Common questions
Which type of appointment should I book?
Most people start with a 60-minute initial assessment — that covers pelvic pain, urinary or bowel symptoms, persistent post-surgery issues, sexual function concerns, or a general sense that something isn’t right. If you have a few different issues you may wish to book a new complex 90 minute appointment. If you’re postnatal, a Mummy MOT is usually the best fit. If you’re pregnant from 12 weeks, look at the Pregnancy MOT. For erectile dysfunction in men, our focused shockwave consultation is the route in. Full descriptions of each appointment type and pricing are on our booking page. If you’re unsure, get in touch — we’d rather steer you to the right slot than have you guess.
What happens at my first appointment?
We start by talking through your symptoms, lifestyle, and what you’d like to get back to. From there we offer a physical examination if it’s likely to help — this might include the joints around your pelvis and, if appropriate, a vaginal or rectal examination. Any examination is entirely optional, only goes ahead with your consent, and you can have a chaperone present (advance notice helps us arrange one).
Once we’ve assessed, we go through the findings together, agree a treatment plan, and you’ll receive a written summary afterwards. For pelvic or back pain it can help us to see how you move, so loose, comfortable clothing is ideal.
What conditions do you treat?
What is a Mummy MOT?
A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal assessment covering posture, abdominal separation, pelvic floor function (optional), and a return-to-activity plan. Suitable from six weeks postpartum and useful for years afterwards. Megan and Siobhan are our certified Mummy MOT clinicians — full details on our Mummy MOT service page.
What is a Pregnancy MOT?
A Pregnancy MOT is tailored support from 12 weeks of pregnancy onwards — covering pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor function, birth preparation, perineal-trauma reduction strategies, and planning for a vaginal or caesarean birth. Full details on our Pregnancy MOT service page.
Can I bring my baby to my appointment?
Absolutely — babies are most welcome (although there are some steps up to the clinic, so bear this in mind if you have a pram).
What does treatment involve?
Physiotherapists are problem solvers — we work to identify the root cause of your symptoms and tailor a plan. That might include manual therapy (internal or external), guided strengthening, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, breath and movement retraining, or hands-on release work.
Alongside pelvic physio, our team also offers massage, scar therapy and strength training, so we can build a wider plan when it’s useful. The goal is always the same: less discomfort, better function, more confidence in daily life.
What should I expect during shockwave treatment?
We use focused shockwave (LiESWT), where a handheld device delivers focused sound waves to the target tissue. You may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation — sometimes mildly uncomfortable but not typically painful. Sessions take around 15–20 minutes and you can return to normal activity straight away. Currently we use focused shockwave for erectile dysfunction in men. Read more about our focused shockwave service.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No, you don’t need a referral from your doctor. If you’re using medical insurance, you will need to seek authorisation from your provider before booking.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what’s going on. Many people see meaningful change within 3–4 sessions; more complex or long-standing issues can need longer. We’ll give an honest estimate at your first appointment, and review the plan together as we go.
How do I book an appointment?
Book directly online, or get in touch first if you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit. We aim to reply to enquiries the same working day.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes — a friend or family member is most welcome. If you’d prefer a formal chaperone present for any examination, just let us know in advance so we can arrange it.
Which health insurers do you work with?
We’re recognised by most major insurance companies. Whichever provider you’re with, please get authorisation from them before booking — insurers won’t reimburse retrospectively without it.
Where is the clinic?
Pelvix is at Hillcrest, 143 Wellsway, Keynsham BS31 1JA — a private, purpose-built clinic attached to our home. what3words: ///beats.master.trucks. Keynsham train station is around 20 minutes’ walk, with frequent buses stopping on Wellsway. Please note the driveway is a tight fit for larger vehicles; on-street parking is available on Sunnymead Road, just around the corner.
Is the clinic accessible to wheelchair users?
Honestly, no — there is a short set of steps to the clinic door. If access is an issue, please get in touch. We can sometimes arrange a home visit or recommend a wheelchair-accessible colleague nearby.
How does payment work?
We offer payment by BACS, card or cash, and we have a card reader in clinic. See our cancellation policy below for what happens if your plans change.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Inside 24 hours, a fee may apply — the slot is unlikely to be filled at short notice, and our clinicians are paid for their time. Life happens; if you’re not sure whether to cancel, get in touch and we’ll work it out together.
Do you see children or teenagers?
We see young people from age 16 with their consent. For under-16s, please get in touch first.
Do you offer men's pelvic health appointments?
Yes. Megan and Siobhan see men for pelvic health issues — covering erectile dysfunction, persistent pelvic pain, post-prostatectomy rehab, and bladder or bowel symptoms. Men are welcome at Pelvix and any examination is, as always, entirely optional.
Can you fit pessaries?
We don’t fit pessaries at Pelvix. We can talk you through the options, what to expect from a fitting, and how a pessary fits into a wider rehab plan — and refer you to a colleague who fits if that’s the right next step.
What is your chaperone policy?
A chaperone is available on request for any examination. We’ll mention this at your first appointment, but please flag it in advance — chaperone availability sometimes means we need to reschedule. A friend or family member can also accompany you if you’d prefer.
Do you offer remote or online appointments?
We’re primarily an in-clinic service. Pelvic health work usually needs hands-on assessment, but some follow-ups or initial conversations can be remote — get in touch if you’d like to discuss whether remote is suitable for your situation.
Are trans and non-binary patients welcome?
Yes — wholeheartedly. We see people of any gender identity and adapt our language and assessment to what feels comfortable for you. If there are specific concerns about examinations, terminology, or how we navigate the appointment, please let us know in advance so we can prepare.
Do you offer urgent or out-of-hours appointments?
We don’t operate as an urgent-care service. For sudden severe symptoms — heavy bleeding, severe pain, urinary retention, or symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (lower-limb weakness, saddle numbness, sudden bladder or bowel changes) — please contact 111, your GP, or A&E. For non-urgent enquiries, we’ll come back with availability when you enquire.
What happens to my clinical notes?
Your notes are kept securely on a clinical record system in line with HCPC and GDPR requirements. We’ll send you a written summary after each session and can copy your GP or consultant on request, with your consent. Notes are retained for the period required by professional regulation.
Who delivers each service at Pelvix?
Megan Jackson — Clinical Director and specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, Mummy MOT, Pregnancy MOT, focused shockwave.
Melissa McDonnell — specialist pelvic health physiotherapy, Pregnancy MOT, musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Siobhan Harris — specialist pelvic health physiotherapy (women and men), Pregnancy & Mummy MOT.
Amy Poole — massage therapy, scar therapy, strength training.
Amy Pearl — Practice Administrator (non-clinical; booking, enquiries, accounts).
Full bios on our Meet the Team page.
How does your AI assistant work?
Your first-touch enquiry is handled by Bonnie, our AI assistant. Bonnie can answer common questions, book appointments, and route your enquiry to the right clinician. Anything Bonnie can’t answer — clinical questions, complex bookings, or anything personal — is escalated to Megan or to Amy Pearl, our Practice Administrator. You can always ask to speak to a person.
What do the letters after our names mean?
HCPC — Health and Care Professions Council, the statutory regulator for physiotherapists in the UK. Every Pelvix physiotherapist is HCPC-registered.
CSP — Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, our professional body.
POGP — Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy network, the UK specialist group for pelvic health.
BASRaT — British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers, Amy Poole’s professional body as a sport rehabilitator.