Women’s health

Women’s Health Physiotherapy in Exeter & Bovey Tracey

At Barefoot Physio, we provide specialist women’s health physiotherapy to support women through every stage of life. Our experienced physiotherapists offer evidence-based assessment and treatment for a wide range of pelvic health, pregnancy and postnatal conditions.

Women’s health physiotherapist holding a smiling baby while the baby’s mother lies back on a foam roller during a postnatal exercise session

Services

Women’s Health Services

Women’s health physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, joints and tissues of the pelvic region. These areas can be affected by pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, injury, or everyday strain. With the right physiotherapy support, many symptoms can be significantly improved or resolved.

Our women’s health physiotherapists work with patients at our clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey, providing personalised care in a supportive and professional environment.

Conditions Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists Treat

Our physiotherapists treat a wide range of pelvic health and women’s health conditions, including:

Bladder Symptoms

  • Stress urinary incontinence
  • Urge incontinence
  • Overactive bladder
  • Bladder urgency or frequency

Bowel Symptoms

  • Constipation
  • Faecal incontinence
  • Flatus incontinence
  • Incomplete bowel emptying

Pelvic Health Conditions

  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Persistent pelvic discomfort

Pregnancy and Postnatal Conditions

  • Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
  • Postnatal recovery
  • Core and pelvic floor rehabilitation
  • Return to exercise after childbirth

If you are experiencing symptoms affecting your pelvic health or recovery after pregnancy, physiotherapy can provide targeted treatment and guidance to help you regain comfort and confidence.

View all women’s health conditions

Women’s Health Physiotherapy Appointments

Your first appointment will include a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors. This allows your physiotherapist to understand the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may include:

  • Pelvic floor rehabilitation
  • Manual therapy
  • Targeted exercise programmes
  • Education and lifestyle advice
  • Support for returning to activity and exercise

An Initial Women’s Health Assessment is an hour long appointment, priced at £115. All follow-ups will be 45 minutes at £85, enabling progressive and ongoing support to help you achieve your goals.

We want you to feel comfortable, confident and supported throughout your recovery.

Meet Our Women’s Health Physiotherapist

Kate Harvey

Kate is a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist who supports women experiencing a wide range of pelvic health concerns. She has a particular interest in helping women manage bladder and bowel symptoms, pelvic pain and pregnancy-related conditions.

Kate treats conditions such as stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel dysfunction and pelvic pain. She also supports women experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy and provides physiotherapy to aid postnatal recovery.

Zoe Aspinall

Zoe is an experienced Specialist Women’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with a particular interest in supporting women throughout the different stages of their lives.

She qualified as a physiotherapist in 2007 and has since worked across a wide range of clinical specialties, cultures and countries. In 2011, Zoe had the opportunity to work with the Kenyan Olympic Team, which sparked a particular interest in women’s sport and running. While working in Australia in 2013, she undertook further specialist training in pelvic health physiotherapy and has continued to work within the field ever since.

Committed to evidence-based practice, both Zoe and Kate regularly attend professional training and conferences to stay up to date with the latest developments in pelvic health physiotherapy. They are also South West regional representatives for the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP).

Book a Women’s Health, Prenatal or Postnatal Physiotherapy Appointment

Women’s health physiotherapy appointments are available at our Barefoot Physio clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey. We provide specialist assessments for a wide range of pelvic health concerns, including prenatal (during pregnancy) and postnatal recovery. Your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs and stage of life. If you would like to book a women’s health, prenatal or postnatal physiotherapy assessment, or speak to our team about your symptoms, please contact the clinic and we will be happy to help.

Pre and Postnatal Massage

In addition to physiotherapy, Barefoot Physio also offers specialised pre and postnatal massage designed to support comfort and relaxation during pregnancy and recovery after birth.

Pregnancy massage can help reduce muscle tension, relieve aches and pains, and promote overall wellbeing. You can learn more about this service on our dedicated pregnancy massage page .

Why Choose Barefoot Physio for Women’s Health?

  • Specialist women’s health physiotherapy in Exeter, delivered by HCPC-registered physiotherapists with advanced postgraduate training in pelvic health.
  • Expert care for pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, and pre- and postnatal recovery, including support through pregnancy and menopause.
  • Comprehensive women’s health services, from prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy to pelvic pain treatment and dedicated women’s health massage.
  • Trusted by hundreds of women locally, with consistent 5-star reviews and strong word-of-mouth across Exeter and the surrounding area.
  • Integrated, long-term support, combining physiotherapy, Pilates, and personalised rehabilitation to help women move confidently, reduce symptoms, and improve their overall wellbeing.

Our aim is to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care tailored to every stage of life.

Ready to book your appointment?

Book an appointment
Treatment room at Barefoot Physio Exeter with a treatment couch and teal feature wall
Treatment room at Bovey Tracey Chiropractic, home of the Barefoot Physio Bovey Tracey clinic

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What Patients Say

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for women’s health physiotherapy?

No. You can book directly with Barefoot Physio. GP or consultant referrals are welcome but not required.

When should I book a postnatal assessment?

We recommend from 8 weeks postpartum, whether you’ve had a vaginal or caesarean birth. It’s never too late, even years later, postnatal assessments can be beneficial.

Can physiotherapy help with prolapse or incontinence?

Yes. Specialist pelvic health physiotherapy is evidence-based and can significantly improve symptoms of prolapse and urinary leakage.

Is treatment safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Prenatal physiotherapy and massage are adapted to your stage of pregnancy and focus on comfort, safety, and wellbeing.

Do I need to have my 6–8 week GP postnatal check before my assessment?

Yes. Where possible, we recommend having your routine 6-8 week GP postnatal check before attending your women’s health assessment. This allows any general medical concerns following pregnancy or birth to be reviewed first. Your physiotherapy assessment can then provide a much more detailed and personalised look at your recovery, pelvic floor function, abdominal recovery, symptoms, movement and return to exercise.

Ready to Book Women’s Health Physiotherapy?

Book an appointment with The Barefoot Physio team.

  • Two clinics in Exeter and Bovey Tracey
  • HCPC-registered physiotherapists
  • No higher fee for your first assessment
The Barefoot Physio team at the Exeter clinic