Recently had a baby? 
Eager to get back into shape? 
Weak core muscles? 
Pelvic Organ Prolapse? 
Could This Be You? 
 
Back pain? 
Chronic pelvic pain? 
Worried about your pelvic floor? 
Joint/ muscle instability? 
 
 
Do you have a gap in your tummy muscles? 
Having any leakage issues with your bladder or bowel? 

Post Natal Physiotherapy in Colchester, Essex 

Around 1 in 7 women experience bladder and/or bowel leakage post childbirth and could benefit from post natal physiotherapy in Colchester, Essex. By the time many women with continence problems are treated by a physiotherapist there may already be long term damage. Evidence shows that early identification and intervention can minimise long-term damage to the pelvic floor muscles and reduce continence, prolapse and bladder and bowel problems later in life. 
Did you know that 50% of women do not know how to perform a correct pelvic floor contraction? Even if people are being told about pelvic floor exercises they often do not get the information at the right time or realise that they have to carry on doing them. 1 in 3 women have women’s health problems during their lifetime. A pelvic floor muscle Post-natal MOT from six weeks after birth can help cut the risk. 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes During Pregnancy: 
 
Your body goes through huge changes during the pregnancy process. Many postural changes occur to accommodate your growing baby; the upper back can become very stiff, the lower back becoming either more or less curved. Ligament laxity occurs to allow your baby to pass through the birth canal and these can remain lax for up to 6 months post-natally and longer if you are breast feeding. During pregnancy the pelvic floor works very hard to support your growing baby and has to stretch to allow delivery, this can often be with some tearing. The abdominal muscles also have to stretch during pregnancy and can often become separated this is called a diastasis recti. 
 
Whether you had a natural uncomplicated delivery, a Caesarean or a traumatic childbirth, understanding how childbirth can affect your body is of benefit from day one to get you back to full fitness as quickly as possible. The delivery process can cause various issues to the body, not just to your pelvic floor muscles. The ligaments of the pelvis and the sacro-iliac joints are put under stress as are the muscles of the hips, pelvis and abdomen. Get in touch with us to find out how post natal massage therapy in Colchester, Essex could benefit you! 
The position you are in whilst resting during the birth can cause problems, as can being in the lithotomy (stirrups) position, sometimes used for repairs to the perineum. These positions can put a strain on to the pelvis which if uncorrected could lead to problems later on with both the pelvis and the lower back. 
 
Other problems that mothers suffer include general aches and pains from muscles used in childbirth. These will usually settle down after a few days unless a strain has occurred. Common sites of problems are firstly the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs (intercostal muscles), the abdominal muscles, which have had to lengthen during the pregnancy, are often tender. These will recover but as they provide support to the spine it means that new mothers need to be very careful when lifting and carrying a baby around. The muscles between the shoulder blades can be sore, again in part due to the extra lifting/putting down of the baby but also as a result of poor feeding positions. 
 
Post-natally it takes time for your body to recover. With lack of postural support due to the pregnancy and now a baby to look after 24 hours per day; this takes its toll on the body. As a women’s health physiotherapist, I see women years later, struggling with pelvis and lower back pain, bladder and bowel problems and prolapse issues. It is far easier to recover from a problem if it is assessed and treated at the outset. A post-natal check up is important and can help you on the road to recovery and prevent future complications. The pelvic floor gradually regains its strength after birth. This process is greatly aided by practising pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy and making sure that they are done soon after the birth, but most importantly, that they are done correctly. 

Post Natal MOT in Colchester, Essex 

Are you looking for a post natal check? Bodyworks Physiotherapy has got you covered with our post natal MOT. Typically this involves an hour assessment with one of our specialist physiotherapists where we assess and examine your pelvic floor muscles, abdominal muscles, bladder, bowel, scars, and any problems you are experiencing following giving birth. As well as this we will provide you with a schedule of safe exercises to help with your strength, stability, and posture.  
 
Are you looking for ante or postnatal pilates? Check out our Ante and Postnatal Pilates page 
Get in touch for further information or to discuss your goals with our team of expert physiotherapists. It is essential to remember that it is not only your baby that will need looking after, your health is important too so book in for our post natal physiotherapy in Colchester, Essex today! 
What Does a Post-Natal MOT Check Involve? 
 
• 1 hour post-natal assessment with a specialist physiotherapist 
• Assessment of any physical problems arising from pregnancy and birth 
• An examination of your pelvic floor muscles 
• An assessment of your abdominal muscles and measurement of any separation  
(diastasis) 
• Screening for bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction 
• A post-natal recovery programme devised especially for you including specific and  
safe post-natal exercises to improve stability, posture and core strength 
• Scar management 
• Education and advice about safe techniques for lifting, feeding, carrying 
 
We also use Real-time ultrasound scanning as part of the post-natal MOT. This will be at the first session, wherever possible time allowing, or at a follow up session if one is needed. 
 
At the end of the session you will know exactly what you need to be doing to strengthen your pelvic floor and how to do it.  
 
We will discuss with you what your goals are and help you get on track with the correct exercises and advice in order to achieve them. 
Why Would I Benefit From a Post-Natal MOT Check-Up? 
 
We encourage all women following pregnancy and delivery to have their tummy and pelvic floor muscle function assessed, no matter how long ago their delivery was. Responsible for core and pelvic strength, these muscles, if functioning properly, can prevent prolapse and help with improving your bowel, bladder and sexual function.  
 
They also play a key role in the prevention and management of back pain. Even if you are not having any difficulties now, with expert advice and tuition we can make sure that you are doing your exercises in the correct way to gain the maximum benefit and best possible outcome. The post-natal MOT is not just for new mums, even if your child is several years old, there are still great benefits of having post natal physiotherapy in Colchester, Essex. 
 
Book your post-natal MOT assessment either online or by ringing our reception on 01206 844410 
 
Treatments are also available for: * Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy * Bladder and bowel dysfunction * Post-natal pelvic floor and abdominal muscle strengthening * Chronic pelvic pain * Prolapse *Constipation 
 
It is very important to realise that it is not only your baby that needs looking after, your health is really important too. 
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