Biofeedback and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy includes a range of pelvic floor exercises and techniques taught by physiotherapists. Over time, this can help strengthen the muscles that control the opening and closing of your bowels.
At a glance
- Consultation required
- Health insurance
- Self-Pay Available
What is biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Your pelvic floor muscles are shaped like a sling and are found at the base of your pelvis (below your bladder). They hold all of your pelvic organs firmly in place, including your uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum.
When these muscles become weak or injured, one or more of these organs may move from their natural position, causing a range of issues such as:
urinary incontinence – not being able to control when you pee
stress incontinence – leaking urine when pressure is put on your bladder, such as during exercise, when laughing or coughing
urge incontinence – a sudden, urgent need to pee
anal incontinence – not being able to control when you pass wind or stool
Biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy brings together a range of treatments and techniques to retrain your muscles and strengthen your pelvic floor. At Welbeck, this is carried out in our state-of-the-art Digestive Health centre.
You might need biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy if you:
have urinary or anal incontinence
have an overactive bladder
are recovering from prostate surgery
have weaker pelvic floor muscles after giving birth, or after going through menopause
More information
At Welbeck, biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments are carried out by our specialist nurses and physiotherapists.
It includes a range of techniques and treatments to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and manage any troubling symptoms.
Biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy may include any of the following techniques:
learning to empty your bowels correctly
advice on diet changes – such as eating more fibre and drinking enough water, especially if you strain on the toilet, which can weaken your pelvic floor over time
transanal irrigation – a procedure used to manage chronic constipation and/or chronic faecal incontinence
posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) – a procedure that uses a fine needle to send mild electrical impulses to the tibial nerve. It can help stimulate the nerves that control bladder and bowel function
learning to manage stress – chronic and low-level stress can make pelvic floor problems worse
pelvic floor biofeedback – a device that’s connected to your bottom via electrodes and measures your pelvic floor muscle function, as you complete certain exercises. It gives feedback in real time to tell you how well you’re doing
pelvic floor exercises to practice at home – such as holding contractions
Pelvic floor physiotherapy carries few risks, especially if you complete the exercises exactly as they’re shown to you by your physiotherapist.
There’s also no risks when using a biofeedback device. The current doesn’t pass through to the muscle, so there’s no chance of injury, and you shouldn’t feel any pain.
There’s no specific preparation needed for pelvic floor biofeedback. You can eat and drink as normal, continue to take your usual medication, and you don’t need to empty your bowel before you arrive at the clinic.
If you need another type of biofeedback therapy, such as trans anal irrigation, you’ll be given all the details you need when you book your appointment.
You’ll usually be able to go home on the same day after biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy, and return to normal activities straight away.
Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing information.
At Welbeck, our biofeedback and physiotherapy specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a physiotherapist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Many people who have biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy notice an improvement in their symptoms. To make sure you achieve the best results, you’ll need to follow the agreed plan and each of the exercises you’ve been given by your physiotherapist.
Anal incontinence happens when the anal sphincter muscles, or the nerves controlling them, become damaged. This can be caused by childbirth, anal surgery, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, or dementia.
TAI is a simple procedure where body temperature water is passed through a soft silicone cone into the rectum. As water fills the rectum, the rectal wall gently stretches, which can help someone with chronic constipation or faecal incontinence pass a bowel movement (poo).
During menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and lead to issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.