Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about pelvic health physiotherapy, our treatments, and what to expect at Zyloh Physio.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that stretch like a hammock from the pubic bone to the coccyx (front to back), and from one sitting bone to the other (side to side). These muscles work together to support the spine (pelvic stability) and control the pressure inside the abdomen. They also support the pelvic organs (vagina, uterus, anus and rectum).

Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to either increased or decreased activity of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to a range of life-impacting issues. Symptoms can include urinary issues (stress incontinence, urgency), bowel issues (constipation, incontinence), chronic pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.

60% of women will experience bladder weakness either during or after pregnancy. About 50% of women will have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse after giving birth.

The research indicates yes. Physiotherapists can improve patient outcomes by promoting pelvic floor training and lifestyle modification; many patients see benefit after several sessions.

PTNS transmits small electrical impulses via a tibial nerve in the leg to the sacral nerves; biofeedback/STIM uses electrodes to train contraction and relaxation; neuromodulation uses devices to stimulate relevant nerves.

Treatments are generally safe and well-tolerated. You may feel electrical stimulation or transient tingling. For PTNS a small needle is inserted in the ankle and may produce minor bruising.

During your initial assessment at Zyloh Physio, Jency will complete a detailed history-taking and assessment of your pelvic floor problems, as well as reviewing any previous test results. Following this, a personalised treatment plan will be created for you. Your plan will include advice about diet, exercise, nerve stimulation / biofeedback, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

An initial course of treatment would be 12 sessions each lasting 30 minutes, once or twice a week. No preparation is required, and no after-effects are expected.

The effect of the treatment is cumulative over time, so most people find that at least 6-8 sessions have to be completed before they start to feel an improvement.

If successful, 2-3 treatment sessions would follow to taper off the treatment. Individuals who are successfully treated are free to resume their normal lives.

Maintenance treatment would generally include 2-3 sessions every 6 months.

Exclusions include pregnancy, implanted pacemaker/defibrillator, bleeding tendency, peripheral neuropathy, circulatory problems in the foot, and sciatica.

That depends on each individual case. At Zyloh Physio, every patient receives the most appropriate, evidence-based treatment — or a referral back to their GP or a Consultant if necessary. As a guide, the average number of treatments per case is approximately five, however fewer or more sessions may be required depending on your specific condition and goals.

Most private medical insurance schemes cover claims for physiotherapy treatment — but it is important to check your specific policy before commencing treatment as conditions and limits vary. Contact Zyloh Physio at info@zylohphysio.com or +44 799 999 6926 to discuss your insurance options before booking.

Patients can be referred to us by a GP, Consultant or you may refer yourself. Contact will be made with your doctor as necessary and a letter sent once treatment is finished.

Yes. We have individual treatment rooms to ensure privacy and confidentiality. All our rooms are well-equipped, well-maintained and comfortable.

The following links are references to clinical research studies in this developing field, all published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
  1. Faubion SS, Shuster LT, Bharucha AE. Recognition and management of nonrelaxing pelvic floor dysfunction. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2012 Feb; 87(2): 187-93. [PubMed]
  2. Butrick CW. Pathophysiology of pelvic floor hypertonic disorders. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2009 Sep; 36(3): 699-705. [PubMed]
  3. Whitehead WE, Bharucha AE. Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders: What's new and what to do. Gastroenterology. 2010 Apr; 138(4): 1231-5, 1235.e1-4. [PubMed]
  4. Akuthota V, Nadler SF. Core strengthening. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2004 Mar; 85(3 Suppl 1): S86-92. [PubMed]
  5. Tu FF, Holt J, Gonzales J, Fitzgerald CM. Physical therapy evaluation of patients with chronic pelvic pain: A controlled study. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008 Mar; 198(3): 272.e1-7. [PubMed]
  6. Good MM, Solomon ER. Pelvic floor disorders. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2019 Sep; 46(3): 527-540. [PubMed]
  7. Spence-Jones C, Kamm MA, Henry MM, Hudson CN. Bowel dysfunction: A pathogenic factor in uterovaginal prolapse and urinary stress incontinence. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1994 Feb; 101(2): 147-52. [PubMed]
  8. Iacobellis F, Reginelli A, Berritto D, Gagliardi G, Laporta A, Brillantino A, Renzi A, Scaglione M, Masselli G, Barile A, Romano L, Cappabianca S, Grassi R. Pelvic floor dysfunctions: How to image patients? Japanese Journal of Radiology. 2020 Jan; 38(1): 47-63. [PubMed]
  9. Aoki Y, Brown HW, Brubaker L, Cornu JN, Daly JO, Cartwright R. Urinary incontinence in women. Nature Reviews. Disease Primers. 2017 Nov 16; 3:17097. [PubMed]
  10. FitzGerald MP, Kotarinos R. Rehabilitation of the short pelvic floor. II: Treatment of the patient with the short pelvic floor. International Urogynecology Journal Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. 2003 Oct; 14(4):269-75; discussion 275. [PubMed]