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Postnatal Physiotherapy

Postnatal Physiotherapy

Postnatal Physiotherapy in Sheffield

Our Postnatal Physiotherapy service in Sheffield is here to support women in the postnatal recovery for their pregnancy with any musculoskeletal issues you may be experiencing in a safe and comfortable environment.

What is Postnatal Physiotherapy?

Postnatal Physiotherapy is a specialised Physiotherapy Assessment for musculoskeletal issues relating to your recovery from pregnancy. Our goal is to help you return to your normal lifestyle after the physical and hormonal changes your body experiences throughout and after pregnancy. We’ll assess your posture, breathing, abdominal muscles and pelvic floor – and we’ll recommend any other postnatal recovery services you might benefit from including postnatal exercise and getting back to fitness.

You’ll be screened for:

  • Tummy gap (diastasis recti).
  • Pelvic floor function including Bladder or bowel issues.
  • Signs of prolapse.
  • Back and pelvic pain.
  • Sexual dysfunction.

Depending on your needs this may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle assessment.
  • Abdominal muscle exam to check your diastasis.
  • Back and pelvis assessment.
  • C-section or perineal scar check.

You’ll leave your appointment with:

  • A better understanding of your postnatal needs and goals.
  • A plan to recover from your delivery and get back to what you love doing.
  • An understanding of the stages you’ll go through in your postnatal recovery.
  • The reassurance that you’ve got our support through it all.

We’ll follow up with: 

  • Education and advice on safe ways to protect your recovery AND keep up with being a new mum.
  • A bespoke rehab programme tailored to your needs and goals.
  • The knowledge you’re doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly and in a way that will move you forwards.

Who is Postnatal Physiotherapy for?

Our Postnatal Physiotherapy is suitable for women from 6 weeks** postpartum depending on the recommendation of your consultant or the needs of your recovery. It is never too late to get a postnatal review, so whether your baby is in arms or crawling about- now is the best time to kickstart your rehab. 

**Some cases can be seen sooner to make the most of your early recovery, for example to get your c-section scar checked or if you are struggling with pelvic pain.

If you are unsure, give us a call to check your suitability for a Postnatal Physio review.

How can Postnatal Physiotherapy help?

Our Postnatal Physiotherapy service can help you by firstly providing you with an initial assessment and diagnosis of any pain or dysfunction you are experiencing, for example this could include Diastaisi Recti or pelvic pain.

Once we understand your symptoms, our specialised Physiotherapists can provide manual therapy, exercises to safely address your symptoms or other options to help correct the issues you are experiencing. 

Our Postnatal Physiotherapy service also gives you the option to learn how to use home treatments like applying your own kinesiology tape (which is used to relieve strain from painful areas by improving blood flow in the targeting area) or using scar patches and scar massage.

These options can also include mapping out a plan to get back to what you love, recovery from any injuries from your delivery, and most importantly embracing your body’s healing.

What to expect from your Postnatal Physiotherapy appointment?

When attending your first Postnatal Physiotherapy appointment, it is important to be aware that it is more convenient if you can undress down to your underwear or simple clothing like a vest and shorts. However, if you don’t feel comfortable enough to do this, that is completely fine, and will do our best to assess you effectively in what you feel comfortable in.

During the appointment you will also be asked to perform a series of movements and will be examined in areas related to concerns. If you find any part of this to be too painful, our experienced Physiotherapists will work around your pains and symptoms using various supports and a modified assessment, so the session is tailored uniquely to you. You will never have to do anything that you’re not comfortable with. Just tell us how you are finding your session. 

With regards to Pelvic floor examinations, this tends to happen after the first appointment, unless there is a specific reason to do so sooner. The examination takes place externally around the groin and bottom. All of our Physiotherapists are experts so please feel assured you are in safe hands.

If you feel that you need a chaperone then that is something that can be organised. Usually, throughout the assessment of your pelvic floor, we will examine you laying down initially, but it is possible that we will ask you to change positions e.g. standing up, or a squat. Depending on the outcome of our initial assessment we may need to liaise with your consultant or GP but none of this will be done without your consent first.

At the end of your first Postnatal Physiotherapy appointment, you will leave with a bespoke management plan including strategies to reduce symptoms and rehabilitate you back to your desired level of activity.

Team

Meet The Team

Get In Touch​

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment you can send us a message, email us, call us or book online.

Reception

Katie Harben

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