Physiotherapy, Pilates and Pregnancy

Jenny Heron MCSP specialises in the treatment of pregnant and post natal women both with physiotherapy and pilates based rehabilitation exercise. She has done training with the founders of The Pelvic Partnership, a charity offering advice and support for sufferers. All the techniques used are gentle and non-invasive and specifically designed for the treatment of pregnant and post natal women.

Classes JMH Pilates Pre and Post natal classes are taught by Modern Pilates qualified instructors who have specific training and interest in working with this group of people. Pilates is recommended by health professionals for those with back or pelvic problems caused by pregnancy. Groups are kept to a maximum of 5 to ensure individual attention for every member of the group.	"Finding someone who can actually treat symphysis pubis dysfunction with a hands on approach has been a huge relief. During my last pregnancy I really struggled as I was merely given a belt and told to keep my legs together! I could not recommend Jenny more highly." V. G.
	Causes of pain The hormonal and postural changes caused to the body during pregnancy can lead to symptoms of pain in many areas, especially around the pelvis and lower back. It is often the view that this pain is unavoidable and must just be tolerated by the mother to be. However, often this pain is caused by a dysfunction (or misalignment) of the joints rather than being caused purely by the hormones and the increased pressure on the joints. In these cases manual physiotherapy techniques can be very beneficial and can minimise or resolve the symptoms
Treatment and prevention of pain The use of stabilising exercises, pelvic and back support belts and advice regarding daily activities during pregnancy also help to minimise symptoms. Advice regarding the best positions for labour and childbirth may be relevant, along with guidance about the post natal period. Symptoms from these dysfunctions can affect mothers for months after childbirth, and manual treatment and exercises at this stage are important to ensure that the mother’s body recovers fully	"The breathing techniques and exercises practised in Pilates definitely helped me during labour" C.W.
	Preparation for labour Childbirth also affects the body of the mother. A vaginal delivery can affect the joints of the pelvis and lower back and the muscles of the pelvic floor. A caesarean delivery affects the abdominal muscles. And in both the pelvic floor muscles are affected by the weight of the foetus in the abdomen. The specialist Pilates classes offer exercises designed to prepare the body for labour, and specific pelvic floor and abdominal exercises to minimise the impact on these areas.
Post-natal help with Physiotherapy and Pilates In the post natal period the mother’s body will start to return to normal. The abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor benefit from specific exercises to maximise recovery, however these exercises must be graded in the early period. Feeding and caring for a young baby can affect the posture of the upper back and shoulders, and exercises are included in these specific classes to counteract these activities. The post natal classes also give the mother peaceful time to focus on her self, a rare luxury for those with young babies!