A comprehensive post-natal check up to look after you and your body, so you can look after your baby
Preparation for birth
Most births are problem free, and it is best to focus on that when preparing for birth. It is beneficial to exercise and move in the build up to the delivery in a way that is suited to your current fitness level, and to help make the pelvis as stable and as pliable as possible beforehand. We can assist in this process, particularly if you are experiencing pelvic girdle or low back pain. If you come for pre-natal treatment, you will not have an internal examination of your pelvic floor function, this is strictly part of the post-natal Mummy MOT.
Post-natal screening and rehabilitation
It can be reassuring to know that you are healing as best you can. Ensuring that your pelvic floor and abdominal muscle rehabilitation is properly undertaken is beneficial for supporting mums back to fitness, whatever the level of movement or exercise they wish to return to. Occasionally things do not go to plan, and it is good to know that there is help at hand, and you are not on your own with a new baby whilst struggling to cope with distressing symptoms.
Things we routinely treat are: rectus diastasis (closing of the gap down the middle of the abdominal muscles); scarring from an episiotomy or tear; pelvic floor integrity; continence issues; painful sex, painful caesarean scar, pelvic pain, retained shape of pregnancy, low back pain, stiffness and pain related to long hours feeding
It’s recommended that women have an initial assessment after their 6-8-week GP check.
1 HOUR ASSESSMENT:
- Assessment of postnatal biomechanics.
- Assessment of ribcage and abdominal region.
- Assessment of pelvis, internal and external.
- Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction.
- Written report if needed.
FOLLOW UP (IF REQUIRED):
- Based around your presentation.
- Working with biomechanics of life with an infant e.g., back stiffness from breastfeeding, carrying baby, pushing a buggy, going back to exercise, low back pain, foot pain, pelvic pain, prolapse e.t.c.
- Bespoke rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs.
How is the MOT delivered?
A pre-screen form will be given to you in reception when you come to make sure we address all your concerns. During the 1 Hour Assessment, a detailed case history will be taken with a screen that may or may not include an internal examination: N.B. this is at your discretion. You should leave with a clear picture of what is needed moving forward. Following the appointment, a report detailing findings and recommendations can be emailed to you on request, which can be used to help inform other practitioners that you are working with, e.g., Personal Trainers, Pilates teachers etc. If necessary, a letter can be written to your GP if there is anything picked up that needs further investigation.
Chaperones
If you wish to bring a chaperone (a friend or family member), please let us know in advance. Currently it is best to come with a family member who lives in your household in order to adhere to social distancing rules. If you wish for The Practice to provide a chaperone, then you will need to give us plenty of notice, as there will not be anyone available on site and they will need to be notified and available at the time of your appointment.
What our clients say
“It has been so wonderful to find such a highly trained, caring team. I find their approach so eminently sensible and helpful that I have sent many friends to The Practice with problems that many others had tried to ‘fix’ and failed. Each time they came away with an improvement and much more importantly the tools to avoid repeating their injury!”
“ I have known Tony Kosoko of The Practice for many years and have nothing but extreme confidence in him and his colleagues. Tony’s knowledge of the human body is considerable and I know that he has studied treatments extensively. His advice is impeccable and all treatments I have undergone have been successful ! A friend of mine in L.A., who is a renowned physiotherapist, asked me if I could recommend someone in London for a client coming over to work here. I recommended Tony. She was so happy with the feedback she received that she has since sent other clients to him. I do Pilates at The Practice and have seen Tony for physiotherapy when necessary and also the osteopath there recently. The Practice is run vey efficiently and has a very friendly atmosphere indeed.”
“ Tony is my ‘go-to expert’ for my various hyper-mobility related injuries, aches and pains. I’ve seen him and also, more recently, Ellen and both are absolutely brilliant, I can’t thank them enough for always fixing me!! I have no hesitation in recommending The Practice to anyone that has a need for physio or medical Pilates. “
“ I am a huge fan of The Practice Centre, which I first attended several years ago for physiotherapy. I was then introduced to Pilates, which has become a mainstay for my physical health. The staff, clinical and admin, are wonderful.”
“ My teenage daughter attend The Practice (Anthony Kosoko) for physiotherapy treatment on her foot following an accident. Throughout, Tony listened very carefully to her, asked her the questions (rather than the parent, which is so important), took time to understand the injury and explained each step of her rehabilitation and follow up exercises. Tony addressed her as it was her injury and was very careful to make sure the correct approach was applied as it was a tricky injury.”
“ A very friendly atmosphere throughout. I felt very welcomed, treatment was brilliant and very patient focussed – Tony really listened to the goals I wanted to achieve and helped get me there. “
“ 1 have been a client at The Practice Centre for over 10 years and during that time the care has always been welcoming and professional.”
“ I can’t rate The Practice, its practitioners and its staff highly enough. I first attended several years ago for physiotherapy and was introduced to Pilates. I’ve been taking classes regularly ever since and have seen a significant improvement in my strength and flexibility. The staff are lovely — friendly, professional, caring. “