%
…of women following childbirth experience pelvic organ prolapse with symptoms of bladder and bowel dysfunction
Hagen et al, 2004
%
…of women suffer urinary incontinence 7 years postnatally.
Wilson et al, 2002
%
…of women with DRAM suffer from either stress urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence or prolapse.
Spitznagle et al, 2007
%
…of women report pain at the site of incision after caesarean section
Declercq et al, 2013
Womens Health Physiothearpy
Womens Health is a specialist area of Physiotherapy treating all problems relating to the pelvis and pelvic floor. Here at our clinic in Westcott near Dorking in the Surrey Hills we focus on Women through life changes, our women’s health physio treats from teenage years to the pregnant and postnatal period, and into the post-menopausal stage.
As many as 1 in 3 women experience pelvic floor issues at some stage in their lives, however, the topic is still very much ‘taboo’ and not openly known about or discussed. We are passionate that these women be cared for by a specialised physiotherapist who can appropriately assess, diagnose and treat with the expertise, time and empathy that these patients deserve to help overcome their problems.
At Coreftiphysio Westcott, near Dorking we are delighted to offer all aspects of both obstetric and gynaecological health. Obstetric treatment will cover symptoms including low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, coccyx and rib pain. Gynaecological conditions include pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and faecal incontinence, frequency and urgency, pre and post hysterectomy or repair and pelvic pain conditions such as vulvodynia, vestibulitis and endometriosis.
Pregnancy
Being pregnant is one of the most incredible events a woman can experience. It does however put a huge strain all physical aspects of our bodies and for some is not the desired period of blissful joy that we imagined it to be. Physiotherapy aims to minimise and alleviate these stresses to allow for a happy, healthy pregnancy.
We can help you with:
- Back pain, pelvic and coccyx pain, wrist pain and perineal discomfort
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Bladder and bowel problems such as constipation, leaking or urgency
- Birth preparation and exercise advice
- General aches and pains, postural advice and overall wellness during your pregnancy
- Post natal checks and safe return to exercise advice
Post natal
Most women who have had a baby will experience some degree of weakness to their tummy and/or pelvic floor muscles which may lead to pelvic or back dysfunction and poor core control.
They need to re-connect with their bodies both physically and emotionally in what is an amazing but highly sensitive post-natal period and we feel that Physiotherapists are in an ideal position to aid this process.
However your baby was delivered you may have concerns or issues relating to the birth or post natal recovery. We have experience in successfully treating the following complaints and conditions:
- Pain over episiotomy scar
- Perineal tears including 3rd and 4th degree
- Caesarian scar pain and sensitivity
- Diastasis rectus abdominus or a ‘tummy gap’
- Bladder or Bowel difficulties including leaking and urgency
- Coccyx pain
- Low back and pelvic pain
- Pain with intercourse
Mummy MOT
In France it is normal practise that every women receive a post-natal check from a specialist women health physiotherapist. They assess their tummy and pelvic floor strength and restore the woman back to full strength, function and aid a safe return to exercise addressing any physical issues sustained during pregnancy and birth along the way. I feel that this should be the norm in the UK too.
‘The Mummy mot’ whether 6 weeks or many years after having a baby is recommended for all women post birth regardless of the type of delivery. Gemma is a certified and specifically trained Mummy MOT practitioner and able to to fully assess, treat and manage patients allowing them to regain optimum health following birth.
What is a mummy MOT?
- 1-hour in-depth post-natal assessment suitable from 6 weeks to 6 years
- Pelvic floor strength and tummy gap check
- A thorough full body postural assessment addressing any physical problems from pregnancy and birth
- A post-natal recovery programme devised especially for you, your lifestyle and fitness goals
- Bespoke and safe post-natal exercises to improve stability, posture and core strength
Urogynaecological
1/3 women suffer from a pelvic floor related issue at some stage in their lives. Although many suffer from the effects of a weak pelvic floor there are many more that experience symptoms due to effects of an overactive or tight pelvic floor. These problems often materialise in the form of pain both internal and external, poor bladder and bowel function, difficulties with intercourse or simply as the patient who hasn’t got better despite doing their exercises. Conditions such as endometriosis or symptoms relating to the menopause are often overlooked and not given the time and treatment they deserve. Our holistic approach will address bio mechanical issues (how your body moves), breathing patterns, nutrition and gut health.
We have experience in treating and resolving a wide variety of problems including:
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Any Bladder or bowel problems including leaking and urgency
- Difficulty inserting tampons
- Pain with intercourse
- Interstitial cystitis
- Vulvodynia
- Hip, groin or low back pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Post surgical rehabilitation (gynaecological, abdominal or breast)
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
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