Ante-Natal & Post-Natal Physiotherapy

Prepare your body for pregnancy and delivery then help your body recover after birth

Book a 10 minute free telephone consultation speak to our specialist pregnancy physio

Book a 10 minute free telephone consultation speak to our specialist pregnancy physio

Pregnancy, Childbirth & Your Body… 

Pregnancy and labour itself can have significant and often a lasting impact on a woman’s body.

Instability in the pelvic and abdominal muscles is common, affecting around 50% of women post pregnancy. Over 30% will have diastasis recti (also known as the tummy gap).

Muscle weakness, changes in movement and activity levels can all have an impact on how we live and how we feel after pregnancy.

These issues can give rise to a number of pelvic health issues including hip, pelvic girdle and back pain, incontinence, constipation and pain during sex. Fortunately, whilst Pelvic Health issues are common both during and after pregnancy, the majority are preventable and/or treatable with postnatal physiotherapy.

Ante Natal Physiotherapy

Even with the safest and most straight forward pregnancy, the normal and natural changes that your body must undergo can be uncomfortable and worrying especially during the second and third trimester.

Our specialist pregnancy physiotherapist can assess, diagnose and treat any conditions or pain you may experience at any point during your pregnancy such as;

  • pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
  • back pain
  • coccyx pain (coccydinia)
  • symphysis pubic dysfunction
  • pelvic floor dysfunction

We also provide pregnancy massage for heavy legs, circulatory problems (Lymphatic drainage), relaxation and overall wellbeing. With this support, we will ensure you can cope with any challenges, manage any pains your are experiencing and recover faster from any pregnancy related symptoms.

Our aim is to advise and guide you through your pregnancy journey, providing you with tips and strategies to look after yourself and help you make a speedy recovery after childbirth.

Book Appointment

Postpartum recovery - I went to physio at movement matters because after 2.5 years since giving birth I was still having hip pain and just my whole body was so weak! The reason I was drawn to movement matters is because they have the lovely Beth who I was told had a special interest in women’s pregnancy and postpartum health/recovery. The care I have received from Beth has been amazing! She really cares and shows you exactly what to do and tailors the exercises to your needs and fitness level. She explains WHY it’s happening and not just how to fix it! She has also helped with pain relief which has been amazing! She is also a mum herself so really can understand and empathise with me and clients alike. She has helped build my strength up slowly starting with my core and all the things that support my hips. Although my journey is not yet finished I am in a much better place, can walk far without getting pain and can now lie on my sides without pain! Thank you Beth for everything. Best advice I can give is don’t wait for postpartum pain to get better on its own, it won’t. I’m so glad I took the leap and put my health first! Everyone at Movement Matters is so lovely! Special shout out to the friendly receptionists too! You are all awesome! Thank you.

Emily M Post Pregnancy Physio

Post Natal Recovery Pathway

Pregnancy and childbirth can take a significant toll on our bodies. Most women experience muscle weakness of the abdominals and pelvic floor after pregnancy, even after a caesarian.

As a result, many women go on to develop back pain, pelvic pain, bladder and bowel weakness and even sexual problems and these can persist if they are left untreated. Effective and specialised treatment to help retrain your pelvic floor muscles, build up your strength and fitness will to help rid you of these problems and transition safely into sport and exercise.

Our post natal pathway will assess and treat any aches and pains that you may have, address diastasis recti (tummy gap), retrain your pelvic floor before progressing you through a graded activity program, aimed to improve your movement, strength and fitness transitioning those who wish safely back into sport and exercise.

We recommend first booking an initial Postnatal Physiotherapy assessment from 6-12 weeks after delivery so treatment can be started straight away and you can start your journey back to a pain free active life as a new mum.

Click here for a FREE 10 minute  telephone consultation with our pregnancy physio
Post Natal Physiotherapy Exercises

Return to Fitness After Child Birth

Returning to fitness after childbirth is a gradual process that should be approached with care and patience. This is a guide that sets out time frames and stages to returning to fitness postpartum. Everyone will have had different pregnancy and birth experiences. Treatment needs, appropriate exercises and any advice may need be altered and adapted to meet your individual needs

Book a Free 10 minute telephone consultation to find out more
Sign up for our free post pregnancy exercise pathway
WhatsApp Us To Book In

Patient reviews

Kind words from our clients

  • Postpartum recovery – I went to physio at movement matters because after 2.5 years since giving birth I was still having hip pain and just my whole body was so weak! The reason I was drawn to movement matters is because they have the lovely Beth who I was told had a special interest in women’s pregnancy and postpartum health/recovery.

    The care I have received from Beth has been amazing! She really cares and shows you exactly what to do and tailors the exercises to your needs and fitness level. She explains WHY it’s happening and not just how to fix it! She has also helped with pain relief which has been amazing! She is also a mum herself so really can understand and empathise with me and clients alike. She has helped build my strength up slowly starting with my core and all the things that support my hips. Although my journey is not yet finished I am in a much better place, can walk far without getting pain and can now lie on my sides without pain!

    Thank you Beth for everything. Best advice I can give is don’t wait for postpartum pain to get better on its own, it won’t. I’m so glad I took the leap and put my health first! Everyone at Movement Matters is so lovely! Special shout out to the friendly receptionists too! You are all awesome! Thank you.

    Emily M

    Post Pregnancy Physio

  • Beth has been fantastic. I gave birth 3 months ago and have been seeing Beth to help with my postnatal recovery. I am already doing so much more than I thought I would be able to at this point. Highly recommend for any pregnant mummy’s!

    Nicole W

    Post Pregnancy

  • Modern Day Physio at its best!!!

    After a serious of illnesses which led to me experiencing daily migraines/headaches, I sought out Movement Matters. Scott did my initial assessment and was able to recreate my headaches/migraines by pressing down on my neck! He came up with a comprehensive treatment plan and explained how the pain was multi-factorial: new parent/lack of sleep/reduction in exercise/stress/desk work. Due to this the recovery process was and still is a self-learning process! I learned a lot from Scott: how I have been over using my upper neck muscles, creating a healthy mindset (acceptance and letting things go) and actually putting me first. This might sound wishy washy to you but the experience has changed my outlook on life and I am very grateful to Scott as I no longer wake up in pain. Should you suffer from pain and are looking for a holistic/modern way of treating pain, please go and book an appointment with Movement Matters now rather than wait for your body to completely break down or burn out. P.S. The receptionists are all really lovely which is an added bonus!

    Orla T

  • After my ACL reconstruction surgery in February I was unsure of what the next steps were for rehabilitation. NHS physio visits once every six weeks, between 12-20 minutes a time were not very reassuring. I was recommended to visit Movement Matters Physio. Scott has provided me with the best Post Operation Physio I could ask for. Weekly visits to the clinic with changes to my exercises and training plans help keep me motivated and focused on my end goal of returning to sport. My Testing Session gave data which really helped put my progress into perspective and allowed me to see how far I’ve come since starting at Movement Matters Physio. Thank you so much!! 😀

    Chloe G

    ACL Reconstruction

  • I have been seeing Beth at Movement Matters for the past few months for a torn tendon, which is slowly recovering under Beth’s expert care. Part of my treatment has included 3 sessions of Shockwave Therapy which has definitely kick started my recovery . I cannot fault this practice in anyway. The whole team there are so friendly, extremely knowledgeable and really go out of their way to help you. I cannot recommend this Practice highly enough and especially Beth for the care and attention she has given me. Thank you to you all.

    Carol B

    Shoulder Tendon Pain - Focused Shockwave Therapy

  • I have seen both Scott & Sarah over the past 2 months, following severe damage to my spinal cord.
    I have received amazing care & advice, with programmes specifically designed to assist with my development. The equipment & techniques are modern & effective.I have a very long road ahead of me but the progress I have made, after being told 6 months ago I wouldn’t walk, is overwhelming.
    My confidence has grown with each session & I am happy that my ongoing journey is going to be with the team at Movement Matters by my side.
    The clinic itself is spotless & all of the staff are welcoming & friendly.
    Very highly recommended.

    Jane H

    Spinal Injury

  • My 93 year old father had an emergency hip replacement. After 2 weeks in hospital and 3 weeks at
    his home he had made very little progress. We were advised that it would be very difficult for him to
    walk again.
    Not wanting to give up we contacted Movement Matters and Beth came to see him for the initial visit.
    We were very impressed with what she managed to achieve so booked more sessions.
    He has now had 7 sessions seeing either Beth or Scott. Both have worked wonders with him. His
    walking is much better and the exercises they have helped him with are improving his overall
    strength.
    I can’t thank them enough

    Mark P

    Hip Replacement

  • I first began using Movement matters physio at the the end of March 2021 after suffering a leg break,
    Ankle dislocation and tear of the deltoid ligament. I can’t recommend these guys enough. They have
    been so helpful and supportive during my rehab. On my bad days, they lifted me up and made me
    determined to keep on going! They gave me all the attention and care I needed and were always so
    helpful and understanding.
    18 months later, I went into the studio to do a strength test with them and am so happy with the
    results and progress I have made with their help, after being told by doctors that I would be lucky to
    get back 80% of my ankle mobility/strength after the injury. Today I matched the strength in weight
    and reps with the other leg and am so happy to have recovered the way I have and to be back to
    playing football and running after having many doubts whether I’d be able to again. I can’t recommend
    Scott and the team enough! They are truly incredible!

    George W

    Leg Fracture

  • I was recommended using MMP, and they have been brilliant!!! They have an absolute top notch
    team. The receptionists are all extremely welcoming and friendly, and having worked with Scott on a
    previous back issue the whole team make you feel part of the MMP family.
    This time I had the pleasure of working with Ausrine since injuring a shoulder tendon doing Martial
    Arts. My treatment has included Acupuncture, Shockwave Therapy, Massage Therapy as well as
    Physical Therapy. Ausrine has been friendly, knowledgeable. Through my personalised program she
    has helped to return my shoulder to full functionality, and also highlighted the root cause which was
    specific weak areas of my shoulder. Now I have a training program which has been tailored to
    compliment my Martial Arts, as well as addressing the weak areas which caused the original issue –

    Andy D

    Back Pain & Shoulder Injury

  • Ausrine was great and picked up my injury from the first appointment and helped me to get the movement & strength testing
    needed. Ausrine and Scott have helped me massively, forcing me to rest then helping with my return
    to running and a strength and conditioning programme based on my weaknesses to get me back on
    track for my iron man. They’ve got me from being a few runs away from causing myself some serious
    damage to 3 weeks from my first iron man. Everyone is super helpful and friendly. Can’t recommend
    them

    Natasha W

    Chronic Spinal Pain

  • I used Scott a few years ago when he worked wonders getting me back on my feet following a hip replacement. This time I had an issue with my knee and didn’t hesitate to return to him.

    Scott has provided me with great care, support and treatment throughout, and I have recovered brilliantly. The combination of his treatment and exercise based rehabilitation has worked a treat.

    His knowledge is excellent and the practice has great facilities. Would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to get high quality physio.

    Thanks Scott

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    Dennis L

    Knee Arthritis

  • Recommend “Movement Matters’, Scott has been brilliant! 6 months steady treatment with an exercise program has seen me go from scared to go anything strenuous in case my hip pain (arthritis)  become worse, to running 2 – 3 times a week and being pretty much pain free. Scott has helped me build the supportive muscles around my hip to prevent the pain and enable me to return to an activity I love! Thanks Scott.

    Image of review author

    Claire L

    Hip pain

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Find us on Rectory Road, Hadleigh, Essex SS7 2NA

Located in Hadleigh Essex with free parking available and easy public transport links

  • Address
    MovementMatters Physio Ltd
    47 Rectory Road
    Hadleigh
    Essex
    SS7 2NA

    Location
    We are located next door to “The Hollies Doctors Surgery”

  • We have parking on site in the front of the clinic and there is ample parking in the surrounding area. Please respect our parking restrictions.

    • Parking on the front right of the premises is for the upstairs flat only.
    • Parking on site is preferably for those who are unable to walk from the car parks located very close in the vicinity of the premises.

    Other Parking Options

    • Rectory Road Car Park – this is the best option for our patients. It is a low cost pay and display car park located 50-70 metres from our practice.
    • John Burrows Car Park – located a 2 min walk from the practice. This is a FREE car park located at the entrance to John Burrows Playing Fields.
  • Here at Movement Matters Physio we provide services including home visits to Hadleigh and the surrounding areas including but not exclusive to; Benfleet, Canvey Island, Thundersley, Bowers Gifford, Leigh-on-Sea, Rayleigh, Eastwood, Hockley, Rochford and Southend-on-Sea.

  • Our clinic in Hadleigh can be accessed easily via public transport on many bus routes.

    Chelmsford
    If you’re coming from the Chelmsford direction the number 3 bus stops almost at our doorstep.

    Southend
    From the Southend side, busses 21, 21B, 26, 27, 28, 822 and 827 all stop within a couple of minutes walk.