Sussex Physiotherapy

Pelvic health physiotherapy is provided for women and men with prolapse, pregnancy related pelvic symptoms, menopause related pelvic health concerns, bladder symptoms, bowel symptoms and pelvic pain. Sussex Physiotherapy is based in Selmeston and also provides musculoskeletal physiotherapy, digestive health support and clinical Pilates.

Women's health care includes ante and post-natal care, New Mum Checks, incontinence, pelvic floor issues, leaking, pelvic pain, prolapse, pessary trialling and fitting, pregnancy, post-natal rehabilitation and menopause. The practice provides a private pessary fitting clinic for pelvic organ prolapse. Suitability for a pessary trial is assessed through an initial physiotherapy assessment, or with a referral from a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, gynaecologist or other referring medical professional.

Pessary fitting care includes discussion of indications and contraindications, internal examination of pelvic floor strength and coordination, prolapse assessment, inspection of vaginal tissues and, where needed, use of a speculum. Breathing pattern, abdominal function and movement patterns may also be assessed. Pessary options are discussed, trial fittings are carried out, and patients who choose to self-manage are shown how to remove, care for and insert the pessary.

Men's health physiotherapy covers pelvic, testicular and penile pain, incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder pain or dysfunction, prostate rehabilitation, prostate cancer physiotherapy, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction or pain. Digestive health care covers functional bowel disorders, incomplete emptying, constipation, prolapse, wind or stool incontinence, urgency, IBS, anal or rectal pain, fissures and haemorrhoids.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy includes assessment and diagnosis, patient-centred treatment, spinal issues, peripheral joint pain or injury and post-operative rehabilitation. Continued care includes clinical mat and reformer Pilates.

Emily Russell BSc (hons) MCSP HCPC is a chartered women's and men's health physiotherapist, and a musculoskeletal and pelvic health physiotherapist, with over 12 years' clinical experience in NHS and private settings.