Antenatal Physiotherapy Clapham

Antenatal Physiotherapy Conditions and Treatments

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  The pelvic floor undergoes enormous strain during pregnancy. Dysfunction can present as weakness, overactivity, or poor coordination — causing symptoms such as leaking, pelvic heaviness, or discomfort. Our prenatal physiotherapy assessment identifies the root cause and guides a personalised treatment plan to restore control, reduce symptoms, and protect your pelvic health throughout pregnancy and beyond.

• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

  Pelvic girdle pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, causing pain and instability across the pelvis, hips, and lower back. Our prenatal physiotherapy assessment identifies which joints are affected, guiding a targeted treatment plan including manual therapy, exercise, and support belt advice — helping you stay mobile and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

• Lower Back Pain

  Back pain, particularly in the lower back, is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy as posture shifts and the spine adapts to your growing bump. Our prenatal physiotherapy assessment identifies the underlying cause, guiding a personalised treatment plan including manual therapy, postural correction, and tailored exercise to keep you comfortable and active.

• Sciatica

  Sciatica is a common complaint during pregnancy, caused by the growing uterus placing pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can result in sharp, shooting pain radiating from the lower back down through the buttocks and legs. Prenatal physiotherapy can help through targeted stretches, postural correction, and gentle exercises designed to relieve nerve compression and reduce discomfort.

• Round Ligament Pain

  Round ligament pain is a sharp or aching sensation felt in the lower abdomen or groin, common during the second trimester as your uterus grows. Prenatal physiotherapy can help manage this discomfort through gentle stretches, postural advice, and supportive techniques that reduce strain on the ligaments, helping you move more comfortably throughout your pregnancy.

• Rib and Upper Back Pain

  Rib and upper back pain is common during pregnancy as your growing uterus shifts your posture and expands your ribcage. Increased breast weight and hormonal changes can further strain the thoracic spine. Physiotherapy can help through targeted stretches, postural correction, breathing techniques and hands-on treatment to relieve tension and improve comfort throughout your pregnancy.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

  Carpal tunnel syndrome is common during pregnancy due to fluid retention causing pressure on the median nerve, resulting in hand tingling, numbness, and weakness. Our we provide gentle splinting advice, nerve gliding exercises, and postural guidance to relieve symptoms and help you maintain comfort and hand function throughout your pregnancy.

• Diastasis Recti (Tummy Gap)

  Diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles separate along the midline during pregnancy, a common and natural response to your growing baby. This separation can cause core weakness, lower back pain and pelvic instability. Our prenatal physiotherapists provide tailored assessment and safe, effective exercises to manage symptoms, support recovery and maintain your strength throughout pregnancy.

• Urinary Incontinence and Urgency

  Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh — or feeling a sudden, urgent need to go — is common during pregnancy but not something you simply have to accept. Prenatal physiotherapy addresses the underlying pelvic floor muscle dysfunction causing these symptoms, helping you regain control, build strength, and feel more confident throughout your pregnancy.

• Hip Pain

  Hip pain is extremely common during pregnancy as your body releases relaxin, causing ligaments to loosen and your centre of gravity to shift. Our prenatal physiotherapists can assess your movement patterns, provide targeted strengthening exercises, and recommend supportive techniques to reduce discomfort, helping you stay active and comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.

• Constipation

  Constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy due to hormonal changes slowing digestion and increased pressure from your growing baby. A prenatal physiotherapist can provide guidance on safe exercises, positioning techniques, and abdominal massage to help stimulate bowel movement. Staying hydrated and maintaining gentle movement can significantly ease discomfort throughout your pregnancy.”

The Clapham Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is physiotherapy safe during pregnancy?

  Yes, prenatal physiotherapy is safe at all stages of pregnancy. Our treatments are specifically adapted for pregnancy, using gentle, evidence-based techniques that are appropriate for you and your baby. We work closely with your midwife or consultant where needed to ensure your care is fully supported.

• How does physiotherapy help prepare you for labour?

  Prenatal physiotherapy helps prepare your body for labour in several ways — improving pelvic floor awareness and control, optimising posture and mobility, and guiding you through breathing and relaxation techniques. We also advise on birth positions and pushing techniques, giving you the knowledge and confidence to approach labour feeling physically and mentally prepared.

• Do you provide physiotherapy after childbirth?

  Yes, we offer postnatal physiotherapy to support your recovery after birth. Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or caesarean section, we provide personalised care to help you heal, rebuild strength, and return to the activities you love — at a pace that’s right for you.

• When should I start antenatal physiotherapy?

  Ideally as early as possible — you don’t need to be in pain to benefit. Early assessment can identify potential issues before they worsen and set you up with the right exercise programme from the start.

• How many sessions will I need?

  This varies depending on your condition and goals. Some women benefit from a single assessment and home programme, while others require ongoing treatment throughout their pregnancy.

What our patients say

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 32 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sana Bukhari 
 
 
 
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I’ve recently started working with Liv and have found the few sessions helpful so far. She’s very knowledgable and experienced and has been able to provide me with new ways of relaxing my muscles, things I would not have thought to try had it not been for her recommendations. She’s very understanding and patient as well which helps me to relax during our sessions.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sandie Dunne 
 
 
 
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After years of bladder weakness and stress i continence trying years of yoga, pilates and medication I found Olivia Denman at Liv Physio a specialist women’s and pelvic floor physio in weeks this has been miraculously transformative and I’ve only just started to make the changes so essential to improving my quality of pelvic floor and life  more generally still more to do but wholeheartedly recommend Olivia
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Laura Perez Millan 
 
 
 
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Incredibly professional. She gives you a holistic view of the body and your condition. By following her advice, I’ve seen an improvement in less than a week
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Charlotte 
 
 
 
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The support and reassurance has been so helpful, not to mention how knowledgeable Liv is. Highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Charlie Cole 
 
 
 
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Liv has been incredible during my marathon journey. I came to her with some knee pains during my training which was stopping me from running. Not only did Liv know what the problem was instantly, but provided the support and plan to get me back to running the marathon! I could not have asked for a better physio during this time and would recommend her to anyone.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Katy Davis 
 
 
 
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Liv is a really great physio! She listens really carefully and is very thorough in her initial assessment. She’s created such a helpful and easy to follow exercise programme. After just 1 session I’m already feeling the benefits.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Charlie Bowker 
 
 
 
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An amazing experience for a sore knee. Really thorough assessment, clear advice, and an effective treatment plan. Saw a big improvement in pain and mobility within a few weeks. Highly recommend!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Gizem A 
 
 
 
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Liv is an excellent physiotherapist. During my third trimester I was dealing with excruciating SI joint pain due to pregnancy. I could barely walk, would get stuck after just 5 minutes, and was in pain all day. After working with her for just 3 weeks, my pain decreased immensely. Now I have almost no pain and I feel much more comfortable going into labor, all thanks to her. She is very professional and knowledgeable, and you can clearly tell she is very passionate about her work. I highly recommend her to any pregnant woman experiencing similar issues!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 May 
 
 
 
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Having suffered lower back pain for years and tried everything including physio with no avail, I was recommended seeing Liv by a friend. After only 3 sessions I started to see changes and now 3 months on I’m pain free. Liv picked up small important details no one else had identified which had made all the difference. She’s an expert in understanding the female body!
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

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