Pregnancy and Postnatal
Pelvic girdle pain
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is an all-encompassing term for pain anywhere around your pelvic ring (ie. back, hips, groin and thighs). It is a common occurrence in pregnancy but also in sports, so can affect both women and men. PGP is typically worse during weight-bearing or asymmetrical activities such as turning over in bed, walking/running, using stairs, climbing hills, getting in and out of the car or swimming breaststroke. It often gets worse throughout the day, peaking in the evening.
Treatment by a Physiotherapist for PGP may include manual therapy to help the pelvic joints/muscles to move better, exercises to help strengthen and correct muscle imbalances and lifestyle changes to address and adapt any aggravating activities.
Back and neck pain
Physiotherapy can be very helpful in managing spinal, pelvic and wrist pain during pregnancy by addressing the common changes and stresses the body undergoes.
By providing personalised care, physiotherapy helps manage the joint pain, improves mobility, and enhances overall comfort throughout pregnancy.
Pelvic Floor Check
A pelvic floor check after pregnancy is a physiotherapy assessment that evaluates the strength, tone, and function of the pelvic floor muscles following childbirth. Based on the findings, the physiotherapist provides guidance on pelvic floor exercises, posture, and lifestyle habits to support recovery and prevent long-term problems.
Abdominal separation
Diastasis recti, or abdominal separation during pregnancy, arises when the rectus abdominis muscles—the paired vertical muscles of the abdomen—stretch and diverge along the midline to accommodate fetal growth. This separation can produce a visible gap or bulge in the abdominal area.
Physiotherapy can be instrumental both during pregnancy and postpartum by providing tailored exercises and techniques designed to support the core musculature, alleviate discomfort, and enhance the functional recovery of the abdominal wall.
Jo Brough
Jo Brough is a passionate Physiotherapist who provides high-quality care and thrives on helping clients achieve their goals. She has a special interest in assessing and treating pelvic health conditions, both female and male, and has completed a range of further studies in this area. For assistance with Pregnancy & Postnatal Care we recommend first seeing Jo Brough for an assessment and treatment plan.