Pelvic floor physiotherapy is specialist rehabilitation for the muscles that support your bladder, bowel and sexual function. At Littlehampton Natural Health Centre it is provided by Amelia Altenburger, HCPC-registered physiotherapist, with extra training through Mummy MOT and POGP. Appointments are at 10C Granville Road, Littlehampton, with free on-street parking, for people in Littlehampton, Rustington, East Preston, Arundel, Bognor Regis and Worthing who want private assessment without a long wait.
This is a clinical appointment: conversation, examination (never without consent), and a plan you can follow at home. If you mainly want a clothed chair session, read EmSella in Littlehampton — Amelia can advise whether the chair, physiotherapy, or both is sensible.
Book a new-patient appointment
What pelvic floor physiotherapy involves here
History. How symptoms started, what you have already tried, pregnancies, surgeries, bowels, bladder day/night, training load, mental load.
Examination. Usually starts with breathing, abdominal wall, scars, posture and how you try to “do a Kegel”. An internal vaginal examination may be offered because it is the most accurate way to judge lift, tone and tenderness. It is optional. You can decline and still receive education and external work. You may bring a chaperone. We do not offer a rectal examination.
Treatment may include:
- Teaching a correct contraction and a correct relaxation (tight is not the same as strong)
- Strength or endurance programmes, or down-training for an overactive floor
- Manual therapy to the abdomen, pelvis or pelvic-floor muscles where appropriate
- Advice on bladder and bowel habits, lifting, running return, and sex
- EmSella as an adjunct once we know the muscle needs loading, not calming
How this differs from EmSella
Physiotherapy answers “what is going on?”. EmSella is one way to load a weak pelvic floor once that question is answered. If you cannot find the muscle, have pain, prolapse symptoms, or scarring, start here. If you have been assessed, understand the exercises, and want additional clothed strengthening, book EmSella.
Your first appointment
Free short assessment — for people who are unsure whether this is the right clinic. Brief discussion and screening; not a full treatment course.
New-patient appointment — currently £60 on the physiotherapy price list. Follow-ups £50. A plan of 6 × 30-minute sessions is listed at £270 for physiotherapy. Reception can confirm the most suitable booking if you are also considering EmSella (which has its own £45 consultation).
A common shape of care (always individual):
Weeks 1–4: restore awareness, reduce aggravating habits, begin the right loading or relaxation. Visits may be weekly.
Weeks 4–10: build strength or control for your goals (dryness on a run, less urgency, comfortable intercourse, confidence with grandchildren).
Discharge or maintenance: many people self-manage with a home programme. Some combine periodic EmSella or a review.
Bring a list of medications, operations and diagnoses. Complete the online intake if sent.
Prices
Free short assessment — Free — Book online
New-patient appointment — £60 — Book online
30-minute follow-up — £50
Plan of 6 × 30-minute sessions — £270 (equates to £45 per session)
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is booked as physiotherapy with Amelia. Some physiotherapy appointments can be claimed on private medical insurance. Cover varies by insurer — check your policy and speak to reception if you plan to claim.
Practicalities
Littlehampton Natural Health Centre, 10C Granville Road, Littlehampton BN17 5JU. Monday–Friday (lunchtime closure — see opening hours). Wear comfortable clothes; you may be asked to undress from the waist down for an internal vaginal examination, with a cover. Reception: 01903 734373.
If you are looking for NHS care, University Hospitals Sussex and the Sussex maternity system offer pelvic health physiotherapy and self-referral. Private care here is for people who want specialist time, combined EmSella, or an earlier appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is pelvic floor physiotherapy?
It is physiotherapy focused on the pelvic-floor muscles and the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs they support. It includes assessment, education and rehabilitation — not only “doing Kegels”.
Will I have an internal examination?
Only if you consent and it would change the plan. If offered, it is a vaginal examination. You can say no. Amelia will explain what she is looking for first. We do not offer a rectal examination.
How should I dress?
Loose, comfortable clothing. You may need to undress from the waist down for part of the assessment.
Is this only for women?
No. Men are seen, including after prostate treatment.
What is a Mummy MOT?
A structured postnatal check of tummy muscles, pelvic floor and function. Amelia has completed Mummy MOT training. See our Mummy MOT in Littlehampton page, or she can assess postnatal recovery as part of pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Can physiotherapy help prolapse?
It can help you understand the grade of symptoms, reduce strain, and strengthen support. It does not “put an organ back” in the way surgery might. We will not over-promise.
Do I need EmSella as well?
Not always. We suggest it when extra loading is likely to help and there are no contraindications. See the EmSella page.
How is this different from seeing a GP or continence nurse?
We have longer musculoskeletal and pelvic-muscle assessment time and can add EmSella. We do not prescribe continence products or perform urodynamics. We work alongside, not instead of, your NHS team when needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Often a short block rather than open-ended weekly care. Amelia should give you a range after the first visit.
Is physiotherapy safe?
When delivered by an HCPC-registered physiotherapist, assessment and treatment are well-established. Internal vaginal examination has risks (discomfort, spotting) which should be explained. Tell us if you are pregnant, recently postnatal, or awaiting investigations.
Can I use private medical insurance?
The clinic has a private medical insurance page. Cover varies by insurer and by treatment, so check your policy and speak to reception if you plan to claim.
What if I feel embarrassed?
That is the most common first sentence we hear. Appointments are private. You control the examination. You can bring someone with you.
Book pelvic floor physiotherapy
If you’re unsure whether this is the right option, start with a free short assessment. For a full first visit, book a new-patient appointment.