Pregnancy or postnatal pain? You do not have to put up with it
Pain at the front or back of the pelvis turning over in bed, aching across the lower back as your bump grows, or an achy back and wrists from lifting and feeding a newborn. Our Muswell Hill physio Katy is trained in pregnancy-related physiotherapy and can help.
★★★★★ 4.9 on Google from 67 reviews of our Muswell Hill clinic
Quick answer: Pelvic girdle pain and back pain are common in pregnancy and after birth, and they usually improve with physio: advice on moving and resting, hands-on treatment and gentle strengthening. Katy sees pregnancy and postnatal pain at our Muswell Hill clinic, 360 Med, 120 Fortis Green Road, N10 3HN. For pelvic floor checks and the Mummy MOT, Maddy at our Hampstead clinic is our specialist.
Common pregnancy and postnatal pain
Pelvic girdle pain
Front or back of the pelvis
Pain on stairs, getting dressed, turning in bed or walking.
Lower back pain
Growing bump
Aching that builds through the day, often worse when standing long.
Postnatal back and neck
Lifting and feeding
Strain from carrying, feeding and car seats in the early months.
Rib and upper back pain
Later pregnancy
Tightness under the ribs as the baby grows.
Around 1 in 5 pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain. It is common, but it is not something you simply have to wait out. Small changes to how you move, sit and sleep, plus targeted exercise and hands-on treatment, usually make a real difference.
These gentle ball-based moves are a good starting point.
Physio exercises to help pelvic girdle pain
Pain in pregnancy?
Book with Katy at our Muswell Hill clinic.
How physio helps
- A careful assessment of your pelvis, back and hips
- Practical advice for stairs, getting in and out of the car and sleeping
- Gentle hands-on treatment where it eases pain
- Safe strengthening and Pilates-style exercise through pregnancy
- A postnatal plan back to walking, lifting and exercise
1 in 5
pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain
Wu et al, Eur Spine J 2004
Exercise
during pregnancy is safe and recommended for most women
RCOG and CMO guidance
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
Pregnant and struggling with back pain? Try these
Back pain in pregnancy often eases with the right movement. Here are four physio-guided options.
Speak to your midwife, GP or maternity unit promptly if you have
- Bleeding, fluid loss or reduced baby movements
- Severe or one-sided pain in your tummy
- Calf pain or swelling, or breathlessness: call 999
- New numbness around the genitals or loss of bladder or bowel control: call 999
Meet your Muswell Hill physios
Katy is trained in pregnancy-related physiotherapy and Pilates. Rebecca treats back, joint and sports problems alongside her.
Katy Abrahams
Senior Physiotherapist
Katy treats sports injuries and back and neck pain, and is trained in pregnancy-related physiotherapy and Pilates.
Rebecca Mulvey
Chartered Physiotherapist
Rebecca treats a wide range of pain and injuries and has a particular interest in rehab after surgery, including ACL reconstruction.
What our Muswell Hill patients say
★★★★★
“I saw Katy for 6 months for chronic achilles tendonitis in both legs and am very pleased with the results!”
★★★★★
“I started with very little movement and wasn’t convinced I’d get much of it back.”
★★★★★
“Rebecca has helped me to run again following postpartum pelvic pain. Her guidance has completely changed the course of the recovery.”
Watch: pregnancy pain advice
Short videos from our physios.
Pregnancy related pelvic pain
How Katy can help your recovery
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 Muswell Hill 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
Need a pelvic floor assessment or Mummy MOT? See Maddy at BOOST PHYSIO Hampstead. Read more about our pelvic health physio service.
Book with Katy in Muswell Hill
BOOST PHYSIO Muswell Hill, 360 Med, 120 Fortis Green Road, N10 3HN.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Muswell Hill clinic?
At 360 Med, 120 Fortis Green Road, N10 3HN, in the heart of Muswell Hill.
Is physio safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Treatment and exercise are adapted to your stage of pregnancy, and we will always check with you about anything you are unsure of.
Do you offer the Mummy MOT in Muswell Hill?
Our Mummy MOT trained physios are Maddy at Hampstead and Catriona at Elstree. Katy treats pregnancy and postnatal back and pelvic pain in Muswell Hill.
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 Katy Abrahams and Rebecca Mulvey at BOOST PHYSIO Muswell Hill. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- Wu WH et al. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPP), I. Eur Spine J 2004;13:575-589.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Exercise in pregnancy: patient information. rcog.org.uk.
- Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP). Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain leaflet. thepogp.co.uk.
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.
