Mummy MOT Physiotherapy
Why have a Mummy MOT?
Having a baby is an incredible and life-changing experience for the body. Pregnancy and childbirth bring many physical changes, and afterwards many women can feel unsure about their bodies, uncertain about what activities are safe, and in need of guidance on returning to exercise and daily movement.
Up to half of all women experience weakness in their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy, and around one in three still have a separation in their abdominal muscles eight weeks after giving birth. Some women may also experience reduced core stability, which can contribute to pelvic or back pain, as well as bladder, bowel, or sexual health issues. These symptoms are common, but they are not something women should simply accept as a normal consequence of having a baby — support, treatment, and professional advice are available, because mums need to bend, lift and squat, not to mention run around after the little ones!
When can I get a Mummy MOT?
It is recommended that women have a postnatal assessment around 6–8 weeks after birth. However, this support is not only for new mothers — women who gave birth months or even years ago can still benefit, particularly if they continue to experience abdominal separation, pelvic floor concerns, or concerns returning to exercise again.
What should I expect from my Mummy MOT assessment?
Em offers 1:1 home visit Mummy MOT appointments. All you we will need is a space to chat, do some movement (e.g. a living room floor space will do!) and if possible a space to set up Em’s foldable plinth table.
Initial Mummy MOT appointments are 60 minutes, which can include*:
Discussion to take a detailed history your pain, questions, concerns and goals.
Postural screen, physical movement analysis and strength testing.
Pelvic floor muscle assessment.
Abdominal muscle exam to check for any separation.
Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction.
Discussion on differential diagnosis, education and explanation of any contributing factors to your pain.
Individualised treatment plan will begin during your initial session. Depending on the findings of your assessment, treatment may include one or more of the following: prescribed rehabilitation exercises (which we will go through together so you are confident to do them at home), manual therapy, soft tissue massage techniques, and lifestyle management advice.
Sessions may also include advice on referral for onwards treatment if Em decides that you would be best placed for treatment with a different health practitioner or specialist.
*Em will prioritise your main concerns during the 60-minute appointment, which allows time to cover most of the listed areas above. If more time is needed to address your priority issues in detail, it may not be possible to complete everything in one visit. In that case, a follow-up appointment may be recommended to ensure other aspects of the assessment are addressed if required.
Follow up sessions of between 30-60mins. Follow up appointments are available as home visits or online appointments. In your initial assessment, you will discuss together with Em if you need these, and what will suit you best to reach your goals with physiotherapy.
Prices:
Initial assessment or Follow up 60 minute home visit : £95*
Follow up home visit appointment 45 mins: £80*
Follow up virtual appointment 45 mins : £60
Follow up virtual appointment 30 mins : £45
*please note these home visit prices are based on local visits in the Tooting, Balham area. If you live further away, additional charges may be applied for travel time and parking fees.
For physiotherapy enquiries/bookings please contact physio@emthomsonyoga.com, and Em will get back to you within 24-48hrs.
See terms and conditions of Em Thomson Physiotherapy Services
‘Emily is professional, kind and highly approachable. Her caring approach made me feel really comfortable and she gave me specific and structured exercises, along with advice on how to improve my pelvic floor exercise technique meaning I feel more confident in my journey returning to running. Thank you!’
Elena R. H.
‘Emily is knowledgeable and friendly. She put me at ease straight away and I really felt in good hands. The information she sent after the session was very helpful and I have been able to integrate it into my daily routine. I felt confident to return to exercise. Thank you Emily!’
Emily F.