Studio in the Kiln, Empowering Women’s Health: Meet the Teams in Cranleigh here to support you!
Women encounter numerous health and fitness challenges at different stages of their lives. At Smithbrook Kilns the Cancer Rehab Collective and Studio in the Kiln Women’s Health Teams are here to support you!
These teams are here to support the women of our community through pregnancy and post-natal recovery, breast and gynecological cancers, menopause and more.
Meet the team
Lynsey – Women’s health physiotherapist
Debbie – Holistic Core Restore® coach, cancer exercise specialist, soft tissue and scar therapist
Steph – Exercise Physiologist and cancer exercise specialist
Tina – MLD and scar therapist
Sarah – Therapeutic Counsellor and Life Coach.
“Women’s bodies are remarkable but women’s health conditions such as incontinence and pelvic organ pain can have a severe impact on quality of life and the limited access to services within the overwhelmed NHS mean that many women do not get access to the treatment they need. For post-natal women a routine follow up is 10 mins with GP and not long enough to discuss any concerns a new mother may have with returning to sport, diastasis (the separation between your stomach muscles during pregnancy) and assessment of pelvic floor dysfunction.” says Lynsey, Women’s Health Physio.
Debbie Beling highlights that the teams are here to support these women with specialist therapies and exercise programming to help them get back to the activities they love!
Phases of life where Women’s Health requires specific support
Whatever phase of life you are experiencing, we have it covered!
Pre-Natal Care
Prenatal care for expectant mothers is useful to prepare a woman for childbirth and to cope with a rapidly changing body. Pregnancy is not always as easy as the images would lead us to believe. We can help with pregnancy associated pain, addressing pelvic floor weaknesses, postural changes, management of diastasis recti, a condition where six-pack ab muscles separate during pregnancy due to stretching, and preparation for post-natal recovery.
A Mummy MOT is a specialist post-natal examination for women following both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. It will assess how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after birth. And if they’re not, then we can provide you with exercises and treatment to help in your recovery and to return to exercise safely.
Up to half of all women experience weakness in both the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and up to a third still have a tummy gap at eight weeks post-birth and beyond. This can cause instability or poor core strength leading to women developing pelvic or back pain or bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. These conditions should not be something you just put up with as a result of having a baby.
Post op and Injury Scar Therapy
As your body heals after injury or surgery such as hysterectomy, C-section or breast reconstruction/augmentation, scar tissue forms. Scar tissue is fibrotic and less mobile and can cause pain, sensitivity, reduce movement or tightness. Specialist scar therapy uses massage, fascial release, therapy tools and self-care advice to promote healthy recovery, reduce pain and the appearance of scars. This will also help improve your movements. It is never too late to try as old scars can benefit as well.
Menopause support
The Holistic Core Restore® program offers invaluable support to women navigating the challenges of menopause. Through a holistic approach that combines targeted exercises, education, and lifestyle modifications, this program addresses the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes associated with menopause. Specifically designed to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles, the program helps alleviate symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain, which can often intensify during menopause. Additionally, by focusing on posture, breathing techniques, and stress management strategies, the program empowers women to improve their overall well-being, reduce menopausal symptoms, and enhance their quality of life during this transitional phase.
With the guidance of skilled instructors and the support of a community of women, participants of the Holistic Core Restore® program find renewed confidence, vitality and resilience as they embrace their journey through menopause.
Breast Cancer Support
Physiotherapy and exercise medicine should form a part of everyone’s breast cancer treatment pathway to help minimize side effects, optimize treatments and reduce risk of cancer recurrence. We work with women at all stages of treatment whether that is preparing for surgery, during radiotherapy or chemotherapy or after treatment. Our hands on therapy and exercise guidance helps to reduce pain, regain fitness, increase range of movement, reduce anxiety or depression. We are specially trained to help with specific side effects such as axillar web syndrome (cording), lymphoedema, fatigue, scar tissue tightness, graph site rehab, peripheral neuropathy and menopause symptoms, bone health, pelvic health and much more.
Gynaecological Cancer Support
Our cancer exercise specialists and oncology physiotherapists play a crucial role in supporting individuals with gynaecological cancer throughout their treatment and recovery process. We address physical challenges that may arise due to the cancer and its treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. Our interventions focus on improving mobility, reducing pain and enhancing quality of life. We also offer guidance on managing symptoms such as lymphoedema, pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction using techniques such as scar therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, therapeutic exercise and education. We collaborate with your oncology team to contribute to a comprehensive plan that supports your holistic well-being during and after cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Our Women’s health team are here to help you manage these challenges, ready for ongoing changes to your body. We will provide you with specialised interventions and exercises tailored to your needs to help promote optimal function, improved quality of life and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Testimonials
My bowel movements have improved … my midline has virtually closed up and I feel generally stronger in myself. I haven’t suffered with back pain during my general day to day life … and I have lost 7lbs which is an unexpected benefit.
I have no hesitation in recommending Gemma Harris and her associates to anyone being treated for cancer.
Whilst I’ve always been active, exercise classes have never been my thing. However, with Gemma’s encouragement I’m embracing the idea. From my reading, the evidence is clear that exercise is a key component of both effective treatment and reducing the risk of reoccurrence.
Gemma’s holistic approach, providing physio, exercise, scar tissue massage and counselling is so valuable. I wish everyone could access such great care.
The results have been so good. (In 6 weeks) I have lost 5 inches in total, lost 5lbs, feel alive and healthier as well as being able to sneeze without wetting myself. I have a completely different mindset on the health needs and requirements that my body needs during the menopause. Mentally and physically I feel stronger and fitter.
If you would like to book any of our services, whether that is our rehab services or a Pilates class you simply need to give us a call, message us on social media or send us an email. No referral necessary. If you are not sure if we can help you, a FREE 15 minute discovery call can be arranged with any of our team.
Up and Coming Events when you can find out more:
Prosecco and Pelvic Floor WorkShop
Do you want to understand how your pelvic floor works? Do you know you need to do your pelvic floor exercises but never remember?
Join us for a night of fun, wisdom and education for women at every stage:
What is your pelvic floor and what happens during pregnancy and the menopause
How to get your pelvic floor working for you
How to restore your core and abdominal exercises you can safely do
The importance of exercise for women
Tips on understanding your body
Find out more about the Mummy MOT
£25 including prosecco or FREE when you sign up for any of our WH services. Booking essential – email a for dates and details.
Meno-movement workshop
An evening of gentle exercise to support and strengthen your body. Includes exercise customized to address menopause symptoms all in a wonderfully supportive community!
Boost your energy: Rediscover vitality through purposeful movement.
Enhance your Emotional Wellbeing:
Exercise to uplift your mood and reduce stress
Support you: Share your challenges and get the right support
£25 or FREE when you sign up for any of our Meno-movement programs. Booking essential – email for dates and details.
