.org.uk/docs/leaflets/ACPWH-FFBirth.pdf
www.nhs.uk/planners/pregnancycareplanner/Pages/PregnancyHome.aspx
What do we do?
Our aim is to teach women how to improve their condition by teaching “correct” pelvic floor muscle exercises. We also provide education and practical advice on how to manage and improve symptoms.
The majority of our referrals are for women requiring treatment for urinary incontinence and discomfort from prolapse.
All patients are provided with a private and confidential assessment; this initial appointment takes approximately one hour and involves the taking of a detailed history and an examination.
We assess patients in order to confirm clinical diagnosis of their pelvic floor problem and choose the appropriate treatment for each individual.
We offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments in this specialised therapy area. We teach patients to help themselves towards better health e.g. giving advice, teaching of exercises, which are ultimately the patient's responsibility.
Treatment will consist of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, advice and self help programmes. You may be seen as part of a group if deemed appropriate.
Treatment may involve one or more of the following:-
- • Pelvic floor muscle exercises
- • Bladder training
- • Biofeedback
- • Muscle Stimulation
General advice is always given, this will include (as appropriate):
- • Reduction of weight
- • Reduction of constipation
- • Removal of caffeine drinks
- • Fluid Balance
- • Correct bladder emptying
- • Lifestyle changes
At all times our patients are involved in the decision making process of their treatment plan and receive advice/exercise leaflets to support this. The majority of patients only require between 4-6 physiotherapy appointments. At the end of treatment a report is forwarded to the patient's consultant/GP.
For all patients due to have gynecological surgery at the hospital we run a pre-operative advice and education class. This includes useful information what is involved in the surgery, what to expect following the operation and how to best look after yourself before and after your operation.
How can you be referred?
If you see a doctor or specialist at Warrington or Halton Hospital they are able to refer you to our service. If you are patient who has a GP within Halton and St Helens area, they are also able to refer you to our service.
Leaflets
Women's Health Physiotherapy Service
- Leaflet
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
How to exercise and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
Links
What do we do?
Our aim is to teach patients how to improve their condition by teaching “correct” pelvic floor muscle exercises. We also provide education and practical advice on how to manage and improve symptoms.
We offer a comprehensive range of up to date treatments in this specialised therapy area. All patients are provided with a private and confidential assessment; this initial appointment takes approximately one hour and involves the taking of a detailed history and an examination.
Based on the assessment findings, treatment selection is discussed and initiated.
Treatment may involve one or more of the following:-
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
- Biofeedback
- Muscle Stimulation
General advice is always given, this will include (as appropriate):
- Reduction of weight
- Reduction of constipation
- Lifestyle changes
At all times our patients are involved in the decision making process of their treatment plan and receive advice/exercise leaflets to support this. The majority of patients only require between 4-6 physiotherapy appointments. At the end of treatment a report is forwarded to the patient's consultant/GP.
How can you be referred?
If you see a doctor or specialist at Warrington or Halton Hospital they are able to refer you to our service. If you are patient who has a GP within Halton and St Helens PCT, they are also able to refer you to our service.
Leaflets
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
- Leaflet
Sphincter exercises