Women's Health Physiotherapy Brighton & Hove
Women’s Health Physio
Women’s Health Physiotherapy helps with the treatment and management of pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological conditions.
Women’s health Physiotherapy can help all women in all stages of their lives. This could be during childbearing, postpartum and menopausal years.
Women’s health physios can help manage and even sometimes cure the following:
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Diastase rectus abdominus
- Mummy MOT (postnatal check and posture screening)
- Incontinence
- Prolapse
- Pelvic pain syndromes
- Bladder pain syndromes
what is a Mummy MOT?
The Postnatal Check You Deserve
Up to half of all women experience weakness in both the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and up to a third still have a tummy gap at eight weeks post-birth. This can cause instability or poor core strength leading to women developing pelvic or back pain or bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. These conditions should not be something you should just put up with as a result of having a baby.
It’s recommended that women have an initial assessment at 6-8 weeks postnatal, but we also treat women who gave birth years ago that may still have a tummy gap or related pelvic floor issues.
What Happens Following Your Assessment:
You will receive a full report of your assessment with recommendations.
The Physiotherapist will talk you through a rehabilitation programme that will be completely bespoke to you. You will be shown how to safely perform any physiotherapy activities designed to help you with your condition.
The Physiotherapist will advise you on activities such as lifting safely.
Women’s Health Physio
Laura Smith
Laura qualified with an MSc in Physiotherapy from King’s College London and has been working for over 10 years in both the NHS and private sporting sector.
Specialising as a senior musculoskeletal physiotherapist in the NHS across London and the South East she has gained varied experience treating spinal, upper limb and lower limb conditions, post orthopaedic and oncology surgery, hand injuries, hydrotherapy, as well as treating complex conditions such as dizziness, scoliosis and TMJ.
Victoria Thomas
Victoria Thomas is a registered osteopath and movement specialist with a special interest in women’s health, pregnancy-related pain, and postnatal rehabilitation. At Reach Physio, she offers osteopathy alongside Mummy MOT assessments to support women through both prenatal and postnatal recovery, helping them feel stronger, more comfortable, and more confident in their bodies during and after pregnancy.
Victoria works with a wide range of musculoskeletal presentations, including back and pelvic pain, joint discomfort, core and pelvic floor dysfunction, and return-to-exercise rehabilitation. She also has experience supporting individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), providing personalised care that focuses on stability, strength, and long-term symptom management.
FAQs
What is women’s health physiotherapy?
A specialist area focusing on pelvic floor health, pregnancy and postnatal recovery.
What conditions does it treat?
Urinary incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain and pregnancy-related pain.
Will an internal assessment be needed?
Sometimes, with full explanation and consent.
Is the assessment comfortable and private?
Yes, conducted privately with dignity and consent procedures.
Can physiotherapy help during pregnancy?
Yes, particularly for pelvic girdle pain and posture changes.
Can it help postpartum recovery?
Yes, including pelvic floor and abdominal rehabilitation.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for movement assessment.
How long are sessions?
Initial sessions are typically longer than follow-ups.
Will I be given home exercises?
Yes, personalised exercises are provided.