Start your post-natal recovery in a safe and informed manner.
We want to help you be a “Well Mum” and will support you in your post-natal recovery and your ability to return to the activities you enjoy. We understand that every mum has a different journey and it is never too late to seek some advice. Our team offer you the expert assessment, treatment and advice you need.
Abdominal separation/Diastasis Recti
Graphical representation of Diastasis Recti during pregnancy.
Abdominal separation, also known as Diastasis Recti, is a condition that affects many women during pregnancy and post pregnancy.
This is a normal part of pregnancy as we need to accommodate your growing baby and our bodies are very clever at being able to do this. However,if you have Diastasis Recti there are some considerations for a safe return to activity and exercise. We are here to help.
Post-natal rehabilitation and fitness
When you are pregnant or if you are post-natal and ready to return to exercise it can be confusing to know what you should and shouldn’t be doing.
We can help you by creating an individualised programme and by educating you on appropriate exercise modifications. We also offer PlusOne Recover – our six week post-pregnancy rehabilitation programme.
Back pain
The physical changes of pregnancy may influence the onset of back or pelvic pain.
It is estimated that up to 90% of women experience lumbar or pelvic pain when they are pregnant. In many cases pain reduces in the early postpartum period; however more than a third of women still have pain one year after giving birth. (Van Benten et al, 2014)
Even though back pain is common, it is not normal and we can help you feel more comfortable. We provide advice on activity modification, external supports, appropriate exercise and hands on techniques to provide you with some relief.
Hip pain
Hip pain can occur during pregnancy or afterwards as a result of change of load or injury.
Hip pain can be limiting in terms of achieving your daily tasks, sleeping on your side or returning to exercise.
We are able to provide advice on activity modification, external supports, appropriate exercise and hands on techniques to provide you with some relief.
Pelvic floor issues or incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or faecal matter. This can present as leaking when coughing or sneezing or not being able to hold on when you need to go. You may also experience difficulty with frequency, decreased sensation to pass urine or constipation.
1 in 3 women who have had a baby will experience incontinence but it is not normal and even though many find this embarrassing we deal with this all the time and we are here to help.
We can assess your pelvic floor function, teach you correct pelvic floor exercise and educate you on appropriate exercise and toileting habits.
Pelvic girdle pain
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a combination of back pain and pubic pain where you experience difficulty changing position, standing on one leg or walking up and down stairs.
Even though PGP pain is common, it is not normal and we can help you feel more comfortable.
We are able to provide advice on activity modification, external supports, appropriate exercise and hands on techniques to provide you with some relief.
Pelvic organ prolapse
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue that support the organs of the pelvis. Prolapse occurs when these structure weaken or have a change in tone causing the pelvic organs to bulge into the vagina.
About half of all women who have had a baby have some level of prolapse. Symptoms of prolapse include:
Feeling of vaginal fullness or heaviness
Bulge in the vagina or outside the vagina
Pulling or aching or feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis
Lower back pain
Urinary incontinence or bowel issues
Needing to push organs back into the vagina to empty your bladder or bowel
Sexual pain or difficulty with penetration
Problems inserting tampons or applicators
Pelvic pressure or pain
Physiotherapy can help at any stage post-pregnancy. We are able to provide you with advice on appropriate exercise and education on correct pelvic floor muscle activation to reduce your symptoms and help return to activities you love. We can also discuss other options for conservative management such as pessaries, and are able to refer you to a gynaecologist if required.
Post C-section rehabilitation
Up to 25% of babies in New Zealand are delivered by Caesarian-Section.
We can assist you with an individualised programme to help you recover from C-Section surgery. This can involve scar management, exercise advice and hands on treatment to provide pain relief.
We may also recommend external support such as Tubigrip to help reduce the pressure on the scar.
Pubic symphysis pain or groin pain
Pubic pain is located at the front of the pelvis and can also be called Sympyhsis Pubis Dysfunction or pelvic instability. Pain may occur with change of position, stairs, lifting and exercising. Even though pubic pain is common, it is not normal and we can help you feel more comfortable.
We are able to provide advice on activity modification, external supports, appropriate exercise and hands on techniques to provide you with some relief.
Scar management / birth injury
After delivery you may have an episiotomy, a repair of a tear and perhaps a c-section scar. Some women may have ongoing discomfort and weakness associated with scar tissue.
We can help you manage the initial healing of your scar, teach correct muscle activation, educate you on pain management and healthy toileting habits to reduce pressure on the scar and provide advice on safe return to exercise.
We also understand that some women have a traumatic experience with their birth experience. Our clinic is a safe space for you and we do recommend that you seek help from other health professionals if needed.
Sciatic pain
Sciatic pain refers to pain that radiates into your buttock or your leg. It can occur with or without lower back pain.
The physical changes of pregnancy may influence the onset of back or pelvic pain. It is estimated that up to 90% of women experience lumbar or pelvic pain when they are pregnant. In many cases pain reduces in the early postpartum period, however more than a third of women still have pain one year after giving birth. (Van Benten et al, 2014)
Even though low back pain is so common, it is not normal and we can help you feel more comfortable.
We are able to provide advice on activity modification, external supports, appropriate exercise and hands on techniques to provide you with some relief.