Women’s Rehab Collective

05/10/2025

This isn’t an easy post to write, but it’s an honest one.

After many incredible years, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our permanent Sigma Woman clinic.

Running a small clinic is a true labour of love and we’ve poured our hearts, time, and energy into creating a space where women could feel supported, understood, and cared for. But the reality is, it’s become increasingly hard to sustain.

Like so many small businesses, we’ve felt the weight of rising costs, the pressures of the economy, and the lasting ripple effects of Covid. These challenges have made it harder to continue offering the service we believe in, in the way we want to one that’s personal, supportive, and built around quality care.

Over time, our circumstances have naturally changed too. We’ve realised that being tied to one location no longer fits where we are both personally and professionally. We’ve had to be really honest with ourselves about what’s sustainable, what works for our clients, and what works for us.

As hard as it’s been to make this decision, we know it’s the right one. There comes a point where you have to recognise that loving what you do also means creating a version of it that doesn’t leave you burnt out. And right now, we both need to give a little more time and energy back to our families the people who’ve supported us through all of it.

So while our permanent clinic doors are closing, this isn’t goodbye. We’re both still working as MSK practitioners, still passionate about women’s health, recovery, and rehab just in a more flexible way, offering services from various clinic locations and continuing to collaborate on projects we love.

To reflect this next chapter, we’ll be changing the name of this page to Women’s Rehab Collective. It feels like the right evolution, a shared space where you can keep up with what we’re both doing, the work we’re continuing, and the ways we’re still supporting women to move, heal, and feel strong again and featuring some of the amazing people working alongside us doing the same.

We want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way our clients, colleagues, and followers. Your trust and encouragement have meant the world to us.

This isn’t the end of the Sigma Woman ethos it’s simply a change in how we do what we love. And we really hope you’ll stay with us for what’s next 💜

Claire & Robyn

16/06/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled to have the fabulous back in clinic for Mummy MOT appointments on Thursday, 26th June! 🙌

If you’re wondering what a Mummy MOT is, it’s a comprehensive postnatal check-up designed to help mums restore strength, balance, and confidence after childbirth. Whether you’re struggling with pelvic floor issues, diastasis recti, or just want a full-body check to get back on track, Ailsa’s here to support you.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Book your appointment today and get the care you deserve. 💪💕

31/05/2025

If you’re new to hosting retreats and it’s on your vision board to make it happen but you haven’t a clue where to start then our ‘Ready-To-Go Retreats’ could be just what you’re looking for!
Equally, you may have a well established business and have run a number of retreats already but you just don’t have the time to plan and organise you’re next one with everything else you’ve got to do...

These are retreats that are basically in a box and ready for you to use! All mapped out, venue, itineraries, food menus, activities, suppliers, the whole shebang! Even available dates for you to choose from. All tried and tested by us personally.

Our first one is ready to go now. Check out all the deets:

https://re-treat-yourself.com/ready-to-go-retreats Or link in bio

23/05/2025

Absolutely love this…… one more barrier for girls removed! 🙌🏻
Women in Sport

Our teen students are switching it up now training in black gis.

It’s more than a style choice. We’re breaking down the barriers that stop teenage girls from staying active.

In the UK, over 1 million girls who once loved sport drop out in their teens. Why? Fear of judgement, body image worries, periods, pressure at school, and feeling like they don’t belong.

We’re changing that. From flexible kit to a supportive, inclusive environment we’re making space for girls to stay confident, capable, and connected.

Let’s keep girls in sport. Let’s do it differently.

02/04/2025

It's C Section Awareness Month - check out our latest blog!

We’ve noticed something recently—and maybe you have too. Whenever we share posts about C-section scar therapy, they’re often met with passive-aggressive comments. Things like: “I just left mine alone—it gave me my beautiful baby.” “We should love our scars, they’re part of the journey.” “Mine was fine, I didn’t need any of that.” Now, we get it—these comments are probably well-meaning. But they can be unintentionally quite judgy. And more importantly, they overlook a really important truth: not everyone’s experience is the same.

We’ve noticed something recently—and maybe you have too. Whenever we share posts about C-section scar therapy, they’re often met with passive-aggressive comments. Things like: “I just left mine alone—it gave me my beautiful baby.” “We should love our scars, they’re part of the journe...

16/03/2025

By Siobhan O’Donovan – Chartered Physiotherapist & Founder of Posture Fitting  Breast weight and its impact is a problem that is totally hidden in plain sight, despite its significan…

10/03/2025

✨ What is a Mummy MOT? ✨

If you’ve had a baby (whether recently or years ago!) and are experiencing issues like back pain, pelvic floor weakness, or diastasis recti, a **Mummy MOT** is for you!

Our brilliant women’s health physio, runs regular Mummy MOT clinics at Sigma—helping mums feel stronger, more supported, and confident in their bodies post-baby.

This specialist postnatal check assesses your core, pelvic floor, posture, and overall recovery- with a tailored rehab plan to help you move and feel your best. 💪

DM us to book your appointment or find out more!

25/02/2025

We are so excited to be supporting Baby Bump Fitness CIC with this project across Warrington

🚨 Calling all Warrington sports coaches of girls’ teams!🚨

Did you know? 👇

⚡ 46% of girls say their breasts have affected their participation in sport.
⚡ 73% of girls aren’t wearing the right sports bra for their activity.
⚡Poor breast support impacts posture, breathing, and performance, increasing the risk of injury.

We’re excited to have received funding from the Arnold Clark Community Fund to deliver Strong & Supported, our fun, interactive workshop designed to help girls:

✅ Understand why a sports bra is as essential as trainers, boots, or gum shields.
✅ Learn how to find the right fit to stay comfortable and supported.
✅ Recognise how poor breast support can affect movement, injury risk, and recovery.

No matter their size, this is about getting informed early. Knowing what to look for means they’ll be prepared and confident as their bodies change—so they can focus on playing, not discomfort.

📩 If you’re a local coach and want a free Strong & Supported workshop for your team, get in touch! Let’s give girls the support they need to stay in sport.

14/02/2025

Let’s talk about exercise in your 40s. Because honestly- It’s a completely different ball game. Or is it just me? Gone are the days when a few intense gym sessions would shift those extra pounds. And now, it seems that the harder I train, the more weight I gain? What’s that all about? Seriously, this is not what I signed up for.

I’ve always been super competitive, loved sport and exercise, so naturally, I assumed just doing more would shift those perimenopause pounds. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, I found myself feeling completely wiped out, dealing with DOMS for days longer than usual, no change in weight, and generally just feeling rubbish. Exercise, which had always been my stress-buster, was now having the opposite effect on me. It turns out that the type of exercise I was doing was actually stressing my body out—despite it feeling like a mental escape.

Let’s talk about exercise in your 40s. Because honestly- It’s a completely different ball game. Or is it just me? Gone are the days when a few intense gym sessions would shift those extra pounds. And now, it seems that the harder I train, the more weight I gain? What’s that all about? Seriousl...

10/02/2025

Why Pregnancy Massage is Beneficial at Every Stage—Not Just the Final Weeks

Pregnancy is a time of huge changes—physically, mentally, and emotionally. As your body adapts to support your growing baby, aches, pains, and discomfort can become part of daily life. While many women wait until the final few weeks to book a pregnancy massage, the truth is that regular massage throughout pregnancy can provide relief, improve well-being, and support a more comfortable experience from the first trimester to the last.

At Sigma, we specialise in pregnancy health, with over 15 years of experience in pre- and postnatal care. Our treatments are designed to support your body through every stage, keeping you comfortable, relaxed, and moving well throughout pregnancy.

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage in Every Trimester

First Trimester: Supporting Early Pregnancy Changes
The first trimester can bring fatigue, hormonal changes, and, for many women, nausea. While deep tissue massage isn’t recommended in the early weeks, gentle techniques can help ease muscle tension, promote relaxation, and improve circulation—helping to support energy levels and better sleep.

Research has shown that pregnancy massage can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine, both of which support mood regulation and emotional well-being (Field et al., 2004). With early pregnancy often being a time of uncertainty, this additional support can be invaluable.

Second Trimester: Reducing Discomfort as Your Body Adjusts
By the second trimester, energy levels often improve, but new challenges arise as the body adapts to a growing bump. Increased weight and postural shifts can lead to tension in the lower back, hips, and legs. Regular massage can help by:

- Relieving strain on weight-bearing muscles
- Improving circulation and reducing swelling
- Supporting overall posture and movement

One study found that prenatal massage can reduce leg swelling by up to 40% through improved lymphatic drainage. This makes a real difference for those experiencing fluid retention and discomfort in the legs and feet.

Third Trimester: Preparing for Birth and Easing Late-Pregnancy Strain
As your baby grows, additional strain is placed on the lower back, pelvis, and legs, often leading to sciatic pain, pelvic girdle discomfort, and difficulty sleeping. Regular massage can help manage these symptoms by:

- Easing tension in the lower back and hips
- Supporting better circulation to reduce swelling
- Promoting relaxation and improved sleep

A study in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology found that prenatal massage significantly reduced stress hormones and improved sleep quality. Given how disrupted sleep can become in late pregnancy, this is an important benefit.

Why Choosing a Specialist Matter
Pregnancy massage isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about ensuring both you and your baby are supported safely. Seeing a specialist in pregnancy massage is essential, as general massage techniques are not always appropriate for expectant mothers.

At Sigma, our therapists are fully qualified in pregnancy care, meaning we:
✔️ Use safe, adapted techniques for each stage of pregnancy
✔️ Avoid areas that could trigger contractions or discomfort
✔️ Have a deep understanding of pregnancy-related conditions like PGP, sciatica, and swelling, and how to manage them effectively

Pregnancy is a time when your body is working hard—massage can be an essential part of looking after yourself throughout.

Whether you're in the early stages or preparing for birth, pregnancy massage can make a real difference in how you feel.

01/02/2025

Ah, the classic question. Right up there with "Are you still breastfeeding?", "Should you really be eating that?", and my personal favourite, "Is he babysitting while you're away?" (No, Karen, he’s parenting).

Whenever I mention that I’m heading off on a trip—be it a work retreat, a well-earned break, or just a Tuesday—I can guarantee at least one person will clutch their pearls and ask, "Are you not taking the kids?" in that tone. You know the one. The mix of mild horror and genuine curiosity, as if I’ve announced I’m leaving them to be raised by wolves.

And the answer? No. No, I am not.

Ah, the classic question. Right up there with "Are you still breastfeeding?", "Should you really be eating that?", and my personal favourite, "Is he babysitting while you're away?" (No, Karen, he’s parenting). Whenever I mention that I’m heading off on a trip—be it a work retreat, a well-earne...

20/01/2025

Can anyone else resonate? I've talked about this countless times with other women (from all different industries) and know I am not alone in thinking this..... 2025, is the year I stop letting it bother me......or at least try!

Well, yes, actually, I am. And since we’re being honest, let me tell you why. Over the years, I’ve worked my arse off to build my businesses. Not just one, but a few. I’ve gone back to university – not once, but multiple times. I’ve studied, researched, written articles, presented at confe...