Sylvia Farrell, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Galway

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Sylvia Farrell, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Galway

I'm a Pelvic Health Physio treating both men and women in the heart of Galway city.

I'm passionate about educating and empowering my clients to achieve their goals.

16/11/2025

Vulvar varicose veins, also known as v***ar varicosities are another symptom of pregnancy. The joys eh?! They occur because of changes in blood flow and hormones resulting in the veins of the v***a become enlarged and blood pooling in them. These veins can cause discomfort and a painful ache in the region. Symptoms may also be a heaviness or pressure down below especially when upright.

Here are some useful tips that you may find helpful to improve or manage the symptoms.

🩲 Support the v***a and perineum - there are a few options.
1. supportwear shorts - I’m getting really positive feedback from ladies wearing these for v***ar veins.
2. Wear regular support underwear.
3. The V2 support belt which is specific for these veins.

🛏 Rest - avoid standing for long periods of time so get off your feet and raise the legs as much as possible. Lying down on your side can be most helpful.

🧘‍♀️ Avoid sitting cross legged.

🦵🏻 Compression stockings to the knees or thighs can be helpful.

🦶🏻Circulatory exercise - pump your ankles up and down and around in circles clockwise and anti-clockwise regularly through the day.

↗️ Pelvic Floor Exercise - regular pelvic floor exercises can help with blood flow in the area.

❄️ Cold compress to the area. You can do this by wearing 2 pairs of underwear and pop a frozen or cold maternity/sanitary pad in between the pairs of underwear for no more than 10 mins at a time.

💩 Avoid constipation and stay hydrated to maintain regular, soft and easy to pass bowel movements so you are not straining.

The good news is that typically these veins do not cause any issues with labour and generally resolve within 6 weeks of birth.

Hope you found this post helpful and remember if you struggle with any pelvic health issues you can link in with your local pelvic health physio.

***a

14/11/2025

Posting this from the lo… joke!
Happy Friday

07/11/2025

Happy Friday! Did you notice a change in your baby’s eye colour? 👀 👁

31/10/2025

Cough season is upon us and the fact a cough places so much strain on the pelvic floor surprises people. Most people would think running, jumping or sit-ups would place more strain on the pelvic floor than coughing, however the increase in intra-abdominal pressure from a cough is higher. A chronic or repetitive cough may lead to pelvic floor dysfunction resulting in leakage, prolapse and or pain.

Is your cough causing or exacerbating pelvic health issues for you? If you have a persistent cough find out what is causing it and get it resolved if possible.

If you continue to struggle with pelvic health issues why not get assessed by a pelvic health physio. We can help with leakage, prolapse and pelvic pain symptoms. These are not symptoms you should put up with. I’m taking appointments in Galway city, call 091-727777 to get booked in.

24/10/2025

Loss of interest in s*x, loss of confidence in your body, experiencing pain or discomfort with s*x, loss of libido, leakage and anxiety all in connection with the menopause can negatively impact your s*x life. The drop in both oestrogen and testosterone levels contributes to the symptoms experienced.

Speak to your GP or pelvic health physio if you are affected. HRT, topical oestrogen, physio, lubricants and va**nal moisturisers can help.

18/10/2025

18th Oct is World Menopause Day and the theme for 2025 is “Lifestyle Medicine,” focusing on how lifestyle choices can support health and well-being during menopause.

If you are struggling with symptoms of menopause please speak to your GP and get some support.

17/10/2025

So many benefits to physical activity during pregnancy

🔹improved sleep
🔹improved mood
🔹improved energy levels
🔹reduced risk of gestational diabetes
🔹improve/maintain fitness
🔹weight management
🔹reduced risk high blood pressure eg pre-eclampsia
🔹promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance
🔹can help ease pregnancy related discomforts
🔹improves constipation /bloating

If you need guidance link in with a pelvic health physio.

10/10/2025

is a time of change, a new phase in your life. I am in the throes of perimenopause and while there are many symptoms I am dealing with I’ve also noticed a sense of enlightenment, a sense of personal growth and wisdom as I’ve entered this phase of life. It’s not all bad, despite what you may think!!!

If you are struggling with the change speak to your GP or local pelvic health physio for some support.

03/10/2025

It’s National Breastfeeding Week in Ireland.

30/09/2025

The first poo after having a baby can be one we dread and sometimes it’s the fear of doing it rather than the poo itself that causes issues💩😖

Here are some top tips to help make it easier for all you pregnant or postnatal mums. These tips are also helpful for anyone who is having or had abdominal surgery.

1. Do not ignore the urge to go. If you delay the stool remains in the bowels longer and it can dry out leading to a larger poo and constipation.

2. Take your time on the toilet, there is no rush.

3. Breathe - don’t hold your breath or suck in the tummy muscles. Keep your stomach soft and breathe in and out normally.

4. Relax your hands and face muscles. Tension in the jaws in particular can add to tension in the pelvic floor muscles and these muscles needs to release to allow poo out!

5. Do not strain to push out a poo.

6. Hydrate - make sure you are taking in enough fluids, sometimes we forget to drink when we are busy with a new baby. We should aim for 1.5-2L of fluids per day, possibly more if you are breastfeeding.

7. Support the area - place a pad/tissue on your hand and apply gentle pressure to the perineum(the area between the va**na and the back passage) while emptying. If you’ve had a c-section support your wound with a small pillow/towel.

8. Eat fibre filled foods. Prunes, kiwi, plums and leafy greens are good sources as well as wholemeal breads and pastas. Sylli-flor by is a great fibre supplement

9. Use a stool to elevate your feet and place elbows on knees. Toddler stools are widely available and cheap! If you have no stool place a toilet roll under each foot. This brings the knees higher than the hips making it easier to poo.

10. If you are constipated and afraid of that first poo, lactulose will help to soften the stool making it easier to pass. You may be prescribed it if you’ve had a tear close to the back passage.

Honestly the first poo postnatally is usually not as bad as you think it’s going to be. For postnatal issues contact your PHN, GP or local pelvic health physio.

I’m available for appointments in Galway on 091-727777

26/09/2025

It maybe common but don’t let leakage be your new normal. Don’t suffer in silence.

Get the help you deserve Find your local pelvic health physio and start to regain your confidence and continence.

19/09/2025

Like… I don’t know what to say 😂
The ammonia in urine is what did the trick apparently!!

Address

Evidence Based Therapy Centre, 1st Floor Geata Na Cathrach, Fairgreen Road
Galway
H

Telephone

+35391727777

Website

http://www.ebtc.ie/

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