When Jermaine Liang had her two children, the joy was mixed with a lot of discomfort and low self-esteem. “I had pelvic pain after delivery, which made walking and running very uncomfortable. On top of that, I still looked seven months’ pregnant, even one and a half months after giving birth to my second child,” shares the 39-year-old sales specialist.
Jermaine was later diagnosed with diastasis recti, which is a partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or what we like to call the “six-pack” muscles. A common condition experienced by women during or after pregnancy, diastasis recti is estimated to affect up to 60 per cent of women and can last for months or years postpartum. Symptoms can range from pain in the pelvis and lower back, to pain during sex, difficulty lifting objects or walking, constipation and abdominal weakness.
Founder of Emkore Clinic, Avril Chong, empathises completely. A mother-of-two herself, the 37-year-old also suffered from diastasis recti, with pain that worsened to the point of not being able to walk or stand for extended periods. She started experiencing backaches one month postpartum, with the pain getting worse by the third and fourth months. This also meant she had to constantly lie down or sit in between daily activities.
“Many treatments were expensive, making it inaccessible for women. Some of my friends also had similar postpartum issues but were unaware of possible solutions,” says Avril. “Recognising the potential for change, I became passionate about creating a centre that could help women like me through the advances in technology offering non-invasive therapies to address common postpartum conditions.”
In 2022, Avril opened Emkore Clinic, a wellness centre dedicated to women dealing with pre-pregnancy, postpartum and menopause issues. It employs skilled therapists who have over a decade of experience in postnatal care, and are equipped to help women through a full range of chronic postpartum conditions like incontinence and misaligned body, as well as stretch marks and loss of skin elasticity.
Non-invasive, high-tech solutions
For women with diastasis recti who prefer not to undergo corrective surgical procedures, Emkore Clinic’s EMShape EMS body contouring treatment is an ideal option. An FDA-approved procedure, it uses advanced electromagnetic technology to target specific muscle groups and induce muscle contractions.
Designed with safety in mind, the EMShape EMS treatment has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its efficacy and harmlessness. Its non-invasive approach also means no anaesthesia or downtime and Avril says it is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, with minimal discomfort during the treatment. Some women might experience muscle soreness or fatigue after the session, similar to how one would feel after an intense workout. However, these usually subside within a few days.
Avril shares that the clinic is committed to cutting-edge technology that has been scientifically proven safe. “We meticulously research and evaluate new treatments and therapies, selecting only those that meet our stringent standards for quality and efficacy,” she explains.
For conditions like incontinence and misaligned body posture, core health and strength are important factors in rehabilitation. To target this, Emkore Clinic provides bespoke programs that combine non-invasive technology with exercise-based physical therapy.
Postpartum women may also have misaligned posture as the body’s centre of gravity shifts with the weight of the baby in the mid-section. The trained therapists at Emkore Clinic use freehand techniques to manipulate both muscles and bone, in order to help women regain an optimal posture that enhances mobility and improves balance – while taking into account each individual’s unique physiology and lifestyle.
Quality care with a personal touch
Located at SOHO 1 @ The Central, Emkore Clinic’s interiors are bright and welcoming. Clients can expect a warm beverage and healthy snacks as they are taken through an initial consultation that helps the clinic tailor a personalised treatment plan to address specific concerns.
Staffed exclusively by female consultants, the clinic provides detailed body checks during each consultation to determine the right treatment package. Instead of a hard-sell approach, the consultants are trained to provide clear and honest information, and may even advise against treatment in certain cases.
Upon starting the treatment, the therapist will journey with the client throughout the process, monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments along the way.
As they work strictly on an appointment-only basis, the clinic is able to accurately assess the number of clients daily and manage manpower effectively. This means prompt service and treatment, allowing clients to get back to their regular schedules on time.
A newfound confidence
For Jermaine, her quality of life has improved tremendously since embarking on her postpartum recovery journey at Emkore Clinic. She reveals that after about eight sessions, she could walk and run with less pain. After about 15 sessions, the pain was gone and her diastasis recti gap was reduced by about 2cm.
“After approximately 50 sessions, my gap has closed from 10.6cm to 4.5cm. My belly has shrunk, and I now fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. People no longer mistake me for being pregnant, and walking or running is no longer an issue,” Jermaine happily shares.
Such results are encouraging for Avril, who says that she gets immense joy when she sees the positive impact of her clinic’s specialised therapies. “Knowing that I am making a difference in helping women to regain their strength, confidence and overall well-being is truly heartwarming,” she says.
To new mothers who may be experiencing challenges and are unsure of whether they need professional help, Avril has these pieces of advice to offer:
- Trust your instincts
As a new mum, intuition is a powerful tool. If you feel something is not quite right or you feel overwhelmed, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or postpartum specialist. These experts can offer guidance and create a personalised plan to address your specific needs.
- Reach out to a support network
Sharing your experiences and concerns with others can provide emotional support, along with helpful advice. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network, whether it’s your partner, family, friends or fellow mums.
- Prioritise self-care and be patient with yourself
Taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being and ability to care for your baby. Don’t feel guilty about taking breaks, getting enough rest and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Give yourself time to adapt and remember that it’s normal to experience ups and downs.
Emkore Clinic is at #08-14 SOHO 1 @ The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street. For more information, visit www.emkoreclinic.sg.
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Embrace postpartum healing with a trial of diastasis recti (DR) and body postural realignment (BPR) treatments at $148 (includes one session of each treatment, UP $268 per DR session and $200 per BPR session). The trial includes a free consultation and body assessment, worth $128.
Offer is valid for three months from the date of booking. All you have to do is make an appointment via WhatsApp at 9758 6468 and quote “ECxSWW” by Dec 31, 2023.
Brought to you by Emkore Clinic