Postnatal Recovery | Mummy MOT with Advantage Physiotherapy
What is a mummy MOT?
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy. As you navigate this new way of life, whether you have done it once or multiple times, understanding your pelvic health and musculoskeletal conditions after childbirth can be challenging – if you even have time to give it some thought.
The Mummy MOT is a comprehensive assessment designed to address any issues related to your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles that are commonly affected after pregnancy and childbirth.
Conducted by our specialist women’s health physiotherapist Laura, a Mummy MOT at Advantage Physiotherapy aims to prevent long-term childbirth-related issues by identifying any imbalances, weaknesses or dysfunctions in your body. Our in-depth assessment includes an examination of your pelvic floor muscles, screening for bladder and bowel weaknesses and an assessment of your tummy muscles to check for the presence of a tummy gap – also known as diastasis recti.
A Mummy MOT allows our physiotherapist to create a bespoke postnatal recovery plan for you and your body. This plan may include pelvic floor exercises, abdominal exercises, manual therapy and a rehabilitation programme. The aim of this plan is to improve your core strength, pelvic floor strength and overall musculoskeletal function, reducing the risk of long-term complications, including incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunction.
The Benefits of Mummy MOT
After birth, it is common for many women to experience pain and muscle weakness. 50% of women face weakness in their tummies or pelvic floor postnatally. These challenges can affect your daily life and hinder your recovery process – the last thing you want when you have a newborn to look after. The Mummy MOT aims to help you overcome any issues you may be facing and regain your strength safely.
A key benefit of the Mummy MOT is the expert advice that is tailored to your individual needs. Our specialist physiotherapist can offer recommendations for exercises and interventions to manage your symptoms and regain fitness. This guidance can often be invaluable as you navigate your postnatal recovery.
The Mummy MOT also provides you with reassurance and peace of mind. Having a comprehensive assessment gives you a better understanding of your postnatal health and any issues you may be facing. This allows you to take comprehensive steps towards recovery and complications.
Pelvic Floor Health
Your pelvic floor health is an important aspect of your own wellbeing – especially after childbirth. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, maintaining bladder and bowel control and contributing to your sexual function. Pelvic floor muscles can often be weakened during pregnancy and childbirth, and this can lead to issues such as incontinence, where a woman may experience leaks of urine when laughing, coughing, or sneezing, pain and prolapse. During the Mummy MOT, you may be given pelvic floor exercises to improve and maintain strength.
If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, bowel weakness, or any other pelvic floor issues, seeking the help of our Women’s Health Physiotherapist can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Take control of your pelvic floor health and start your journey to recovery.
For more information on womens health and post pregnancy pains, take a look at our Womens Health Physiotherapy page.
Tummy Muscles and Poor Core Strength
After pregnancy and delivery, many women experience issues with their tummy muscles and poor core strength. One common condition that arises is diastasis recti, where the abdominal muscles separate and leave a gap in the midline of the stomach. This can lead to tummy muscle weakness and poor core strength. These issues can have a significant impact on your daily activities and overall well-being. Simple tasks like lifting and carrying your baby, bending down, or even sitting for long periods can become challenging.
Postnatal Physiotherapy focuses on rehabilitating the tummy muscles and improving core strength. Our comprehensive postnatal assessment will address any key issues and highlight areas to target with exercises and manual therapy. Through the Mummy MOT, you can regain strength in your tummy muscles, improve your core stability and reduce symptoms associated with poor core strength.
Physiotherapy for Postnatal Recovery
Physiotherapy can play a vital role in your postnatal recovery process by helping you address issues with your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles after giving birth. A postnatal check-up is essential to assess the condition of your muscles, and a Mummy MOT conducted by our in-house women’s health physiotherapist will provide a tailored and comprehensive treatment plan to improve and strengthen your muscles.
Initial Assessment Process for Mummy MOT
During your one-hour Mummy MOT assessment, our specialist physiotherapist will identify any postnatal issues and develop a personalised postnatal rehabilitation plan.
A postural exam will be conducted to assess your alignment, symmetry and potential imbalances or weaknesses in your body. This helps to identify postural or muscular problems that may have developed.
An examination of your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles is carried out to determine strength, endurance and coordination. During this part of the assessment, we will also look for the presence of diastasis recti.
This initial assessment plays a pivotal role in creating a bespoke postnatal recovery plan to your specific requirements. The Mummy MOT provides you with the support and guidance you need to recover and thrive after childbirth, enabling you to regain your strength and confidence.
Book your Mummy MOT
Postnatal care and rehabilitation are crucial for every woman during the postnatal period. The Mummy MOT offers a holistic approach to address various issues, such as pelvic floor weakness, abdominal muscle separation, and pelvic pain. By investing in your postnatal health with the help of a specialist physiotherapist, you can experience improved physical well-being, reduced pain, and better overall quality of life.
Book your Mummy MOT assessment with our specialist women’s health physiotherapist today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Mummy MOT for?
The Mummy MOT is a comprehensive postnatal check designed to help women recover from childbirth and regain optimal function in their bodies. It is intended for women who are at least 6 weeks postnatal or even up to 6 years postnatal if needed. The MOT provides an excellent opportunity for women to understand their bodies better and identify areas of discomfort or imbalances in the muscles, fascia, organs or health conditions.
When should I have a Mummy MOT?
When it comes to timing a Mummy MOT, it is usually recommended that women receive one after their 6–8-week GP check. However, this isn’t set in stone and women who have carried or given birth several years ago can book a Mummy MOT if they are still struggling with physical difficulties stemming from childbirth.
What happens after the Mummy MOT assessment?
Your assessment is conducted to identify and understand any challenges your body may be facing after pregnancy and childbirth. Our specialist physiotherapist will provide you with a comprehensive recovery plan that may include exercises, follow-up appointments and alternative treatments.
How do I book the Mummy MOT?
If you would like to book an appointment with us, give our friendly team a call directly at 01494 764822. Our qualified therapists can guide you through the process of booking as well as answer any further questions that you may have once your appointment is set up. Additionally, if you already know what you need help with when it comes to physical health, then please feel free to reach out to us either way so that we can fit into any program which best suits your lifestyle and budget.
I had a caesarean. Can I still have a Mummy MOT?
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a caesarean, you and your body will still benefit from the comprehensive assessment and recovery plan conducted and set out by our physiotherapist. Your body has been through and continues to go through a lot to rectify the changes made during pregnancy and childbirth.
Where did Laura train to become a Mummy MOT Specialist?
Laura completed her training with The Mummy MOT specialist practitioners. For more information, please visit their website here.