Women’s health physio in Elstree
Leaking when you cough or exercise, heaviness, pelvic pain in pregnancy or not feeling right after having a baby. These problems are common and very treatable, and you do not need to wait for them to get worse.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google from 85 reviews of our Elstree clinic
Quick answer: Catriona Benson, our Elstree women’s health physio, is trained in the Mummy MOT. She assesses and treats pelvic floor problems, pregnancy related pelvic and back pain and postnatal recovery at HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, WD6 3BS, including an internal examination when appropriate and with your consent. She is our women’s health physio for Borehamwood, Radlett, Bushey and Elstree.
What we help with
Bladder leaking
Stress and urge incontinence
With coughing, sneezing, jumping, running or a sudden urge.
Prolapse symptoms
Heaviness or a bulge
Often worse later in the day or after standing a long time.
Pregnancy pain
Pelvic girdle and back pain
Pain at the front or back of the pelvis on stairs, in bed or walking.
Postnatal recovery
Pelvic floor and tummy gap
A safe plan back to running, the gym or classes.
Women are often told leaking or pelvic pain is just part of having children. It is common, but it is not normal to put up with. Guided pelvic floor training is the first treatment NICE recommends, and it works best with a proper assessment so you know you are doing it right.
In this video Catriona introduces herself and how she works.
Meet Catriona Benson
Talk to our women’s health physio
Book with Catriona at our Elstree clinic.
The Mummy MOT
What is a Mummy MOT?
The Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal check of your pelvic floor, tummy muscles and posture, usually from about 6 weeks after birth. It includes a check for tummy muscle separation and, if you are happy, an internal pelvic floor examination, then a clear plan for recovery and exercise.
What to expect
- A private, unhurried appointment to talk through your symptoms and history
- An internal examination only if appropriate and with your consent
- A pelvic floor and strength plan that fits around family life
- Advice on returning to running, the gym and lifting your children
- Follow up to check progress and adjust the plan
1 in 3
women experience urinary incontinence after having a baby
NICE NG210, 2021
3 months
of supervised pelvic floor training is the first-line treatment
NICE NG210, 2021
1 in 5
pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain
Wu et al, Eur Spine J 2004
See your GP or midwife promptly if you have
- Bleeding, fluid loss or reduced baby movements in pregnancy
- New loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain or numbness: call 999
- Worsening pain or fever after birth
- Blood in your urine
Meet your Elstree physios
Catriona leads women’s health at Elstree, and Jolene treats back, neck and joint problems alongside her.
Catriona Benson
Senior Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Catriona treats sports injuries and is our Elstree women’s health physio, trained in the Mummy MOT.
Jolene Sher
Specialist Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Jolene leads our Elstree and Borehamwood clinicians, with a special interest in back and neck pain and Pilates-based rehab.
What our Elstree patients say
★★★★★
“It was amazing working with Catriona Benson as I recovered from an injury - She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, kind and intentional.”
★★★★★
“Catriona Benson has a wonderful empathetic bedside manner and is a good communicator of the science behind her manipulations and advice.”
★★★★★
“Catriona was brilliant. She totally understands women’s bodies post partum and started to put a plan in place to help.”
Watch: women’s health advice
Short videos from our women’s health physios.
Women’s health physiotherapy: what to expect
Pelvic floor issues after having a baby?
Pregnancy related pelvic pain
One clinic, the experience of a whole team
Something our patients don’t always realise is how much support sits behind each physio. Our team trains together twice a month and every physio has a dedicated mentor who reviews cases with them, so when you see us in Elstree you get the experience of the whole BOOST PHYSIO group.
- Same day appointments, seven days a week across our clinics
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva
Live nearer North London? Maddy at our Hampstead clinic is also Mummy MOT trained. Read more about our pelvic health physio service.
Book with our women’s health physio
BOOST PHYSIO Elstree, HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, WD6 3BS.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Elstree clinic?
At HCA Elstree Outpatients Centre, Beaufort House, The Waterfront, Elstree Road, WD6 3BS.
Do I have to have an internal examination?
No. It gives the most accurate picture, but it is only done if appropriate and you are comfortable. We can still help without it.
When can I have a Mummy MOT?
Usually from about 6 weeks after a vaginal birth and 8 weeks after a caesarean. It is never too late.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physio?
No. You can book directly with us online, by phone or on WhatsApp. If you are claiming on private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a GP or specialist referral.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Bring your authorisation number and policy details and we will do the rest.
Written and clinically reviewed by Steven Berkman, BSc Physiotherapy (University of Cape Town), HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapist, MCSP, founder of BOOST PHYSIO in 2008, with Catriona Benson and Jolene Sher at BOOST PHYSIO Elstree. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Pelvic floor dysfunction: prevention and non-surgical management (NG210). 2021.
- Wu WH et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I. Eur Spine J 2004;13:575-589.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, book an assessment or speak to your GP. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 111 or 999.
