Our Women's Health Physiotherapist specialises in assessing and treating conditions related to the pelvic floor and other aspects of women's health. Overall, the role of a women's health physiotherapist in pregnancy and postpartum is to promote optimal physical and emotional well-being for women during this transformative period in their lives. Their specialised knowledge and guidance can have a significant positive impact on a woman's health and quality of life during and after pregnancy, and at any other stage of your life.

Pregnancy Care:

During pregnancy your body has the incredible ability to transform to allow for the growth of your baby. These changes can last up to 12months or longer after childbirth.

The changes include:

• changes in posture
• increased weight around the abdominal
• hormonal changes including increased levels of relaxin 
• changes muscular function
• changes to your bladder and bowels

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is the umbrella term for pain associated with these changes.

This includes pain in the anterior pelvis (Pubis symphysis), hip pain, lower back pain, coccyx pain and sacroiliac joint pain. 

Physiotherapy can be very beneficial to assess and treat symptoms from very early in your pregnancy. 

The treatment includes:

• Using hands-on manual therapy
• Developing an individualised exercise and strengthening programme 
• Advice and education on pacing and managing everyday activities 
• Pelvic floor muscle assessment and rehabilitation if required  
• Post-natal advice on how to prepare for your birth and the arrival of your baby

Postpartum Care

After childbirth it is very important that you rehabilitate your body using research-based guidance and by listening to your body. Whether you have had a caesarean section or vaginal delivery, it is important that you allow your body time to rest and recover.

Symptoms that you may experience post-natal include:

• Muscular aches and pains
• Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA)
• Urinary incontinence 
• Bowel issues- incontinence or constipation 
• Prolapse 
• Painful sexual intercourse 

If you are concerned regarding your body’s recovery postpartum it can be beneficial to have a physiotherapy appointment to reassure you and to ensure you are receiving the input that you need.

Postpartum treatment includes:

• A musculoskeletal assessment 
• Abdominal assessment and treatment for DRA
• Pelvic floor assessment (after 6 weeks)
• Prolapse management 
• Bladder and bowel retraining
• Scar tissue management including massage
• Development of a bespoke exercise programme based on your goals 
• Returning to sexual intercourse 

Cost of Appointment:

Complete Pelvic Health check up:€150, 60 minute appointment (Non pregnancy/Postpartum)

Complete Antenatal check up :€150, 60 minute appointment

Complete Postnatal check up:€150, 60 minute appointment

Follow up appointment:€75, 30 minute appointment

 Extended follow up: €150, 60 minute appointment 

Please check with your health insurance provider as we can provide receipts for claiming back Women's Health Phsyiotherapy appointments.

About your Physiotherapist:

"Kate has developed and advanced her physiotherapy career over the past eight years, working with a renowned NHS Trust and private pelvic health clinics across Southwest London.

 In 2024, she returned to Ireland to take on the role as a Pelvic Health Clinical Specialist in the Coombe Maternity Hospital. Kate has a passion for the care of pregnant and postnatal women, addressing their specific needs with tailored pelvic health support.

Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience working with antenatal and postnatal women. Continuing professional development is a key priority for her, and she stays up to date with the latest research and practices to ensure she provides the best possible care for her clients. Kate is enthusiastic about working alongside other healthcare professionals to provide the most holistic approach to their care”