Postnatal physiotherapy

Pregnancy and childbirth can bring about significant changes to your body, and many new mothers experience physical discomfort or health challenges after giving birth. Postnatal physiotherapy is designed to address the issues highlighted in your Mummy MOT and help women recover from these common post-pregnancy issues, restore strength, function, and confidence in their bodies.

Common Post-Pregnancy Problems:

• Back Pain: Pregnancy, childbirth and looking after babies can cause back pain due to the combination of increased postural demands and a weakened core system.
• Stress Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine when sneezing, coughing, or engaging in physical activity.
• Diastasis Recti (Separation of the Abdominal Muscles): A condition where the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) separate, which can affect core strength and posture.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) descend into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
• Haemorrhoids: Swollen veins around the rectum, often caused by the strain of childbirth, leading to pain or discomfort.
• Coccyx Pain (Tailbone Pain): Pain in the tailbone area, often caused by prolonged sitting or pressure during childbirth.
• Pain or Difficulty Emptying the Bladder or Bowels: Post-pregnancy issues with bladder and bowel control, such as incomplete emptying or discomfort.
• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity due to changes in pelvic health and muscle function after childbirth.

How Postnatal Physiotherapy Can Help:

• Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to address incontinence, prolapse, and improve overall pelvic health.
• Core and Abdominal Strengthening: Exercises to help close the abdominal separation (diastasis recti) and improve core strength and stability.
• Postural Correction: Helping you regain good posture and alleviate back pain by addressing muscle imbalances and posture shifts.
• Pain Management: Manual therapy and exercises to relieve coccyx pain and muscle tension in the lower back and pelvic region.
• Bladder and Bowel Retraining: Techniques to restore control over bladder and bowel function, improving your confidence and comfort.
• Sexual Health Support: Guidance and exercises to help improve pelvic muscle function and reduce pain during intercourse.
• Education and Advice: Tips on lifting, carrying your baby, and maintaining good body mechanics as you recover from childbirth.

Postnatal physiotherapy offers essential support for new mothers, helping to address common post-pregnancy issues and guiding you toward a full recovery. With the right care, many women experience significant improvement, regaining strength, comfort, and confidence in their bodies. You deserve to feel your best after childbirth, and postnatal physiotherapy can help you achieve that.