The idea for the Mummy MOT® was born from a recurring reality Maria Elliott couldn’t ignore. In her London clinics, she saw countless new mothers who, despite having given birth weeks or even years earlier, were still silently struggling with pain, weakness, and uncertainty about their bodies. Time and again, they had been told that what they were feeling was “normal,” that healing would come naturally, or that nothing more could be done. But Maria knew better.
With over 35 years of clinical experience in women’s health physiotherapy, Maria had treated thousands of patients across the UK and abroad. She graduated with First Class Honours in Physiotherapy from Trinity College Dublin in 1986 and launched her career in acute care in Chicago, where she sharpened her clinical instincts. Later, she trained in postnatal rehabilitation in France, gaining specialist skills that would eventually shape her vision for change.
Upon returning to the UK, Maria began to connect the dots between what she had learned and what her patients truly needed. Combining her expertise in physical therapy, Pilates, and functional movement, she developed a structured, evidence-based postnatal assessment designed to identify pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal separation, postural issues, and other common postnatal concerns. But it wasn’t just about the clinical tools, it was about giving women clarity, support, and a clear path forward.
This became the foundation for the Mummy MOT®.
What began as a single service soon evolved into something much bigger. Recognising the unmet need across the country and around the world, Maria began training other professionals to deliver the same high standard of care. Under her leadership, hundreds of physiotherapists, osteopaths, midwives, and GPs have now been trained and licensed to perform The Mummy MOT®, building a trusted national and international network of accredited practitioners. Today, women everywhere can access consistent, specialist support as they rebuild their strength and confidence after childbirth.
Maria continues to practise as a dynamic freelance physiotherapist, Pilates instructor, and consultant. She divides her time between three busy London clinics, where she provides hands-on treatment and personalised recovery programmes for women at every stage of motherhood. Her holistic approach incorporates both physical rehabilitation and psychological wellbeing, empowering women to feel strong and confident in their postnatal journey.
She is a long-standing member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health and an APPI-certified Pilates instructor. She is also a sought-after speaker at leading women’s health conferences and an active mentor to practitioners entering the field. Through ongoing study and research, Maria ensures that the Mummy MOT® stays at the forefront of postnatal care.
Whether you’re six weeks or six years post-delivery, Maria’s mission remains the same: to ensure every mum receives a recovery plan that’s not only evidence-based, but also compassionate and uniquely tailored to her story.
