Safe exercise for during and after pregnancy.
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, all of our antenatal and postnatal Pilates consultations will be conducted remotely.
Our remote Pilates consultations involve us undertaking your appointment via a video link on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Rapid Implementation Guidelines have been published to allow us to use varying methods of remote contact, including WhatsApp video, FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom, so that we can begin as soon as possible.
We are happy to use whichever application you are most familiar with. Please read our remote consultation instructions for further guidance.
Remote antenatal & postnatal Pilates consultations
These begin with an interview (known as a subjective assessment), just as our physiotherapy assessments do. We take a history of your health, any conditions, pain, or injury you would like addressing, and any overall targets you would like to achieve.
We will then do an observational physical assessment looking at your natural posture and how you move. You will then be taught what your ‘core’ muscles are and how to feel them working (this is much easier than it sounds!).
A personal Pilates programme will be formulated to address your individual goals. You will be taught each exercise within the session, and then be sent an email of the exercise program to work on in between sessions. Each exercise is accompanied by written instructions and a video to remind you of the technique.
Antenatal physiotherapy-led Pilates
With a focus on core stability, pelvic floor engagement and arm and leg strength, all under the guidance of a trained physiotherapist, antenatal and pregnancy Pilates is an excellent way to help your body cope with the changes you are experiencing and prepare it for the challenges to come.
Please get in touch for further information or to book.
Antenatal Pilates classes
Our antenatal Pilates classes are suitable women who have previously experienced PGP or SPD during pregnancy or who have any other pre-existing injuries.
Physiotherapy-led antenatal Pilates classes are an excellent way to help prevent the onset of PGP in a subsequent pregnancy, if you have experienced it with one pregnancy.
Our physiotherapist has undertaken specialist antenatal Pilates training to ensure that only exercises that are completely safe for mother and baby will be performed during our classes.
Additionally, all movements and positions can be modified as required to ensure maximum benefit and comfort whilst exercising.
A physical activity readiness form needs to be completed by you and signed by your midwife, and an induction session is required before attending classes.
Please note that if you are in your 3rd trimester (28 weeks+) and have not conducted any other form of exercise during the earlier stages of your pregnancy, unfortunately, it is not safe for you to attend classes.
Private one-to-one sessions
If you prefer, one to one physiotherapy assessment and treatment can also be provided in clinic or at your home at any point during the pregnancy or following the birth of your child.
You can book your private one to one session online or, if you would like to know more about how our specialist pilates or physiotherapy could help you, please contact us and one of our team will be happy to discuss your needs and offer further advice, without obligation.
Postnatal Pilates Classes
Immediately after giving birth, your brand new little one requires you to alternate between repetitive bending and lifting, and prolonged stationary positions whilst feeding.
Usually this is a lifestyle physiotherapists would advise against, even without the stresses your body has just experienced.
But needs must, so our physiotherapy-led postnatal Pilates classes are here to help you regain your core (abdominal, pelvic floor, and lower back) strength in a safe and gradual way.
The classes are small and perfect for anyone who needs additional support with their fitness after childbirth, whether you are managing a chronic condition or experiencing new symptoms during this challenging time, or just simply want to feel like you again.
Please note that you need to wait for six weeks after giving birth (8 weeks post caesarean) before attending our group classes. However, if your needs are more immediate (such as leaking, incontinence or having separated abdominal muscles, also known as a diastasis recti/DR or DRAM) you can attend a private one-to-one assessment and an individual physiotherapy-led Pilates session as soon as you feel able.
Pelvic floor health
Did you know you are safe to start exercising your pelvic floor muscles as soon as you have had a wee after giving birth?
If you are not 100% sure how to do this, book in for a session as soon as you can with our specialist women’s health physiotherapist (you do not need to wait for your 6-week postnatal check).
You can also receive confidential and personalised treatment for pelvic floor health and other conditions such as Diastatis Recti (DR/DRAM or separated abdominal muscles).
Nicola Jackson
Chartered Physiotherapist & Joint Clinical Director
BSc (Hons), HCPC, MCSP, ACPOHE, AACP
Nicky graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007 with First Class Honours, initially working in a hospital setting before specialising in private practice in 2010 and becoming a partner at Marple Physiotherapy in 2019.
Nicky brings an exceptional, holistic approach to assessment and treatment, with specialist expertise in occupational health and ergonomics, and is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics.
Having conducted more than 300 workplace assessments over a wide range of industries from offices to motor component engineering plants, Nicky enjoys the challenge of observing, analysing and applying her practical approach to resolve work-based aggravated symptoms. By liaising between employee and line manager and/or HR, specific and measurable plans can be devised to assist members of staff to remain in work or aid early return to work.
Nicky has gained numerous post-graduate qualifications including manual therapy, acupuncture and in her other area of specialist knowledge, physio-led Pilates. She is a fully qualified modified Pilates instructor and Star Pro member of the Australian Pilates and Physiotherapy Institute, bringing the enhanced benefits of physiotherapy-led Pilates such as improved posture and core strength to our patients.
Nicola Jackson
Chartered Physiotherapist & Joint Clinical Director
BSc (Hons), HCPC, MCSP, ACPOHE, AACP
Nicky graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2007 with First Class Honours, initially working in a hospital setting before specialising in private practice in 2010 and becoming a partner at Marple Physiotherapy in 2019.
Nicky brings an exceptional, holistic approach to assessment and treatment, with specialist expertise in occupational health and ergonomics, and is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics.
Having conducted more than 300 workplace assessments over a wide range of industries from offices to motor component engineering plants, Nicky enjoys the challenge of observing, analysing and applying her practical approach to resolve work-based aggravated symptoms. By liaising between employee and line manager and/or HR, specific and measurable plans can be devised to assist members of staff to remain in work or aid early return to work.
Nicky has gained numerous post-graduate qualifications including manual therapy, acupuncture and in her other area of specialist knowledge, physio-led Pilates. She is a fully qualified modified Pilates instructor and Star Pro member of the Australian Pilates and Physiotherapy Institute, bringing the enhanced benefits of physiotherapy-led Pilates such as improved posture and core strength to our patients.
If you are unsure whether our physiotherapy-led modified Pilates could help you, please call us on 0161 426 0100 or email enquiries@marplephysio.com and Nicola will be happy to discuss your needs and offer her advice, without obligation.
It is advised that you do not attend modified Pilates if you are newly pregnant (less than 8 weeks if you regularly attend) or if you have just given birth (less than 6 weeks post delivery, less than 8 weeks post caesarean).
We do not recommend that you attend if you are experiencing severe pain or swelling, have severely restricted mobility, or have just had surgery. If you are currently medically unwell, you should check with a doctor before participating.
If you develop an exacerbation of your existing pain or develop a new pain during a course of classes, always let the physiotherapist know as soon as possible – it may be possible to modify the exercises further to help keep you active.