Melanie graduated from the University of Manchester in 2000 and then worked at North Staffs hospital until 2002. Melanie completed junior rotations there and gained a senior 2 position within musculoskeletal therapy.
In 2002 Melanie moved to Stoke City football club as Head Academy physiotherapist and also covered the reserve team matches. Melanie worked full time with the U19s team and also coordinated the physiotherapy provision for the 9-16 schoolboy programme.
In 2004 Melanie joined the team at Church Lane physiotherapy clinic initially as a musculo-skeletal specialist. Melanie has developed a special interest in Women’s Health physiotherapy and, in 2012 set up and developed a service treating a wide range of conditions including urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse. Whilst consolidating and increasing her knowledge and skill set Melanie has forged links with the local obstetricians and gynaecologists. The women’s health service now comprises three specialist physiotherapists.
1 in 3 women experience women’s health problems in their lifetime and recent research shows that the average time from onset of symptoms to seeking is 7-10 years. Many, however, tolerate these problems as they are too embarrassed to seek help, are told it is “normal” or are unaware that there are treatments available.
Melanie offers a comprehensive assessment in a confidential setting with specialist treatment and management of many women’s health issues and treats the following conditions;
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic pain
- Pregnancy related back and pelvic pain
- Abdominal separation following childbirth (Diastasis Recti)
- Sexual dysfunction
The treatments offered at the clinic are;
- Rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles.
- Internal manual therapy techniques including biofeedback.
- Electrical stimulation.
- Advice on fluid balance.
- Advice on toileting and positional modifications.
- Advice on pregnancy, labour and childbirth.
- Musculoskeletal manual therapy for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain.
- Exercise in pregnancy.
- Core stability postnatally.
Many women ignore pelvic health problems as they are busy raising a family and working. However, the earlier you seek help for these issues the better the outcome is likely to be. It does not matter if you are 12 weeks, 12 months or 12 years postnatal but it DOES MATTER if you:
- Leak when you cough/laugh/sneeze
- Run to the toilet a lot
- Feel that ‘things’ are down a bit
- Have difficulty with wind or bowel control
- Experience pain during sex
- Have very weak abdominals
- Have a separation of your abdominal muscles
Postnatal checks offer a comprehensive assessment of the pelvic floor, abdominals and low back and the treatment of any issues uncovered. It also includes back care, return to work and return to exercise/sport advice.
Outside of work Melanie is the proud mother of Gabriel and her other interests include running, swimming, outdoors pursuits and cooking.
