PRE AND POST NATAL WOMEN'S HEALTH
At St Giles Physiotherapy Clinic, we offer a dedicated Pre and Post Natal Women’s Health service, designed to support women through pregnancy, birth and recovery with expert, compassionate care. Led by Georgia, this service recognises that pregnancy and the postnatal period place unique and significant demands on the body and that every woman’s experience is different.
“I qualified in pregnancy massage in 2016 and have since worked with women at all stages of pregnancy, supporting them through the physical changes of this unique time and helping to improve their overall pregnancy experience.”
Her own pregnancy deepened her understanding of how dramatically the body changes, and the discomforts that often accompany those changes:
“My own pregnancy gave me invaluable insight into the aches, tension and sleep disruption many women experience. Regular pregnancy massage helped ease my lower back pain, promoted deep relaxation and significantly improved my sleep.”
Understanding the Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a number of important physical changes, including:
- Hormonal changes – increased levels of relaxin and progesterone soften ligaments and increase joint mobility. While essential, this can lead to joint instability, commonly pelvic girdle pain and increased muscular fatigue as surrounding muscles work harder to provide support.
- Increased muscular load – weight gain and breast enlargement alter posture and increase strain on muscles, often leading to soreness, tension and compensatory movement patterns.
- Postural and centre of gravity changes – as the body grows, the centre of gravity shifts forward, contributing to lower back pain, tight hip flexors and tension through the neck and shoulders.
- Core and pelvic floor changes – the abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the growing baby, sometimes resulting in diastasis recti. A weakened core places additional strain on the spine and pelvis, while the pelvic floor may become overworked or weakened.
Targeted pregnancy massage and physiotherapy can play a vital role in managing these changes, helping to release tight muscles, support posture, improve circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage and promote relaxation and better sleep.
Post Natal Recovery: Expert, Individualised Support
“Since having my daughter, I’ve become acutely aware of how little guidance and support many women receive after birth.”
Having experienced diastasis recti herself, as well as recovery following an emergency caesarean section, Georgia understands the physical and emotional challenges of postnatal healing:
“I personally experienced abdominal separation and found there was very limited advice around scar care and post-C-section rehabilitation.”
Her recovery informed the holistic approach now offered at the clinic, incorporating evidence-based treatments such as manual therapy, K-Laser therapy, and shockwave therapy to support scar healing, restore movement and rebuild strength safely.
“These experiences shaped how I work with women, with empathy, clarity and a strong focus on empowering them through every stage of recovery.”
At St Giles Physiotherapy Clinic, our Pre and Post Natal Women’s Health service is built on clinical expertise, lived experience and genuine understanding; supporting women not just to recover, but to feel confident and strong in their bodies again.
Book your appointment today at our St Giles Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinics in Northampton or Kettering. For any inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us on 01604 806 123 or via email at info@stgilesphysiotherapy.co.uk. We are here to support you in any way we can.