At MSO Physio we believe in the enormous benefits of Women’s Health and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. We have a team of physiotherapists, massage therapists, and Pilates instructors who are experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of Women’s Health and Pelvic Health conditions, providing treatment and management tailored to the individual needs of each person.
1 in every 3 women will experience pelvic health problems over their lifetime. We treat women of all ages including teenagers and mums of all ages, through to peri and post-menopausal stages, and into older life.
Our team of specialised Women’s Health and Pelvic Health Physiotherapists assess and treat the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction and encourage an active approach to rehabilitation to improve your quality of life. Our team have attended extensive post-graduate training and deal with each person sensitively and individually to ensure the best possible standard of care.
At MSO Physio we are proud to provide ‘The Mummy MOT’ service, for new mum’s.
This is an in-depth post-natal assessment that assesses the strength, activation and function of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles following childbirth. Many women, after having a baby, experience weakness in either the tummy or pelvic floor area which can create instability and affect core strength. The result may be back pain, pelvic pain, or bladder and bowel issues.
The Mummy MOT includes a thorough head to toe assessment, is suitable any time from 6 weeks onwards, checks core function and tummy gap, and includes personalised advice on safe return to function and exercise.
Following your Mummy MOT it may be recommended that you attend further 1-2-1 post-natal follow-up sessions with one of our specialist team, or join one of our physio led post-natal Pilates classes.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy covers a broad area of problems and symptoms and at MSO Physio our in-house team of specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy includes but is not limited to the following areas:-
Bladder and Bowel Incontinence
After having a baby, many women experience a weakness in their tummy muscles or pelvic area. Sometimes this can result in bladder and bowel issues. It is important to have any bladder or bowel incontinence assessed by a specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. They can assess the cause of the problem and design an individual treatment plan to strengthen the affected area.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor muscles are put under increasing strain during pregnancy and delivery of your baby. This strain can cause weakness and make it more difficult for the pelvic floor muscles to work well. Peri and post-menopausal women can also suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction due to hormonal changes which occur during this time. A specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can help you with targeted strengthening of the weakened muscles.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
During pregnancy and delivery of your baby there is an increase in pressure around the pelvis. This can sometimes lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Post menopausal women can also suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. A thorough assessment by a specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist will help identify the cause and design a tailored programme to target the area.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a general term that covers a range of sexual problems. Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and vaginismus are common conditions suffered by women, but sexual dysfunction can also include heightened arousal or reduced sensation during intercourse. These conditions may be physical as a result of surgery or childbirth, but may also have psychological elements.
Our specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist can assess your condition and provide you with individualised advice and treatment for many sexual dysfunction problems.
At MSO Physio we have specialist physiotherapists who have trained specifically in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of pregnancy related back pain, pelvic pain and other pregnancy related disorders. Below are some examples of pregnancy related disorders that we treat.
Pregnancy Related Back Pain
Low back pain is very common during pregnancy due to various factors affecting your body in the child bearing year. However, you don’t need to put up with it, physiotherapy can assess, treat and manage your back pain though the pregnancy. Your body changes in preparation for childbirth with an increase in hormones designed to assist in the delivery of your baby. Unfortunately this, combined with altered posture and muscle control, can lead to low back pain.
Pelvic Girdle Pain / Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) are pains around the pelvis region related to pregnancy. The changes in your hormones which occur naturally during pregnancy can lead to an increased sensitivity to the structures around your pelvis. This, combined with the increasing size of your baby, can put extra pressure around the pelvic region which can lead to pain and dysfunction.
Rib Pain
Rib pain can occur during and after pregnancy. Altered thoracic biomechanics as a result of pregnancy and posture can be a factor both ante and post-natally. A change in posture from feeding a new baby and the lifestyle changes which occur when becoming a mum can also contribute.
Postural changes
A growing bump can change your posture as you progress through pregnancy. The increased size and weight of the baby can change your low back posture which can make it more difficult for your pelvic muscles to control movement. Postnatal feeding positions can also lead to postural pain.
At MSO Physio we provide a specialist service for Women and Sport. We have experience in assessing, treating and rehabilitating a range of sports injuries within the female athlete population. We specialise in the care of athletic pregnancies and postnatal return to sport and exercise. We draw upon the vast experience in our specialist team of women’s health, pelvic health, musculoskeletal, and sports physiotherapists to provide individualised rehab programmes for our clients.
At MSO Physio we have specially training Sport Massage Therapists who deliver individualised ante and post-natal massages. Ante and post-natal massage can relieve pain and can be a great relaxation technique.
Ante and post-natal Pilates can be hugely beneficial in ensuring a full return to all activities after having a baby. Keeping as strong and mobile as you can during pregnancy will help prepare you for the challenges of labour and improve your recovery after having your baby.
Most women experience a separation in their tummy muscles during pregnancy. This happens to accommodate the size of the baby. If this separation doesn’t resolve naturally within the first few weeks postnatally, it is beneficial to be assessed by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist.
Following the assessment, guidance on the type of exercises to be doing will be given to ensure a full return to strength. Ante-natal and post-natal Pilates can help with maintaining tummy muscle strength throughout this period.
If you’re ready to book your appointment click below, if you have any questions you’d like to ask before booking please contact us by phone on 0208 254 2150 or email us at info@msophysio.com and we’ll be in touch with you asap.
