In the first of her guest blogs, Ruth Cockerill, from Physique Physio explains how she went from specialising in elite sports to pre- and post-natal physiotherapy.
My background is in elite sports, both personally and professionally. I travelled the world playing Netball for England when I was younger, so I was used to training hard and lifting heavy weights. You’d think that would have set me up for the physical challenge of becoming a mother, but my first birth wasn’t all plain sailing. I got through the pregnancy pretty much pain-free, regularly swimming and doing body-weight exercises to keep fit, but after my first son was born, I struggled with pain and discomfort.
Looking back, I’m not surprised really. With all my years of experience of working in elite sports, I didn’t think about the parallels with post-natal bodies. Whereas before, I’d be mindful of easing myself back into sport after an injury or strain, here I was, only days after giving birth, picking up my baby in a car seat!
Let’s consider an athlete; a marathon runner for example. They spend time and focus on preparing for their run. And once they have completed their marathon, there are lots of careful steps they and their physios take towards helping their bodies recover. Now think about how hard your body, your muscles and in particular your pelvic floor has worked during your pregnancy and childbirth. There are steps that you can take to ensure your body recovers its strength well and is rehabilitated to the level you need to get on with your everyday life.
It was a revelation to me, and I knew I wanted to help other women on their journey, no matter what their circumstances. I started to develop extensive knowledge and experience in treating pre- and post-natal conditions, while continuing to treat my patients with the same consideration and care as elite athletes. I have shifted the focus of my business, Physique Physio, and built a stellar team around me who are equally forward-thinking and passionate about women’s health.
And we’re now based in the same building as Chapel Allerton Pilates, who we work collaboratively with to get the best outcomes for our patients.
As well as our regular Physiotherapy services, such as assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, we also offer several specialist services, such as our Mummy MOT and Return to Sport. As well as traditional Physio techniques we use unique treatment techniques including visceral manipulation (externally mobilising organs to optimise their glide) and cranial releases.
So, drop me a line, and myself and the team will go the extra mile to get your post-baby body back to where you want to be.
Ruth Cockerill, Physique Physio
Chapel Allerton Pilates/Physique Physio, 90 Harrogate Road LS7 4LZ
