Do You Need a Referral for Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can assess muscles, movement, bladder or bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, and changes after pregnancy or birth. A referral is a written request from a doctor or another qualified clinician. It may explain your symptoms, relevant medical history, and the reason for treatment. Direct booking can be possible, but the physiotherapist may still recommend medical review when symptoms need another investigation.

Ask the clinic whether self-referral is accepted and whether you need a doctor’s note before the first visit. When booking, describe the main concern, such as urine leakage, pelvic pressure, pain with sex, constipation, or recovery after delivery. Bring a list of medicines and previous reports if available. The first appointment commonly includes questions and an explanation of any examination, so you can discuss consent and comfort beforehand.

You can read more about [Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/pelvic-floor-physiotherapy/).

Seek prompt medical advice for sudden severe pelvic pain, heavy unexpected bleeding, inability to pass urine, new loss of bowel control, fever with pelvic symptoms, or a new bulge that is very painful or cannot be pushed back. These features may need medical assessment before physiotherapy. If symptoms are mild but persistent, arrange a review so the cause and safest treatment approach can be considered.

Ask whether your symptoms need examination or testing before physiotherapy, what information should be sent to the physiotherapist, and which activities to pause while you wait. You can also ask what improvement to monitor and when to return if exercises increase pain.