At the arena clinic we treat a range of pelvic health issues, both pregnancy and non pregnancy related. Our women’s health service is highly confidential and respects the sensitive nature of these problems.
We treat any range of Pre-natal issues you may have including, for example, back pain, weak or painful pelvic floor, SPD (symphysis pubic dysfunction), carpal tunnel or wrist and hand pain. We can advise you regarding exercise and will provide you with a safe and tailored exercise program if appropriate. Alternatively you can join our aqua natal classes which take place on a weekly basis. We normally accept women from 20 weeks onwards.
We offer a comprehensive post-natal assessment once you have reached 6 week’s post birth. Here we offer a pelvic floor assessment, we will check your tummy muscles for any weakness or gap and we will assess your c-section scar. We will also treat any post-natal issues such as back pain, shoulder, wrist or hand pain, for example. We will provide you with a bespoke exercise programme designed around your goals, whether it’s to return to running, walking or cross-fit etc.
We also treat non-pregnancy related pelvic floor issues including bladder and bowel dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapses or sexual dysfunction.
At the arena clinic we treat a range of pelvic health issues, both pregnancy and non pregnancy related. Our women’s health service is highly confidential and respects the sensitive nature of these problems.
Problems that affect the pelvic floor include incontinence, leaking and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic dysfunction is very common affecting 41-50% of women however it is heavily under-reported due to embarrassment or feeling uncomfortable.
Issues with the pelvic floor are well known to negatively affect quality of life, home and work activities, personal relationships, social lives and mental being. Pelvic floor health is also associated with depression, social isolation, anxiety and genarally reduced quality of life.
the arena clinic offers to improve patient outcomes predominantly by promoting self-management through education on pelvic floor muscle training and lifestyle modifications. The pelvic floor muscles main functions include:
1. Pelvic organ support
2. Bowel and bladder control
3. Passing of urine and faeces
4. Sexual function
5. Breathing (increases the space the lungs have to expand)
6. Pregnancy and Childbirth (supports the baby and assists in childbirth)
Strong pelvic floor muscles are important for when we laugh, sneeze or cough and during lifting activities which all contribute to abdominal and pelvic floor pressure.
Continuing to stay active during pregnancy is very important for both the mother and baby’s health. the arena clinic offers education on exercise for weight management, cardiac and respiratory fitness, psychological well-being, lower back pain and also in preparation for labour, promoting pelvic floor health and function.
Water based exercise programme for Pregnant Women
Our Aqua Natal classes are exercises specifically devised for pregnant women, carried out in a Hydrotherapy Pool.
Classes are conducted by a Chartered Physiotherapist and offer pregnant women an opportunity to exercise safely and to maximum effect from weeks 20 – 40 of pregnancy.
Designed to maintain healthy fitness levels throughout pregnancy. During Aqua-Natal classes expectant mothers will prepare their body for labour and experience the joy and fun of water exercises. The Programme will be run by a Chartered Physiotherapist specialised in Aquatic Physiotherapy.
Following your pregnancy for optimal postpartum recovery, it is critical to understand how the process has affected you. This enables you to rehabilitate your body properly, especially your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Pregnancy and delivery (vaginal or caesarean section) are also major events and bring about much change to your body and your life. These changes impact mothers in different ways and to different degrees.
Your post-natal assessment will include the following:
Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) Assessment
- An assessment of the PFM is important after both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. These muscles are vital during both pregnancy and delivery and so their strength and endurance may be linked with any symptoms such as incontinence.
Prolapse Assessment
- A uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor are stretched, weakened and no longer provide support for the uterus. The organs inside your pelvis fall, bulge or protrude into the vaginal space. Many women experience prolapse as a result of a vaginal delivery.
Pelvis Assessment
- The structure of the pelvis itself is also impacted by pregnancy & child birth as a result of the laxity needed to prepare for child birth. This may result in a feeling of instability or contribute to lower back and pelvic pain. The joints of the pelvis can also be injured during delivery which may require assessment including the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and pubic symphysis.
Rectus Abdominis Diastasis (RAD) Assessment
- The abdominal muscles in particular the rectus abdominis are significantly stretched during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby. Diastasis or gapping occurs when the fascia between the abdominal muscles splits.
A ‘Mummy MOT’ is a specialist examination for postnatal women following both vaginal and C-section deliveries. It will assess how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after childbirth. Your Mummy MOT physiotherapist at the arena clinic will provide you with gentle exercises and treatment to help with your recovery – and get you back on track with your fitness goals.
The assessment includes:
- Full postural screen
- Pelvic floor muscle assessment
- Abdominal muscle exam to check for any separation (known as diastasis)
- Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction
