Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jade Lally has thanked Elite’s women’s health specialist Gemma West for helping her return to athletics after becoming a mum.

The 35 year old English discus thrower won Silver at the Commonwealth Games this summer, with an incredible throw of 58.42m in the final round.

Team England said “Lally took time away to become a mum” but Jade’s social media posts show that she began her comeback as soon as physically possible! Luckily, a friendly recommendation from track and field superstar Denise Lewis brought Jade to Elite Physical Medicine. Gemma is our resident Women’s Health Expert, providing an unparalleled service called ‘The Mummy MOT, which female athletes have travelled far and wide for.

Jade said:

“Anyone else in the UK, if you’ve had a baby and want to get back to the old you, I highly recommend going here! Thorough checks and a structured plan to getting back on track 👏👌”

But you don’t need to be a professional sportswoman to be worthy of Gemma’s attention. The Chartered women’s physio treats all her Mummy MOT clients equally, with sessions following exactly the same format for an Olympic athlete as they would be for a first time mum who doesn’t participate in any kind of sport.

Gemma said:

“Recovering from pregnancy and childbirth is important for everyone, especially if you want to get back to sport or exercise, no matter what level. We take for granted what happens to our bodies and don’t give ourselves enough credit for the demands we face in daily life! Some of my clients have a higher level of fitness to get back to, but the basic recovery is the same for all of us.”

Jade saw Gemma West at Elite Physical Medicine for a Mummy MOT

Posting on her Instagram page six weeks after the arrival of baby Nyla, Jade described the positive impact that Gemma’s guidance had on her post-natal recovery:

“Finally feel like I can start to get things back on track with training. Was recommended to go and see Gemma at Elite Physical Medicine to get a ‘Mummy MOT’ and make sure things are healing and strengthening correctly after childbirth.

Mentally I feel I can start properly (safely) working towards a level of fitness now.”

As well as the essential Mummy MOT, Gemma also runs prenatal exercise and postnatal exercise classes which are adaptable, inclusive and judgement-free. She recognises that whilst not all mums want to be “sporty”, they do all need to be fit enough and strong enough to do the most bending and lifting they have ever done, with a weight constantly gets heavier!

Whether it’s running after a toddler, jumping on a trampoline or be able to run along next to your child as they learn to ride a bike, Gemma passionately believes that all mums should be able to do these things with “no pain, no leaking and feeling confident that their insides won’t fall out!”

Jade messaged Gemma after receiving congratulations from the team at Elite. She said:

“Obviously you played a major part in my comeback! So thank you!”

Whatever your level of fitness, however pregnancy is going for you and whatever your ambitions are for the next phase of your life, Elite Physical Medicine is committed to supporting women to feel strong and confident before and after giving birth.

Gemma West is a Women’s Health and Specialist Postnatal Chartered Physiotherapist. To arrange your session with Gemma, please contact the clinic or share this article with someone who could benefit.