How is personalised prenatal support an investment to my birth experience (and long term health)?
“As long as I am healthy and my baby is healthy”
I have heard almost every mother say this when we discuss their expectations for birth and usually my response is; “Define healthy. What does healthy mean for you? Mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically?"
So often we underestimate that if a birth goes physically well then all else will be well, however, how a mother and her newborn are treated and supported will hugely determine the impact it has on a mother’s overall birth experience, wellbeing and recovery.
Birth is likely to be the biggest, most significant event of your life and it is also likely to be one that will continue to influence you in many ways, for the rest of your life.
Though we place our trust in external resources and the expertise of medical professionals, our boundaries, expectations of safety and feeling well will be assumed differently by everyone who is involved in our pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. We can be so quick to assume that our care provider knows or understands what we may want or need and this is where the risk of experiencing trauma, depression, confusion and disappointment increases.
No one can guarantee us a perfect birth and we cannot have the chance of having the birth we want if we do not do not accept the responsibility to find out what that birth looks and feels like for us.
We need to be able to recognise our own needs before we can voice them to others.
Top reasons to invest in prenatal care:
How we invest in our pregnancy through prenatal support will ultimately be revealed during birth and our postpartum recovery. Hold yourself accountable to gain clarity of your needs, learn about birth, build confidence in your decisions and speak to the importance of what matters to you.
Birth is not outside of us, it comes from within us.
To invest in your prenatal health and to feel foundationally supported in preparing for your birth, book a session with our Maternal Health Consultant, Vanessa Werner
Though the most recognised part of our C-section birth is the incision scar, a lot of us can be surprised to see the development of what is called the C-section shelf.
What is a C-section Shelf?
A C-section shelf is the section of the lower abdomen that ‘hangs’ over the scar where the incision was made and its appearance can look different for each of us. It may be raised, puffy scar tissue, skin puckering, excess skin overlap or low hanging belly. A C-section shelf may also appear more exaggerated if you develop diastasis recti.
How does a C-section shelf develop?
When a C-section incision is stitched back together, the skin becomes more taught than before, leading it to look like a piece of string being held against the tummy. This means the skin above, which has been stretched from pregnancy will appear to hang over your scar line.
Not merely cosmetic - scar adhesions that contribute to the development of a C-section shelf can result in physical feelings of discomfort, including numbness, pain, tingling, and itchiness. When these sensations occur in the deeper tissue layers, the surrounding muscles and organs can be affected, causing functional problems including:
How can I heal my C-section shelf?
With proper guidance and patience you can prevent and relieve new and even decades-old scar adhesions associated with your C-section shelf. These long term remedies should help to reduce the appearance of your C-section shelf:
Scar Massage
Scar adhesions usually develop in the area underneath and around your C-section incision where one layer of tissue may be stuck to another layer when it should usually glide freely.
Scar mobilisation is to massage the scar tissue which increases blood flow to the area and helps to gradually break up adhesions and free the surrounding tissues. The idea is to loosen the scar from the tissue, so it doesn’t get “stuck” to the layers below. Helping to break up adhesions will improve the function of your core/abdomen and appearance of your c-section shelf.
You can perform a c-section scar massage yourself and/or a pelvic floor physical therapist can help. Begin with small circular massages (using a moisturiser or oil for your skin) to promote blood flow, support the healing process, and reduce discomfort.
Remember to wait until your incision is completely healed, (usually after 6 weeks postpartum) and you feel ready to begin developing a healing relationship with your scar.
Skin Care
A consistent skin routine can help to visibly reduce the appearance of the incision scarring, stretch marks, and the laxity of your skin.
Can exercise help to improve my C-section Shelf?
A therapeutic exercise routine may help with excess fat and help to heal your postpartum core and pelvic floor, however no form of exercise will completely ‘fix’ your postpartum skin. Improve a C-section shelf and heal diastasis recti by focusing on deep core training while factoring in total body workouts to build strength and stamina.
Is it too late to start ‘treat’ my C-Section Shelf?
A lot of preventative healing happens in the first six months postpartum, but it is never too late to begin personal rehabilitation.
Healing from a c-section takes patience and the acceptance of your birth story and the way you feel about yourself can have a huge effect on the relationship you have with your body and your self-esteem. If you are preparing for or recovering from a C-Section birth, our Maternal Health Consultant, Vanessa Werner can help to address any emotional challenges and provide you with personalised information and support.
Book a session with Vanessa Werner.
INGREDIENTS
Author: Cookie and Kate and Adapted from The Southern Vegetarian Cookbook.
HEALTH TIP FROM HEALTH COACH, KIRSTEN ROSE
As we head further into winter many of us find ourselves drawn to starchy comfort food. However, eating fewer carbohydrates can be a helpful way to regulate blood glucose levels and support metabolic health. Eating too many on a regular basis can lead to frequent blood sugar spikes and falls. This pattern can make your odds of developing metabolic syndrome and its related conditions (including insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease) more likely over time.
Carbs are present in some form in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy and grain based products to name a few. They can also be a rich source of vitamins and minerals in our diet, so for most people we don't want to eliminate them completely. What we mostly want to avoid is refined carbs, like sugar and wheat flours. Pairing carbs with essential nutrients like protein, fibre, and healthy fats, will help create a more balanced blood sugar response.
What happens in pregnancy, labour and birth all impact how a woman becomes a mother and cares for her babies. These are the years that are formative, creating ripples that can affect generations of family to come.
I’ve come to realise that women aren’t able to entirely "recover” from each chapter of motherhood. Instead, we only continue to build upon the many tiers of our journey.
Pregnancy, on into Birth, on into Postpartum. Each tier morphing and merging into the next.
Healing is a cyclical experience, as is the impact of trauma and what happens to us during the transformative trimesters of pregnancy, birth and postpartum (the changes of our bodies, the shifts in our identity), will ultimately shape HOW we mother and WHO we are as mothers.
We are transformed permanently, psychologically and physically.
There is a shift of our root perspective and a restructuring of our internal consciousness so that we are never going to be able to see life as we saw it before. We may outgrow friendships, reassess priorities and start to grieve the deep knowing that we are leaving behind a way of life that we so independently worked hard to create.
Once our babies are born, we view postpartum as the opportunity to heal, but there is no going back to who we were before birth, or even before pregnancy. Yes, who we were lives within us, stored in our nervous system and memories, even surfacing with emotional and behavioural patterns, but we cannot turn back the clock.
What can we do to bring a sense of closure to each chapter of your motherhood journey? (Pregnancy, birth and postpartum
By always playing a proactive part in our journey we can work to understand and to feel into the stages and layers of change, not only in our body but also the shifts in our thought patterns and experienced emotions.
To feel prepared for your birth and supported during your postpartum recovery, Vanessa is available at Auckland Physiotherapy for appointments on Fridays and Saturdays.
'Click here' to book.
Having worked within high performance sport in the UK, the pressures on young, promising athletes to reach their full potential is immense. That pressure comes from a variety of different sources, parents, peers, coaches, performance staff and the player themselves. That pressure is a double edged sword. On one hand it helps to drive the athlete to raise the bar in terms of improvements in performance, but on the other it may hinder development and lead to extra physical as well as emotional stress, especially where injury is concerned.
Nowadays, young athletes are training more often each week, for longer durations and often with additional strength and conditioning demands. Couple that cocktail with the fact that these same players may be playing for school and local clubs and you can see a very hectic training schedule.
A typical week may look like 3 training sessions a week for Club, alongside 1-2 training sessions a week for school, leading up to 2 games on the weekend. The strength and conditioning sessions would be a minimum of 1 x week. That week doesn’t even take into account that these young athletes are still studying at school with additional academic, social and emotional demands. Physical and psychological load is very high.
Often when that load is not managed correctly, it is when the risk of injury is generally higher. If you would like advice on load management or ensuring your body (or your child's) has the strength, flexibility and endurance to cope with that load, talk to David.
Injury prevention tip:
For more advice, book a session with David Bahadoor HERE
Facing a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience that brings with it a multitude of physical and emotional challenges. As medical advancements continue to improve cancer treatment outcomes, the significance of integrating Physiotherapy rehabilitation into the care plan of cancer patients has gained substantial recognition and research backing.
Ideally it would be part of everyone’s cancer journey, so we’re delighted to be able to restart our cancer rehabilitation service here at Auckland Physiotherapy. Kirsten will now be providing PINC and STEEL certified cancer rehabilitation in 1-1 sessions and group classes.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the essential reasons why exercise and Physiotherapy have been shown to be incredibly beneficial for individuals navigating their cancer journey.
Inclusive Programs for All Stages:
The PINC and STEEL programs have emerged as beacons of hope for people with cancer, embracing individuals from the initial diagnosis to those 25+ years post-diagnosis. This inclusivity underscores the understanding that exercise and rehabilitation are essential not only for recovery but also for enhancing long-term quality of life. It’s never too early or too late to start.
Embarking on cancer treatment is daunting, but early intervention through Physiotherapy can provide a sense of preparedness and understanding. Starting rehabilitation prior to surgery or other treatment can equip you with tools to counteract and manage potential challenges, ultimately facilitating a faster recovery process.
Remaining physically active during cancer treatment is paramount. Physiotherapy helps to reduce pain, increase energy levels, minimise side effects, prevent complications, and alleviate stress and anxiety. It counteracts the adverse effects of inactivity, enabling you to maintain your strength and resilience throughout treatment.
Post-surgery and treatment can bring various physical hurdles. Physiotherapists specialise in identifying these challenges and designing interventions that address specific issues like pain, strength reduction, body image concerns, and fatigue. By reintroducing movement and exercise, secondary health conditions can be prevented, and the likelihood of cancer recurrence reduced.
Individually Tailored Treatment:
Cancer rehabilitation extends beyond medical treatment by acknowledging the importance of holistic well-being. With a focus on empowering you to regain control of your life, Physiotherapists create bespoke exercise regimens that cater to your specific needs and limitations. This personalised approach ensures that rehabilitation aligns with your unique condition, treatment trajectory, and goals. Some of the benefits of engaging in rehabilitation include:
In summary, the role of Physiotherapy rehabilitation as part of a cancer journey is nothing short of transformative. We can offer hope, strength and a roadmap to recovery. With each session we can support you to take a step closer to reclaiming your life from the clutches of cancer. It really is making better lives possible.
If you’d like to find out more about our cancer rehabilitation service click here or you can book a complimentary call with Kirsten to discuss your needs.
We have been approved funding for a group cancer rehabilitation class. We're looking for 5 women to join our first group. The classes start on Tuesday 17th October at 12.30 for one hour and will run once per week for 6 weeks. Cost for the classes is covered by the PINC & STEEL Foundation.
To be eligible for the group:
If you think this class could be for you please book a complimentary call with Kirsten to discuss your situation.
The recovery shorts/ leggings help to speed up your post-pregnancy recovery and:
If that doesn't convince you, here are seven compelling reasons why you should consider choosing SRC Recovery Compression garments:
For the best fit and performance, it is recommended to have someone else take your measurements, as proper sizing is crucial for the garment's effectiveness. You can find a helpful video and size chart on our website. If you need further assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to contact our reception at 093664880 or reach out via [email protected].
Incorporating strength/resistance training into our daily lives
As we age, we naturally begin to experience some reduction in lean muscle mass, strength and function, a process known as sarcopenia. Strength training, also known as weight or resistance training is highly beneficial to everyone because it helps build strength, stability, endurance, preserves bone density and builds overall muscle mass.
Research has been showing us for a number of years now, that strength and resistance training are just as important as the cardio aspect of your workout. Depending on your health and fitness goals, there are many reasons why strength and resistance training is the key to achieving them.
What is strength training?
For some people, the phrase strength training is intimidating, but you actually need to look at it in a different light - that it’s enhancing your ability to move safely and effectively in your life, not becoming the next bodybuilder! For example; your ability to lift something and put it on a shelf, carry your groceries in the door, bend down and pick something up.
Strength training is a type of physical activity which focuses on the use of resistance and weights to induce muscle contraction which builds strength. The basic principle is to apply load and overload the muscle so it needs to adapt and get stronger. When training for strength, we are aiming to train the nervous system as much as we are muscles. The nervous system adapts by firing more rapid impulses and activating more muscle fibres which in turn make us stronger. One reason why people can be much more prone to injury if strength or resistance movement is not part of their life is because their muscles and connective tissue are weak due to never being stimulated.
At its heart, strength training is based on functional movements — lifting, pushing, pulling in order to build muscle and coordination needed for everyday activities. The stronger you are as you age, the more robust you will be in the real world.
Why strength training?
Did you know that a reduction in lean muscle mass, strength and function can begin as early as your 30's and continue at a rate of 3% to 5% per decade! So the outcome of regular strength or resistance training can actually slow down the loss of skeletal muscle mass/strength quite significantly. Therefore it is great for people of all ages to adopt some strength and resistance movement into their lives as it can help you preserve and enhance this natural loss of lean muscle mass that comes with ageing.
The benefits of strength training
Many ongoing physical health conditions can be managed better and reduced by regular strength training, but there are many benefits for everyone that make adding some resistance to your workout worthwhile:
How to integrate strength/resistance training into your fitness regime:
Many people find using a dedicated exercise studio or facility to do their strength training is a good option, as they often have a range of equipment available, as well as help from exercise professionals if you need it. However this is not your only option! Your strength training workout can be done at home or at your local park using your own bodyweight …. whether it’s squats, lunges, push-ups, or one of the endless variety of exercises.
There is a large range of resistance equipment available for all levels - many of these are in our very own Auckland Physiotherapy Health Collective shop. If you are not sure what you need, our team at Auckland Physiotherapy can help you with this.
Do I need a professional to help with my strength training?
There are no downsides to being stronger. The only thing you need to consider is this: how much does strength contribute to what you want to achieve? If you are going to start down the path to getting stronger, it is important to have a solid plan from the start. Getting advice from a qualified and experienced Personal Trainer can help you to make sure you are using the correct exercises that are the best fit for your biomechanics, past/current injuries, exercise goals and fitness level. Get in touch with Adele at Auckland Physiotherapy if you are interested in adding some strength training into your daily exercise routine and she will be able to help you out.
Overall, here at Auckland Physiotherapy we always say - at the end of the day, moving and being active in any way is a great start. The short version is we stand a much higher chance of actually avoiding injury if we are strong, flexible and well balanced. Specific types of exercise have some pretty awesome benefits, with strength training definitely being one and this is certainly going to help you to live a more mobile, energetic and longer life!
In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good posture often takes a back seat. However, it is crucial to recognise that good posture plays a significant role in our overall health and wellbeing. In this post, we will delve into the importance of good posture to highlight the positive impact it can have on various aspects of our lives.
Optimal Spinal Alignment
Proper posture ensures that our spine is aligned correctly, maintaining the natural curves of the spine. According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, maintaining good posture helps distribute mechanical stresses evenly on the spine, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and back pain [1]. Additionally, research published in the European Spine Journal found that maintaining an erect posture during sitting significantly reduces the load on spinal discs compared to slouching [2].
Improved Breathing and Digestion
Posture affects our breathing and digestion. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies highlighted that an upright sitting posture facilitates optimal lung function and deeper breaths, leading to improved oxygenation of the body and increased energy levels [3]. Sitting or standing in the correct postural position allows your lungs to fully expand, increasing your oxygen intake.
Enhanced Muscle Function
Maintaining proper alignment of the spine and other joints is crucial for optimal musculoskeletal health. Good posture distributes the forces exerted on our bodies evenly, reducing excessive stress on specific muscles and joints. This in turn can prevent chronic pain, muscle imbalances, and the development of musculoskeletal conditions. Having good posture also relies on engaging our core muscles including our abdominal and back muscles. By keeping these muscles engaged your core strength will improve over time. This again is linked to reducing the risk of injuries over time.
Increased Energy and Confidence
Maintaining good posture positively affects our energy levels and psychological wellbeing. Good posture allows for better circulation, leading to increased alertness and overall vitality. Ensuring that you have the correct alignment is vital to ensuring you maintain the correct posture. Getting seen by a physiotherapist can help with this and set you up to align your spine correctly to enable you to maintain this position over time.
Posture at Work
Whether you are sitting or standing in your workplace it is important to ensure you are maintaining your correct postural alignment. If you work at a desk all day, an ergonomically workstation is important for maintaining the health of your back, shoulders, arms and wrists. Ideally, your desk should be slightly below elbow level so that your forearms and wrists can stay parallel to the floor when typing. Be sure that your shoulders stay relaxed, not hunched. Typing with poor posture and ergonomics can cause various types of repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. These conditions can affect not just the wrists but the whole upper body. They are painful and can be difficult to treat, so it’s important to nip them in the bud. Physiotherapists can help you to ensure your workstation is set up correctly.
The significance of good posture cannot be understated when it comes to our health and well-being. Supported by scientific research, we have explored how proper posture influences spinal alignment, breathing, digestion, muscle function, energy levels, and long-term health. By prioritising good posture and making conscious efforts to maintain it, we can reap the numerous benefits it offers.
If you would like to work on posture, or even have a workstation assessment book in to see our Physio’s or Pilates instructors to have a postural assessment and work on postural wellbeing.
By Lisa Brooker, Senior Physiotherapist + Pilates Instructor
References
1. Kim SH, et al. (2015). Comparison of spinal alignment, body balance, and muscle strength in women in their 20s and 30s with and without chronic lower back pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(7), 2189-2192.
2. O'Sullivan PB, et al. (2002). The effect of posture and seat design on the discomfort and back muscle activation of sitting workers with chronic low back pain. European Spine Journal, 11(1), 50-55. 3. Smith MD, et al. (2017). The effect of posture on lung volumes and oxygen saturation in healthy adults. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(2), 299-