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Women’s Health Physio in Central London

We are experts in women’s health and physiotherapy – with particular focus on pelvic floor physiotherapy, painful intercourse, prenatal and postnatal treatments

All your Women’s Health Physio needs in one place…

At our private Women’s Health physiotherapy clinic in London, we specialise in treating various conditions that affect women throughout their life. We can help treating conditions such as pelvic pain, Painful intercourse, Bladder prolapse and pelvic floor conditions

During pregnancy, our expert physiotherapist specialises in prenatal conditions that could cause preterm birth and increased pain during delivery, as well as postnatal therapy and recovery post delivery – you can read more about the Mummy MOT in the FAQ section below.

Expert advice from our specialist women’s health physio

Physiotherapy Services in Central London

  • Expert physiotherapist specialising in women’s health and pelvic floor problems

  • Mummy MOT – a full 1 hour postnatal examination 6-8 weeks after birth, focusing on the pelvic floor (£150)

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction rehabilitation; including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse treatments

  • Convenient City of London location by Spitalfields Market

  • Same day, evening, and weekend appointments

  • Well-woman packages for a general female health check up

  • Follow up consultations available by Zoom/telephone

  • Catering for all women, not just pregnancy related conditions

  • 5* rated service on Google, Trustpilot & Doctify

  • Appointment report and exercises sent straight to your smartphone. We can also send the referrals to your GP or any other doctor upon request

  • We work with insurance companies – please get in touch to enquire.

Conditions We Can help with

  • Women’s Health Physiotherapy

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction rehabilitation

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Pelvic organ prolapse treatments

  • Pelvic pain & pelvic girdle pain rehabilitation 

  • Vaginismus

  • Mummy MOT & postnatal check up (see here)

  • Pregnancy and birthing related physiotherapy 

  • General Physiotherapy 

  • Pregnancy Massage

Holistic approach to women’s health

Our comprehensive screening packages

Expert physiotherapy advice and screening

How can physiotherapy help during pregnancy?

Physiotherapy can be highly beneficial during pregnancy in a variety of ways, including:

  1. Managing pain: Many women experience pain during pregnancy, such as back pain, pelvic pain, or sciatica. Physiotherapy can help alleviate these discomforts through techniques such as massage, stretching, and exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and reduce pressure on the joints.

  2. Preparing for labor and delivery: Physiotherapy can help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for labor and delivery by improving strength, endurance, and flexibility. This can potentially reduce the risk of tearing or other complications during delivery.

  3. Improving posture: Pregnancy can cause changes in a woman’s posture, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Physiotherapy can help improve posture and reduce strain on the body.

  4. Preventing or treating incontinence: Pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of incontinence. Physiotherapy can help prevent or treat incontinence through exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

  5. Promoting overall wellness: Physiotherapy can help improve overall health and wellness during pregnancy by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving circulation.

It is important to consult with a physiotherapist who is trained in prenatal care to ensure that any exercises or treatments are safe and appropriate for pregnancy. With the help of a physiotherapist, pregnant women can optimize their physical health and prepare for a smoother delivery and recovery.

What is the Mummy MOT?

The Mummy MOT is a postnatal assessment designed specifically for new mothers. It is a thorough examination of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, as well as an evaluation of posture and alignment, to assess for any issues that may have arisen during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

The Mummy MOT was created by specialist women’s health physiotherapist Maria Elliott to help new mothers recover safely and effectively after childbirth. The assessment can help identify any problems with pelvic floor muscle strength, diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), or other issues related to pregnancy and childbirth. Based on the results of the assessment, the physiotherapist can create a personalized treatment plan to help the new mother recover and regain strength and function in the pelvic area and core muscles.

The Mummy MOT assessment typically includes an evaluation of posture and movement patterns, an assessment of abdominal separation and pelvic floor strength, and a review of any concerns or symptoms the mother may have. The assessment can be done at any time after childbirth, but it is recommended to wait at least six weeks postpartum to allow the body time to heal. The Mummy MOT is a helpful tool for new mothers looking to prioritise their physical health and recovery after childbirth.

What is the best time to perform a Mummy MOT in London?

The best time to perform a Mummy MOT is after the six-week postpartum check-up with a healthcare provider. This is typically when most women have been cleared to resume normal physical activities and can safely begin a postnatal assessment. However, it is important to note that every woman’s recovery timeline is unique, and some may need to wait longer depending on their individual circumstances.

It is also important to note that the Mummy MOT is not a substitute for medical care or advice from a healthcare provider. It is a complementary assessment that can provide valuable information about the mother’s postnatal recovery and identify any areas that may require further attention or treatment. It is recommended that women consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise or rehabilitation program, including the Mummy MOT assessment.

The Mummy MOT can be a helpful tool for new mothers to assess their postnatal recovery and receive personalized guidance on how to regain strength and function in the pelvic area and core muscles.

What is Vaginismus?

Vaginismus is a condition that affects a woman’s ability to engage in vaginal penetration, such as during sexual intercourse or insertion of tampons. It is characterized by involuntary spasms or contractions of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening, which can make penetration painful, difficult, or even impossible.

These contractions are usually triggered by the anticipation or fear of pain during penetration, which can be caused by past trauma, anxiety, or other psychological factors. Vaginismus can also be caused by physical factors such as infections, hormonal imbalances, or vaginal dryness.

Vaginismus can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life, affecting her sexual relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Treatment options for vaginismus typically involve a combination of physical therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication. Out physiotherapist will be able to help you with the physio aspect of vaginismus. 

What causes urinary incontinence for women?

Urinary incontinence in women refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a common condition that affects many women of all ages, but it is more prevalent in older women. There are different types of urinary incontinence, including stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. It occurs when there is pressure or stress on the bladder, causing urine to leak. This pressure can be caused by laughing, coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects. Weakness or damage to the pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter muscles can lead to stress urinary incontinence.

Urge urinary incontinence, on the other hand, occurs when there is a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. The underlying cause of urge urinary incontinence is often overactive bladder syndrome or other neurological conditions.

Mixed urinary incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge urinary incontinence. Women with mixed urinary incontinence may experience leakage during physical activity as well as sudden urges to urinate.

Other risk factors that can contribute to urinary incontinence in women include pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, obesity, chronic coughing, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Physio treatment options for urinary incontinence in women vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, are often recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. 

What are the causes of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can have several causes, including:

  1. Pregnancy and childbirth: The pelvic floor muscles can be weakened or damaged during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly if the baby is large, the delivery is prolonged, or there is the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.

  2. Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements can weaken the pelvic floor muscles over time.

  3. Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken.

  4. Chronic coughing: Consistent coughing due to conditions like bronchitis or smoking can put strain on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken over time.

  5. Aging: As people age, the muscles and tissues in the pelvic area can weaken, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction.

  6. Pelvic surgery: Surgery in the pelvic area, such as a hysterectomy or prostate surgery, can damage the pelvic floor muscles.

  7. Pelvic trauma: A fall or other injury that damages the pelvic area can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction.

  8. Neurological conditions: Diseases or injuries that affect the nerves that control the pelvic floor muscles can cause dysfunction.

  9. Psychological factors: Stress and anxiety can cause tension in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction.

It is essential to identify the underlying cause of pelvic floor dysfunction to determine the best course of treatment. Treatment options may include pelvic floor exercises, medication, biofeedback therapy, or surgery in severe cases.

What is pelvic floor prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition in which the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, slip out of their normal positions and descend into the vaginal canal. This occurs when the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs become weak or damaged, allowing the organs to drop down.

POP can cause a range of symptoms, including a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, urinary or fecal incontinence, painful sexual intercourse, and lower back pain. In severe cases, the prolapsed organ may protrude from the vagina.

POP is more common in women who have given birth vaginally, as the process of childbirth can weaken the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs. Other risk factors for POP include menopause, obesity, chronic coughing, and genetic factors.

Treatment options for POP depend on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced. Mild cases may be managed through exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, such as Kegels. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tissues and reposition the prolapsed organs. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of POP.

What conditions does a female health physiotherapist can help with?

A women’s health physiotherapist specialises in treating a range of conditions that affect the pelvic area and can impact a woman’s quality of life. Some of the conditions that a women’s health physiotherapist may help treat include:

  1. Urinary incontinence: Women’s health physiotherapists can help manage and treat urinary incontinence through pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

  2. Pelvic organ prolapse: Physiotherapy can help manage and prevent pelvic organ prolapse by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving overall pelvic floor health.

  3. Pre and post-natal care: Women’s health physiotherapists can provide exercises and techniques to manage and treat a range of issues during pregnancy, such as back pain, pelvic pain, and diastasis recti. They can also provide guidance on safe exercises and activities during pregnancy and after childbirth.

  4. Painful intercourse: Physiotherapy can help women manage and treat painful intercourse by addressing issues such as pelvic floor muscle tension, vaginismus, and vulvodynia.

  5. Menopause-related issues: Women’s health physiotherapists can provide guidance and exercises to manage and treat symptoms such as vaginal dryness, bladder and bowel problems, and pelvic pain associated with menopause.

  6. Breast cancer recovery: Physiotherapy can help women manage and treat issues related to breast cancer treatment, such as lymphedema and muscle tightness.

A women’s health physiotherapist can provide a personalised treatment plan based on an individual’s specific needs and goals. They can also provide education and guidance on lifestyle modifications to improve overall pelvic health and prevent future issues.

Do you want to find out more about our physio services in London?

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