WOMENS' HEALTH
"I went to Jo after a traumatic first birth, feeling deflated about the prospect of functioning day to day without symptoms, let alone returning to exercise without leaking. Jo was empathetic and reassuring yet motivating, filling me with confidence about my rehabilitation journey which is continuing to surpass my expectations...I couldn't recommend her more"
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Esther, Cardiff Mum
LET'S TALK CORE AND PELVIC FLOOR!
The pelvic floor can still tend to be a bit of a taboo subject, which many think is only relevant to post partum women. Have a listen to Jo's video to find out more about why the pelvic floor is important to everyone; man and woman, baby or not!
Here are a few facts about our pelvic floor:
- They are a group of deep and superficial muscles, just like any other, with a blood supply and nerve endings
-They have a mixture of slow and fast twitch fibres to support us through the day and when they need to respond quickly to higher intra abdominal pressures like sneezing, lifting and jumping
-They can get tight and overactive as well as weak
-They don't work alone. They form part of our core system as part of a team of muscles
-They respond to strengthening programmes just like your biceps!
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DIASTASIS
MANAGEMENT
Although an abdominal separation is a natural occurrence In pregnancy, it can be daunting and upsetting if it persists, and may well be linked to other symptoms you are experiencing.
Jo is extensively trained in diastasis and adopts a holistic approach to their management, incorporating physiotherapy, strength training, pilates as well as manual therapy/massage. Assessment includes:
- a detailed account of your history, concerns and goals
- a thorough assessment of your abdominals
- ultrasound imagine of your abdominals (coming June 2024)
- manual therapy
- a bespoke rehabilitation plan
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PREGNANCY PHYSIOTHERAPY
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Pregnancy brings a host of natural physical changes which can affect your posture, muscle strength and mobility. Jo has first hand experience of these changes and the potential for pelvic and back pain. Whilst a really exciting time, It can also be a really unsettling time with conflicting advice available on safe exercise during pregnancy.
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Jo can provide manual treatments and exercise advise, based on the most current literature so you know you are in safe hands through your pregnancy.
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Online prenatal rehabilitation and fitness with The Glow Method at Home
POST NATAL ASSESSEMENTS
This bespoke assessment is designed to empower you post partum, to create a joint treatment plan to allow you to reach your functional goals, regardless of how long ago you had your baby and if you are feeling symptom free.
The assessment will include:
- a thorough discussion of your pregnancy and delivery, your concerns and any current symptoms
- posture, breathing and movement assessment
-a review of your abdominals to determine how well they are functioning and any separation (diastasis)
- external assessment of your pelvic floor
- a more in-depth assessment of any musculoskeletal issues such as back, shoulder or knee pain
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We will discuss the findings from your assessment and create a bespoke treatment plan and home exercises
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RETURN TO EXERCISE/RUNNING PROGRAMMES
Returning to exercise can be such a significant milestone after having a baby, and has huge benefits physically and mentally. There can still be a stigma to wait until your 6 week check up then just go for it; yet in those 6 weeks you can become weaker so when you return to exercise you may experience symptoms such as leaking, pain or heaviness which can be hugely demoralising. Many women are also led to believe those symptom. are "normal" and something we should just accept.
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Jo is passionate that we empower women in their post natal recovery and safe guard women from pelvic floor dysfunction, preparing our pelvic floor for lifting weights and sport. Jo has recently written World Rugbys postpartum return to play guidelines and assists many athletes in a safe return.
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Jo can guide you through a progressive and specific programme to get you back to healthy and happy exercise. See female athletes page for more information on female specific strategies and services
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See Media for Jo's magazine articles on post partum running
C SECTION RECOVERY PROGRAMMES
It is vital we appreciate the demands of both pregnancy and delivery on our bodies. A c section post natal assessment will include:
- thorough assessment of your scar
- massage and taping techniques to assist healing and improve long term function and appearance
- diastasis assessment
- progressive strengthening programmes
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