How can Physiotherapy help Women’s Health?

Around one in three women over 40 have stress incontinence and around one in ten women aged between ages 20 to 24 are also affected. Urinary incontinence is any involuntary leaking of urine which can be very upsetting for many women who may find it difficult to go our socially or join in physical exercise without the fear of an accident. Some women find it difficult to discuss their symptoms with a doctor but if it is left untreated, it can increase the chance of infections. Years down the line women’s lives can be dominated by bladder problems causing low self esteem, lack of confidence and even depression.

There are many reasons that lead to the loss of bladder control, but the most common cause is weak pelvic floor muscles. Most women say they first notice bladder problems during their first pregnancy, which can worsen after future pregnancies and vaginal deliveries. NICE guidelines recommend physiotherapy as the first treatment option for bladder incontinence. Physiotherapy focuses on eliminating the symptoms of incontinence, urinary urgency and an over active bladder. This is done through the correct education of pelvic floor muscle training, breathing coordination and advice on fluid intake, bowel control and exercise programmes.

Some of the conditions treated both during and after pregnancy are:

• Pelvic pain – including pelvic girdle pain
• Low back pain
• Thoracic pain
• Coccyx pain
• Rectus abdominus divarication (a separation of the abdominal muscles)
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency and urge incontinence
• Faecal incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Weak pelvic floor muscles following childbirth
• Bladder Problems

The Mummy MOT®

What is the Mummy MOT®

A Mummy MOT® is a specialist postnatal examination for women following both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. It will assess how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after birth.

Mums need to bend, lift, squat and twist, so experiencing some pain and discomfort just after pregnancy is to be expected. However during the period when mums are returning to usual daily activities and caring for their newborn, feeling physically strong must be a priority.

The Mummy MOT® is a detailed postnatal physiotherapy assessment performed by a trained and licenced specialist physiotherapist. Combining the principles of Physiotherapy assessment with the practice of functional retraining, the Mummy MOT® looks at posture, breathing, tummy gap and pelvic floor strength in order to help mums regain optimum health following birth.

What to expect on your visit?

The one hour in depth assessment is suitable from 6 weeks to 6 years after pregnancy and includes:

• Pelvic strength and tummy gap check
• Thorough full body postural assessment, addressing any physical problems arisen from pregnancy or birth
• A report of findings on the day of the assessment
• A post-natal recovery programme devised especially for you, your lifestyle and your fitness goals
• Bespoke and safe post-natal exercises to improve stability, posture and core strength