FAQ's

General FAQs

What services does Thrive Physiotherapy offer?

At Thrive Physiotherapy in Sheffield, we specialise in helping women take charge of their pelvic health and overall wellbeing. Here’s how we can support you:

1:1 Physiotherapy Services
Our personalised physiotherapy sessions are tailored to help women overcome challenges like incontinence, bladder issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, pain, and injury rehabilitation. We focus on restoring confidence and improving quality of life through expert care.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage
We provide soothing Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage to promote recovery, reduce swelling, and enhance overall health. MLD is particularly beneficial post liposuction surgery.

Pelvic Strength Exercise Classes in Sheffield
Our group exercise classes offer a supportive, fun environment to strengthen your pelvic floor. Designed specifically for women, these sessions integrate a whole-body approach to address leaks, prolapse symptoms, and pelvic health concerns while rebuilding strength and confidence.

Where Can I Find Thrive Clinics?

Thrive Physiotherapy offers in person sessions from their Sharrow Vale clinic:

416b Sharrow Vale Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8ZP

We’re found down the cobbled road between the Gready Greek and the Butchers – look out for the Butcher’s Dog mural!

There’s plenty of on street pay & display parking, however it can get busy, especially around lunch time and at school pick up time, so please allow extra time for parking.

Thrive Physiotherapy in Sheffield is dedicated to providing expert pelvic health support and physiotherapy to help you feel your best.

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

No, you don’t need a referral to access Thrive Physiotherapy services. You can book directly through our website or by emailing us at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk.

We’re here to make it easy for you to start your journey to better pelvic health and well-being—reach out at hello@Thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk today!

What happens at my first session?

Your first appointment at Thrive Physiotherapy is an hour-long, comprehensive session designed to fully understand your concerns and create a therapy plan tailored to you. During this time:

Detailed Discussion: Your therapist will ask questions to explore your symptoms, their impact on your daily life, your body’s history, and any past injuries that might influence your current condition. This helps us understand your goals—what you want to get back to doing and why it’s important to you.
Movement & Muscle Assessment: A thorough evaluation of how your body and muscles move will be conducted to see how your pelvic floor integrates with your body as a whole.
Clear Explanation: We’ll explain our findings in an easy-to-understand way, so you’re fully informed about what’s going on and why.
Personalised Therapy Plan: Together, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan. You’ll know exactly what to expect from your sessions, what your rehabilitation will involve, and get an estimate of how many sessions you may need.
Precise Exercises: At Thrive, we believe less is more when it comes to exercises. You’ll leave with no more than two precise, targeted exercises to maximise your recovery without feeling overwhelmed.

We pride ourselves on making your experience supportive, empowering, and focused on your needs. If you have any questions before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk or book your appointment here!

What happens at my follow up sessions?

Follow-up appointments at Thrive Physiotherapy are 30 to 45-minute sessions where we build on the work we’ve started together and gently guide your recovery forward. Each one is tailored to how things are going for you, your body, your symptoms, your life.

Checking in:
We’ll start by hearing how you’ve been getting on. What’s felt better? What’s been tricky? How have the exercises fitted into your week? These conversations help us understand what’s working and what might need adjusting.
Progressing your exercises:
As your body changes, so should your exercises. We’ll review anything you’ve been doing at home and, if it’s the right time, we’ll build on them, making sure you keep progressing without feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes that means something completely new, sometimes just a small tweak to help it feel easier or more effective.
Hands-on treatment (if needed):
Where it’s helpful, we might include hands-on techniques like soft tissue work or gentle release techniques, to support how your body is moving and feeling.
Keeping track:
We’ll regularly check in on the things we noticed in your first session, so we can see how things are changing over time. These moments of reflection help us celebrate the wins, however small, and make sure we’re moving in the right direction.
Support and next steps:
You’ll always leave knowing what to focus on next, with one or two updated exercises and a clear idea of where we’re heading. You’re not expected to be perfect—this is a space where progress is encouraged, not pressured.

If you’ve got any questions between sessions, or would like to talk anything through before your next appointment, feel free to email hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk or book your session here.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

To ensure we can provide the best care, please bring along any documents related to your previous medical therapy or treatments, including details of any current medications.

We also recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, as some assessments may involve physical movement.

To make the most of your appointment, please complete the Client Registration Form online before your visit. This helps us get to know you and your needs, so we can tailor your session accordingly.

We look forward to welcoming you to Thrive Physiotherapy and helping you on your journey to improved pelvic health and well-being!

Will I need to undress?

All assessments at Thrive Physiotherapy are conducted while you remain fully dressed, so there’s no need to worry about undressing.

That said, we recommend wearing something comfortable that allows you to move freely. Clothing like leggings, tracksuit bottoms, or loose-fitting trousers is ideal, as some assessments may involve gentle movements or stretches.

Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible while providing expert, tailored care. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch at hello@Thrive-physiotehrapy.co.uk before your appointment!

Will I have to have an internal/vaginal exam?

At Thrive Physiotherapy, your first appointment will never include a vaginal examination. Instead, we focus on understanding how your pelvic floor works in harmony with your whole body, rather than just assessing how well you can perform a kegel or pelvic floor squeeze in isolation. This holistic approach allows us to identify the root causes of your symptoms and create a personalised exercise programme to help you recover faster and more effectively.

That said, there may be occasions further into your treatment when a vaginal examination could provide additional insight into your symptoms. If this becomes relevant, your therapist will discuss it with you thoroughly. Any decision about moving forward with an examination will always be entirely up to you, and we will respect your comfort and preferences every step of the way.

Our aim is to provide expert care in a way that feels supportive, empowering, and completely tailored to you. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk before your appointment!

How many physiotherapy appointments will I need?

Every person is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to physiotherapy. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on several factors, like the nature of your condition, how diligently you stick to your exercises, and what goals you want to achieve.

But the good news is at Thrive Physiotherapy, we see many women notice significant improvements with their leaks by the third session, and the majority are discharged by session five or six.

That means you could be just a handful of appointments away from getting back to feeling confident, comfortable, and in control!

We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals, helping you make steady progress along the way. Whether you’re aiming to be leak free when dancing, go out for the day without planning toilet stops, or want to stop buying continence pads, we’re here to celebrate every step of your success.

If you’re ready to get started, we’d love to help you thrive. You can book your appointment here!

How much does a physiotherapy appointment cost?

At Thrive Physiotherapy, the cost of a first appointment is £85, which includes a detailed assessment, understanding your medical history, and creating a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. Follow-up appointments are £75 and focus on guiding your progress, adjusting your plan, and helping you achieve your goals.

While physiotherapy may seem like a big investment, it’s designed to address the root cause of your issue, reducing the need for ongoing expenses like continence pads or pain relief treatments. Look at it as a small investment for long-term health and confidence.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself, you can book your appointment here!

Pelvic Floor FAQs

What is pelvic health physiotherapy?

Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialist area of physiotherapy that focuses on and helps with any problems in and around your pelvic area. This includes your pelvic floor—a group of muscles that play a vital role in bladder, bowel, and sexual function, as well as core strength and balance.

If you’ve ever experienced bladder problems, incontinence/leaks, prolapse, or issues during or after pregnancy, pelvic health physiotherapy can help.

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we take a holistic, non-judgemental approach to treatment, tailoring it to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your pelvic floor, manage a specific condition, or simply understand your body better, pelvic health physiotherapy is about empowering you to feel confident and in control.

Remember: it’s never too late or too early to care for your pelvic health.

If you’re ready to get started, we’d love to help you thrive. You can book your appointment here!

How do I know if I have problems with my pelvic floor?

Your pelvic floor is made up of muscles that support important parts of your body like your bladder, bowel, and uterus (if you have one). When these muscles don’t work as they should, it can cause a few common issues that affect your everyday life.

Here are some signs you might notice:

Leaking wee/urine (incontinence): This can happen when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise.
A feeling of heaviness or pressure: It may feel like something is weighing down in your lower tummy, between your legs or in your pelvic area.
Trouble with bowel movements: This could mean feeling constipated or not being able to empty your bowel fully.
A strong need to wee: You might feel like you need to rush to the toilet out of the blue, or you can’t hold it in very well.
Pain or discomfort: You might feel pain in your pelvic area, around your vagina, lower back, or during sex.
Feeling weak during exercise: If you’re struggling to feel strong, your balance is all over the place, or your hips feel tight during physical activities, it could be a sign.

If any of these points sound familiar, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and physiotherapy can help reduce and stop these symptoms.

If you think you might have a problem with your pelvic floor or just want to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Thrive Physiotherapy, we’re here to help you feel stronger and more confident! Feel free to reach out to hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk or you can book your appointment here!

Are pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) enough to stop leaking?

Pelvic floor exercises/Kegels are a great starting point for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and can certainly help reduce leaking in many cases. However, they aren’t always enough on their own. For many women, a more holistic approach works best.

While Kegels focus on strengthening the pelvic floor, other factors like breathing techniques, posture, and overall body movement can play a big role in managing leaks. It’s important to remember that your pelvic floor doesn’t work in isolation—how you breathe, how you move, and how you engage your core muscles all affect its strength and function.

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we take a whole-body approach, combining pelvic floor exercises with functional movement and breathing techniques for a more comprehensive treatment plan. This way, we can help you achieve lasting results and improve your overall strength and control.

If you’ve been doing pelvic floor exercises but still find yourself leaking, or if you’re just unsure where to start, we’d love to help guide you toward the best solution for you! Feel free to reach out to hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk or you can book your appointment here.

Can pelvic health physiotherapy help with prolapse?

Yes, pelvic health physiotherapy can absolutely help with prolapse!

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, or bowel) become weakened or stretched, causing these organs to move or shift out of place. It can lead to symptoms like a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, difficulty emptying the bladder, or even a visible bulge.

Pelvic health physiotherapy plays a key role in managing prolapse by strengthening and re-educating the pelvic floor muscles. Thrive Physiotherapy use a combination of exercises, stretches, advice, education handy hints like breathing exercises to improve pelvic floor strength and function, which can help relieve symptoms.

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we take a personalised approach, carefully assessing your situation and tailoring a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Physiotherapy won’t “cure” prolapse, but it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Many women find they can manage or even reverse some of the discomforts of prolapse through regular physiotherapy, avoiding surgery or reducing their reliance on other treatments.

If you’re dealing with prolapse or suspect you might be, pelvic health physiotherapy could be the support you need. Get in touch today at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk to learn how we can help you regain comfort and confidence.

How do I know if I need pelvic floor physiotherapy?

If you’re wondering whether pelvic floor therapy could help you, here are some signs that may indicate it’s time to seek support:

Leaking urine: If you find yourself leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise, this may be a sign that your pelvic floor muscles need strengthening.
Pelvic pressure or heaviness: A feeling of pressure or heaviness in your pelvic area could suggest pelvic organ prolapse, which pelvic health physiotherapy can help manage.
Difficulty with bowel movements: Struggling with constipation or feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels may be related to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pain during sex: If you experience pain or discomfort during sex, pelvic floor therapy can help by addressing any tightness or weakness in the pelvic muscles.
Lower back, pelvic or hip pain: Persistent pain in your lower back, hips, or pelvic area, especially after physical activity, can be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction.
Antenatal, Post-pregnancy or menopause concerns: During pregnancy, after giving birth or during menopause, changes to your pelvic floor are common. If you’re experiencing any symptoms like leaking, pain, or pelvic pressure, pelvic health physiotherapy can offer a tailored approach to help you recover.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to consider pelvic floor physiotherapy. Pelvic health physiotherapy isn’t just for severe issues—it can also help prevent problems from getting worse and improve your overall pelvic health.

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we’re here to guide you through every step of your journey. If you’re unsure or want to learn more about how therapy can benefit you, get in touch with us today at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk.

Pelvic Strength & Confidence Exercise Classes FAQs

What exactly are pelvic strengthening exercises / pelvic floor exercises?

Pelvic strengthening exercises target the muscles of the pelvic floor, a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel and uterus, helping them become stronger, more coordinated, and more responsive.
These exercises can include gentle “squeezing and lifting” (like classic Kegels), as well as balance work, breathing techniques, and full body movement to help the pelvic floor work in harmony with your whole body.

Why should I do pelvic floor exercises / pelvic strengthening work?

Support & control: Strengthening the pelvic floor helps support your internal organs and improves bladder and bowel control.
Reduce leaking / incontinence: Many women notice fewer leaks or less urgency as their pelvic floor becomes stronger and more coordinated.
Improve overall core strength: Pelvic floor work doesn’t happen in isolation. We integrate core and strength training so your body feels more stable.
Long-term health: Building pelvic strength now can help prevent or reduce issues like prolapse, pelvic heaviness, or pelvic pain later in life.
Better quality of life: Women often report more confidence, less anxiety about leaking, and a stronger connection to their bodies after regular pelvic floor training.

How are your online classes delivered?

You’ll have access to a library of pre-recorded pelvic floor and pelvic strengthening exercise classes, as well as weekly live classes.

You will also have access to more specific short courses including Menopause Strength – a weighted exercise series designed to strengthen your pelvic floor and your whole body, Pelvic Floor Flow – a series dedicated to relaxing and lengthening the pelvic floor muscles, because strength is nothing without relaxation too.

This setup gives you flexibility to do the work when it suits you, without losing the structure and guidance you need.

Do I need any special equipment?

Not really, for most of the classes, all you need is a mat (or a soft surface). However, for some series like the Menopause strength, you will need some weights, however alternatives are always suggested in the videos.

How long are the classes, and how often should I do them?

Class length: the Pelvic Strength & Confidence class lasts 30 minutes, however the video library also has sessions ranging from short 10-minute routines to more in-depth 30minute flows, depending on what you need that day.
Frequency: We recommend aiming for 2–3 sessions a week to build strength and consistency. But even one session a week is helpful: it’s about steady progress, not perfection.

Can I do these exercises if I am pregnant or postnatal?

Yes, absolutely. Many of our pelvic strengthening exercises are suitable for pregnancy and the postnatal period. You can choose the level that feels most comfortable for you, and adapt things as your body changes.
If you have had recent surgery, or you’re recovering from childbirth, it’s a good idea to check with a pelvic health physiotherapist before you begin, just to make sure you’re moving in a safe, supported way.

What if I find the exercises difficult or I’m not sure I’m doing them correctly?

We build in modifications and progressions so you can start gently and scale up as you feel stronger.
If you ever feel pain or discomfort, or you’re unsure whether you’re activating the right muscles, you can reach out for support. We’re here to help you feel confident in your form and progress safely.

How long does it take to see a benefit?

Every body is different, but with consistent pelvic floor exercise:

You may notice subtle improvements in control or strength within 4–6 weeks of regular practice.
For more significant changes (especially for issues like leaking or pelvic heaviness), it may take 12 weeks or more, depending on your starting point and consistency.
Maintaining strength: Once your pelvic floor is stronger, continuing with 1–2 sessions a week helps retain the gains.

Will these exercises help with leaking, pelvic heaviness, or prolapse?

Yes! pelvic floor exercises and strengthening work are often a first-line, non-surgical strategy. Many women report:

Reduction in urinary leakage or urge incontinence.
Improved pelvic support, which can help reduce a feeling of heaviness.
Better muscle coordination, which supports pelvic organ health and can complement other treatments.

That said, results vary. If you have a diagnosed prolapse or other medical concern, we recommend working alongside a pelvic health physiotherapist for tailored guidance.

Do I get support during my membership?

Yes. Through your membership, you can:

Ask questions about the exercises
Get guidance on technique or modifications
Receive encouragement and troubleshooting advice

Just like a help-centre, we’re here for you as you build consistency and strength.

Can I cancel or pause my membership?

Yes — you can cancel at any time via your account settings, and your access will continue until the end of your billing period.
If you need a break, you can pause your membership, then return when you’re ready to pick things up again.

What’s the difference between the monthly and annual plans?

Monthly plan: £25/month
Annual plan: £250/year. This gives you two months free, a saving of £50, and uninterrupted access to all pelvic strengthening and pelvic floor exercise content all year.

Is this programme a substitute for physiotherapy or medical treatment?

Our online pelvic floor and pelvic strengthening classes are designed to be accessible, expert-led, and very effective for many women.
However, they are not a full substitute for a clinical assessment. If you have:

Severe or persistent pelvic pain
Diagnosed pelvic organ prolapse
Recent pelvic surgery
Complex pelvic health symptoms

…then we strongly encourage you to work with a pelvic health physiotherapist to get personalised support.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) FAQs

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, therapeutic treatment designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in removing waste and toxins from the body. This massage technique uses light, rhythmic strokes to encourage the movement of lymph fluid, improving circulation and helping to reduce swelling, inflammation, and fluid retention.

At Thrive Physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage can be particularly helpful for people who are experiencing conditions like lymphoedema, post-surgery swelling, or chronic fluid retention. It’s also a great way to support overall wellness by boosting the immune system and improving the body’s ability to detoxify naturally.

This therapy is often used after surgeries or medical treatments in particular post liposuction surgery to reduce swelling and speed up recovery. It’s a soothing, non-invasive way to help your body restore balance and improve fluid flow.

For more detailed information about lymphatic drainage massage, you can visit our Lymphatic Drainage Massage page or book your appointment here. We’re here to support you on your journey to feeling your best!

What do I need to wear to my Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage appointment?

For your Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage appointment at Thrive Physiotherapy, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that you can easily remove. Since the massage is performed directly on the skin, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing so our therapist can access the areas that need treatment.

Don’t worry, areas that are not being massaged will be covered with towels to keep you feeling warm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout the session. Our goal is to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, so your therapist can work without restriction and give you the best results.

If you have any concerns or need advice on what to wear, feel free to reach out at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk! We’re happy to help.

How much does a Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage appointment cost?

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we offer a range of pricing options for Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massage to suit your needs:

1-hour session: £60
5-hour session: £90
6-session block: £330 (a great way to commit to regular treatments while saving money!)

MLD massage is a therapeutic treatment that requires time to properly support your lymphatic system, and we want to make sure you have enough time for a thorough session that delivers the best results. The 6-session block option offers the best value for ongoing care, allowing you to maintain consistency in your treatments.

For more information feel free to visit our Lymphatic Drainage Massage page, or to book your appointment here. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

Booking & Policies FAQs

How do I book an appointment or class?

Book easily via our website’s online booking page here or contact us directly at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that life can sometimes get in the way, so if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer the appointment time to others who may need it.

If changes are made within 24 hours of your appointment, we charge 50% of the full appointment cost. Unfortunately, missed appointments will be charged at the full rate.

We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and if you have any questions or need to reschedule, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk!

Are your services covered by insurance?

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we currently do not work directly with insurance companies. However, depending on your policy, some insurance providers, including Westfield, WPA, Simplyhealth, Medicash and Health Shield may reimburse you for the cost of treatment. We recommend checking with your insurer to see if they offer coverage for physiotherapy services and if they will reimburse you for the treatment you receive.

If your insurer does cover physiotherapy, we can provide receipts and necessary documentation for you to submit to them. Please feel free to reach out to us at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk if you have any questions or need further assistance!

Do you offer home appointments?

Yes, we do offer home visits at Thrive Physiotherapy, but these are available by prior arrangement only. If you’re unable to come to our clinic or prefer the convenience of treatment at home, just let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

Please note, there is a £5 travel charge added to the cost of your appointment for home visits to cover the cost of travel.

If you’re interested in arranging a home visit or need more details, feel free to get in touch at hello@Thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk. We’re here to make sure you get the care you need, wherever is most convenient for you!

Do you offer online consultations?

At Thrive Physiotherapy, we don’t offer virtual consultations, as we believe the best way to provide personal and tailored care is through in-person sessions. We feel that being able to assess you directly, understand your specific needs, and work with you face-to-face allows us to deliver the most effective treatment.

While online consultations can be convenient, especially for general advice, pelvic health physiotherapy requires hands-on assessment and treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes. We are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, which is why we believe in the value of in-person appointments.

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to get in touch at hello@thrive-physiotherapy.co.uk. We’re here to help!