Mar 4

What is a “Mummy MOT”and do I need one?!

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I have just started the latest live classes for the Your Core Matters course for pelvic floor health. Following the webinar and screening I have told sooo many women that they need to be seen by a physio who specialises in the pelvic floor. Although our classes are amazingly helpful, whenever someone is experiencing symptoms such as leaking, heaviness or dragging around the vagina, the best thing to do is ALWAYS to seek professional help. That can take the form of a Mummy MOT or another pelvic floor specialist.

So what pelvic floor support is available, and why do I need it?

Every single person who has ever had a baby would ideally be checked by a Pelvic Health or Women’s Health Physio for pelvic floor function, posture and alignment and abdominal function. In France this is standard practice and women are also given an exercise programme to help assist with their recovery but unfortunately in the UK many people aren’t even aware that this kind of specialist physiotherapy exists. You can also visit a Women’s Health Osteopath for a postnatal check where they can assist you with fascial release, scar release if necessary, postural assessment and work to improve your alignment and movement patterns.

It is so common to have concerns about your pelvic floor postnatally and getting specialist help and tailored advice is really setting yourself up for a lifetime of better health. Don’t underestimate how taking steps now could be a game changer in years to come. You don’t just have to accept it at any stage of life. There is so much you can do but most people need specific advice to help them.

Basically if you have ever had a baby but haven’t had this level of support in your postnatal recovery, you will find it very helpful to make an appointment and get advice, especially if you are experiencing any pain or symptoms such as leaking or dragging around your vagina. You can get one of these checks by a specially qualified Mummy MOT practitioner but you can also see a Women’s Health or Pelvic Health Physio who can do all of the same checks.

Mummy MOTs in Hertfordshire

If you are based in Hertfordshire, I can recommend Erica Lewis from Herfordshire Women’s Health in St Albans and Becky Aston who has a clinic in Berkhamsted.  If you’re based outside of Herts, you can find someone suitable through the Squeezy Directory.

What happens during a Mummy MOT?

Your appointment will vary depending on what issues/symptoms you are having (if any) but your therapist will start by taking a detailed medical history and discussing your reasons for making the appointment. It can feel a little embarrassing talking to someone you don’t know about such intimate issues but remember they do this every day and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Your therapist is likely to assess your abdominal muscles, pelvis and lumbar spine and you may be offered an internal examination to understand how your pelvic floor is functioning. They will be looking to understand the tone, strength and control of your pelvic floor muscles as well as any signs of injury or scarring, signs of pelvic organ prolapse and muscle tone. They can also test your pelvic floor muscles for strength and endurance, co-ordination and any imbalances.

Ideally they will also look at your posture and movement patterns to help them (and you) to understand what changes you can make to best support your pelvic floor health on a daily basis. All of these assessments will help them to develop a specific exercise programme that is tailored just for you and explained so you can have a better understanding of what you need.

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