What to Expect at a Women’s Health Physiotherapy Consultation

If you’ve never seen a women’s health physiotherapist before, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect from your first appointment.

Many women come to Hera Health feeling a little anxious, wondering what will happen, what they’ll be asked, what they should wear, or whether the appointment will feel uncomfortable. Many also arrive worried they’ll be rushed, not believed, or told “everything looks normal”, especially if they’ve already tried to get help elsewhere.

A consultation at Hera Health is designed to feel calm, respectful and unhurried. It’s a space where you can talk openly, ask questions, and feel supported, without pressure or judgement.

What happens at a first women’s health physiotherapy appointment?

Your first consultation always begins with a conversation.

This is your opportunity to talk about what’s brought you to Hera Health, but also about you more broadly, your health history, lifestyle, work, family life, and what you’re hoping to get from physiotherapy. There’s no rush, and no expectation to share anything you’re not ready to talk about.

For many women, this is the first time they’ve felt truly listened to in a healthcare setting. At Hera Health, listening is intentional; it’s the foundation of your care.

How Hera Health is different to standard physiotherapy

Women’s bodies change throughout life, influenced by hormones, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, stress, injury and recovery. Yet many healthcare models still don’t fully reflect this.

Hera Health offers a specialist women’s health physiotherapy approach, led by advanced training and experience in female health. Appointments are longer than standard physiotherapy sessions, allowing time to understand the full picture rather than just focusing on symptoms.

Rather than fitting your symptoms into a standard template, your care at Hera Health is shaped around your body, your history and your life. Care is always personalised, evidence-based, and grounded in what will realistically work for you.

What does the assessment involve?

Following the initial discussion, your physiotherapist may suggest an assessment to better understand how your body is working.

This could include looking at posture, movement, breathing, strength, or how certain muscles are functioning. Everything is explained clearly, and you remain in control at every stage.

If a more intimate examination is relevant, this will always be discussed first and only carried out with your full understanding and consent. Nothing is assumed, and nothing happens without explanation. You can pause, ask questions, or change your mind at any point, your comfort always comes first.

You’re welcome to explore this in more detail in our FAQs before your appointment if that feels helpful.

Common questions before a Hera Health consultation

How long is a women’s health physiotherapy appointment?
Initial consultations at Hera Health are scheduled to last an hour.  This is longer than standard physiotherapy appointments, giving time for a thorough discussion and an individualised plan. Follow-up appointments are between 45 minutes and an hour.

What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable clothing, such as leggings/trousers and a comfortable top, is ideal. There’s no need for specialist sportswear.

Can I bring my baby or a support person?
Yes. Many women attend appointments with babies, and you’re welcome to bring a partner or support person if that helps you feel more comfortable.

Do you offer online women’s health physiotherapy appointments?
Yes. Some consultations can be carried out virtually, particularly for education, advice, some progress checks and treatment plan adaptations, and follow-up support.

What happens after the consultation?

By the end of your initial appointment, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what’s going on and what your next steps could be.

This may include hands-on physiotherapy, personalised exercises (for strength and conditioning/mobility/function/neurological desensitisation, etc), education, or practical changes that fit into your daily life. Any plan is created collaboratively and can be adapted over time.

Many women leave feeling clearer, calmer, understood, reassured and hopeful, even if their symptoms haven’t magically disappeared overnight.

Physiotherapy at Hera Health works alongside medical care where needed, and we’re always happy to liaise with GPs or consultants as part of a wider support network.

A calm, supportive space for women’s health

Hera Health was created to offer women something different, a quieter, more thoughtful approach to care, where appointments aren’t rushed and concerns aren’t minimised. 

Get in touch with Hera Health

If you’d like to book an appointment, or if you’re unsure whether physiotherapy is right for you, you’re welcome to get in touch just to ask a question, no pressure, no obligation. 
Contact us via the website or get in touch directly. Sometimes, the first step is just starting the conversation.