Bladder Health
What we do
We are specialist physiotherapists specifically trained in pelvic health. As part of this, we can help with bladder symptoms such as urinary incontinence, urinary frequency (going to the toilet often), and urgency (an urgent rush to get to the toilet).
Urinary incontinence can be divided into 2 types:
- Urge urinary incontinence (an urgent rush to the toilet that leads to leaking on route)
- Stress urinary incontinence (leakage with activity when there is no urge to go, e.g. coughing or exercise).
Often both can be experienced, which would be called mixed urinary incontinence.
You may have been given a diagnosis of overactive bladder which would generally include urgency, frequency and nocturia (getting up overnight to the toilet).
Many of our patients feel that their bladder controls their exercise and activity levels and feel anxious when leaving home with the need to check where the nearest toilets are. Our aim is to help you gain control of your bladder, which often involves strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. We may also help you re-train your bladder and discuss fluids that can potentially irritate your symptoms.
Who is it for?
Currently our service is for individuals aged over 16.
Can anyone use this service?
Yes, you can be referred by your GP, Midwife, Consultant, Continence nurse or other therapist.
You can also self-refer by calling 01443 715012 for a self-assessment form.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
What to expect
Our admin team will contact you either by telephone or post. You will initially be invited to a pelvic floor education session. This session will give you lots of valuable information on the pelvic floor muscles, their role in prolapse health and continence, along with lots of handy tips on how to start gaining control of your symptoms. It is very important that attend the class before attending your first appointment. After the class, you can then arrange an individual assessment with a female specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, which will be carried out in a private treatment room. An internal vaginal assessment may be indicated in order to assess your pelvic floor muscles and decide on the best treatment for you.
If you would like a chaperone for the assessment, please let us know in advance so that we can organise this.
Please do not reschedule an appointment during your period as there are always other assessment and treatment options available at this time.
Please bring a list of any medication you are taking to your first appointment.
Contact us
Our admin team can be reached on 01443 715012 between 8:30 and 15:30. We currently offer appointments at Princess of Wales Hospital, The Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, and Prince Charles Hospital. If you would prefer your assessment and treatment to be carried out in Welsh, this is possible currently at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon Hospital, Mountain Ash. Please request this when phoning to book your appointment. It is important that you let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your agreed appointment. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to another patient and therefore keep our waiting lists as short as possible. Failing to attend without prior notice may result in being discharged from our service.
We welcome patient feedback and suggestions on how we can continue to improve the service we offer so please get in touch with any comments you may have or if you wish to speak to one of the Pelvic Health Physiotherapy team.
