Fiona Healy -Women's Health Physiotherapist

Fiona Healy -Women's Health Physiotherapist Fiona Healy Chartered Physiotherapist. Specialist in Women's Health. Specialising in pregnancy and post-natal dysfunction.

Fiona Healy O' Connor Chartered Physiotherapist.

Let’s talk early C-section Recovery Tips.✅Use a foot stool or a squatty potty when going to the toilet to avoid strainin...
12/06/2025

Let’s talk early C-section Recovery Tips.

✅Use a foot stool or a squatty potty when going to the toilet to avoid straining.
This can make a huge difference to opening your bowels post c-section.

✅Stay on top of pain meds
If you let pain build up it is very difficult to get under control but if you take meds regularly you can stay on top of it better.

✅Use a pillow for counter pressure over your incision when coughing and sneezing and going to the toilet.

✅Use a step stool for getting in and out of bed

✅Wear compressions leggings for support.
Leggings such as the leggings can be really supportive.
Use Discount code: ANUWOMENSHEALTH for 10% off

✅Use silicone scar strips to help scar once incision is closed.
These can really help soften the scar and reduce any pulling or tugging on the scar.

Any other tips you found beneficial for your recovery?

🏃‍♀️Your body budget fluctuates normally though the day as your brain anticipates your body’s needs and shifts around th...
05/06/2025

🏃‍♀️Your body budget fluctuates normally though the day as your brain anticipates your body’s needs and shifts around these resources accordingly: when you digest food, your stomach and intensities “borrow” resources from the muscles.

🏃‍♀️When you run, the muscles take from the kidneys and liver.

Valued deposits to the budget come in the form of
✅nutritious food,
✅positive social contact,
✅love and safety,
✅movement and
✅sleep.

❗Occasionally there may be a big, unexpected expenditure: a serious infection, pulling an all-nighter, or experiencing a traumatic event.

❌Other times, there might be longer term, persistent cases of low level withdrawals to the system, like being subjected to bullying, racism, sexism or living in an unsafe environment.

In the absence of enough nutritious repayment to the budget, debts can build over time. Your brain continues to (mis)predict that your body needs energy over and over and drives your budget into the red.

❗In the shorter term, a deficit will feel like exhaustion, anxiety, low mood, being charged/ on guard.

❗Stay overdrawn for too long, and the immune system gets involved in the roll of “debt collector” and you get sick.

❗Chronically overtaxed body budgets set the stage for chronic illness and even chronic pain.

How is your body budget?

✅A Women’s Health Physiotherapist is dedicated to dealing with issues arising around pregnancy, childbirth, painful sexu...
27/05/2025

✅A Women’s Health Physiotherapist is dedicated to dealing with issues arising around pregnancy, childbirth, painful sexual in*******se, pelvic pain, low back pain, incontinence, the menopause, the female athlete and much more.

✅A Women’s Health Physiotherapist has expert knowledge about how you can regain a pain-free, problem free, quality of life after having your baby.

❌Unfortunately, many pregnant women or new mums don’t know this specialised area of physiotherapy exists and don’t know where to go for help. In many EU countries, new mums automatically receive a number of Women’s Health Physiotherapy sessions after giving birth. This provides them with the essential physical support they need during pregnancy and after having their baby. It is vital that we raise awareness on this topic so that women receive the appropriate healthcare they need.



So why do new mums need Physiotherapy?

✅Incontinence and prolapse
During pregnancy and childbirth the pelvic floor goes through a lot! Unfortunately this can sometimes lead to leaking and incontinence. Women’s Health Physiotherapists treat incontinence, and treat the pelvic floor. You should seek Women’s Health Physiotherapy for a weak or damaged pelvic floor.


✅Low back pain
Low Back Pain is a common complaint during pregnancy and with new mums. Physiotherapists are experts in evaluating, diagnosing and helping you manage your pain. However a Women’s Health Physiotherapist has the expertise and familiarity with the specific types of pain and problems that occur during and after pregnancy.


✅Scar Tissue Adhesions and Pelvic Pain
After a C-section, it is vital that a new mum learns the correct management of her abdominal scar. If left to heal on their own, incision sites can lead to permanent pain. Similarly after an episiotomy or a tear with stitches, it is so important to look after these scars. Lack of attention to these areas can lead to tension, lumpy scars, painful sexual in*******se, pelvic pain and again can cause long term pain at the incision site.

The key message is: Don’t wait, seek help. There are successful treatment solutions available to you.

🩷Happy Easter to all my customers and followers Here's to chocolate, flowers and springtime.
20/04/2025

🩷Happy Easter to all my customers and followers

Here's to chocolate, flowers and springtime.

❤We passionately believe all mums deserve the education, care and guidance to feel confident in their bodies.✅April is c...
10/04/2025

❤We passionately believe all mums deserve the education, care and guidance to feel confident in their bodies.

✅April is c-section awareness month.

📌So a friendly reminder that c-section is a MAJOR abdominal surgery with very little support given to new mums after this surgery.

Seeking out support prior to returning to exercise can be so helpful. Just because you reach 6 weeks post c-section doesn't mean that everything should have returned to normal.

Studies show that even at 6 weeks our deep abdominal tissue has only regained about 60% of its tensile strength so a graduated return to exercise is what is required.

Schedule a postnatal check if you are unsure.

Fiona Healy, Anú Women's Health Physiotherapy, is located above Brosnan's Pharmacy in Kenmare town.Fiona has over 18 yea...
01/04/2025

Fiona Healy, Anú Women's Health Physiotherapy, is located above Brosnan's Pharmacy in Kenmare town.

Fiona has over 18 years clinical experience. She has worked in Cork University Maternity Hospital, HSE Community and private practices in Cork and Kerry.

Fiona is pilates trained and has a post grad cert in continence for physiotherapists.

Conditions treated in the clinic:
✅️ Pregnancy and postnatal conditions
✅️ Pelvic health conditions (prolapse, incontinence etc)
✅️ Pelvic pain
✅️ General musculoskeletal

You can book online at https://www.anuwomenshealth.ie/online-appointment-booking or call Fiona on 0879731801.

1. Your body will feel fantastic.Looking after a newborn baby (and other toddlers) is physically and mentally demanding....
25/02/2025

1. Your body will feel fantastic.

Looking after a newborn baby (and other toddlers) is physically and mentally demanding. Upper back, mid back, lower back and hip pain are common complaints I hear from new mums. Pilates is fantastic to manage these types of pain as you move your body in lots of different ways that lubricate your joints and get the blood flowing.
Committing to rolling out your mat for 15-20 mins most days you will feel the benefits.

2. You will strengthen your tummy muscles

Pregnancy can take its toll on your tummy muscles. Diastasis Recti or tummy muscle separation is common after birth and pilates is perfect for rehabilitating this.

3. Your pelvic floor will get stronger

While Kegels are great, there are lots more you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor after birth. Research has shown that strengthening your hip muscles will have carryover into the pelvic floor. Improving the coordination between your pelvic floor and tummy muscles will significantly improve pelvic floor performance.

4. Your back will improve

Caring for a baby often means spending a lot of time still and leaning over, not to mention the weight of carrying them around.
Pilates will help you mobilise the stiff parts, and also help you regain core strength to help protect your back.

5. It is safe

While we all want to get back to exercise and the gym after baby, the return to running guidelines released in 2019 recommend waiting for 12 weeks prior to returning to running or high-impact exercise.
Of course, this does not mean that you lie around and do nothing for 12 weeks. Low-impact exercises are great during this time to build back up your foundation for a return to more strenuous exercise. Pilates is an ideal form of low-impact exercise.

6. You will reconnect to your core and body

Your body has changed hugely. You may be overwhelmed by having to care for a new human. After birth, your body may not feel like your own. It feels different, it moves differently leaving you feeling totally disconnected from it. Pilates is based on mindful movement thus connecting your brain and body.

Typically, when we think of pelvic floor disorders we imagine a middle-aged, menopausal woman who has one too many oops ...
24/02/2025

Typically, when we think of pelvic floor disorders we imagine a middle-aged, menopausal woman who has one too many oops leaking moments. However, this isn’t always the case as 1.5 million people aged between 15-44 experience continence issues.

A pelvic floor disorder, such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, is usually considered as a physical problem exclusively. Whilst, in the most part it is, the side-effects that often accompany it can impact on your emotional wellbeing and quality of life too.

Failing to maintain normal bodily functions is embarrassing. A pelvic floor disorder makes daily life difficult and unpredictable; it can disrupt our routines, relationships, and our ability to participate in activities. This, understandably, can take a toll on your emotional welfare. Over 56% of women with urge incontinence report symptoms of anxiety, and over 37% report symptoms of depression.

Tackling your pelvic floor issues can help rid you with your anxiety or depression symptoms.

Don't suffer in silence. Seek help.

📣Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on February 17th, and to honour this national day, we encourage you to be kin...
17/02/2025

📣Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on February 17th, and to honour this national day, we encourage you to be kind to YOU!!

Women tend to be caregivers, putting everyone else first and this can often lead to issues with their own health.

I am sure you have shown random acts of kindness to your family all week but how about turning it around on yourself.

Here are five simple ideas to be kind to yourself and others:

✅Be Kind to Yourself

1. Take a Break Step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life, make moments of rest and relaxation for yourself. Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea in peace or taking a short walk outdoors, give yourself permission to unwind.

2. Practice Self-Compassion Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend.

3. Prioritise Self-Care Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it's hobby, getting enough sleep, or eating your favourite food.

4. Set Boundaries Learn to say no things that drain your energy. Setting boundaries is an act of self compassion that allows you to protect your time and prioritise what really matters.

5. Book that check up you have been putting off.

📣📣A lot of research has been done on the health benefits of almonds. One study found that eating almonds was associated ...
16/02/2025

📣📣A lot of research has been done on the health benefits of almonds.

One study found that eating almonds was associated with a better-functioning gastrointestinal system and more stool output.

✅Good Source of Magnesium

Almonds have a whopping 77 milligrams of magnesium in just 1 ounce (about 23 almonds). Magnesium is an important mineral for many reasons, but it’s great for easing constipation.

Research has shown that magnesium has a laxative effect and works by pulling water into the intestines to help stool move better. There’s evidence that people have been using this mineral for constipation—and other health benefits—since at least the 8th century.

✅Full of Fiber

Almonds are a great source of fiber, with nearly 4 grams in a 1 serving. Fiber foods are important because they help soften the stool and increase the frequency of bowel movements, leading to an improvement in constipation symptoms.

Almonds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber pulls water into the intestines and turns into a gel, helping move things along in the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool and reduces the chance of constipation. In addition to its gut-health benefits, fiber has another wonderful advantage—it is also known to reduce your risk of heart disease.

✅High in Healthy Fat

Here is a surprising fact that both dietitians pointed out: Fats in your diet can help with good digestion, too.

Research backs up the importance of fat in your diet. One study looked at over 1,400 adults in Europe and found that those who ate more fat-rich foods, like nuts, olive oil and even butter, had lower rates of constipation.

The impact of almonds and almond processing on gastrointestinal physiology, luminal microbiology, and gastrointestinal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial and mastication study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116(6):1790-1804. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqac265

Address

19 Henry Street (Above Brosnan's Pharmacy)
Kenmare
CO.KERRY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+353646670960

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