Natalia Fennell: Helping women reclaim their bodies through movement

FOR many women, pain has become normalised — from crippling cramps to persistent backaches and even heavy bleeding that leaves them exhausted for days. Too often, they are taught to endure it quietly, but Natalia Fennell, founder and CEO of Kinetixx Movement Services, says these experiences should not be dismissed as just “part of being a woman”.

“Women’s bodies change literally every day throughout the month,” she tells All Woman. “The changes that happen, whether by pregnancy, ageing, or menopause… throughout the whole four or five weeks of the month, you get a different woman.”

Fennell, who has over seven years’ experience in the field of physiotherapy, has dedicated her life to helping women better understand, strengthen, and care for their bodies through movement, physiotherapy and education.

With a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from The University of the West Indies, her work spans women’s health, paediatrics, rehabilitation, and movement therapy. Yet beyond the degrees and professional accolades lies a woman driven by something much deeper: purpose.

Originally, Fennell wanted to become a paediatrician. However, she soon realised that she was more drawn to long-term healing than invasive medical procedures.

“I always wanted to help children, but I didn’t like the invasiveness of it,” she admitted. She found greater purpose in physical therapy, from a mantra: “doctors save lives, and physios enhance the quality of life”.

That philosophy now shapes every aspect of her work.

Raised with a deep love for movement through track, swimming, netball and dance, Fennell understands the body not only clinically, but personally. She believes movement is one of the greatest forms of medicine, particularly for women whose bodies undergo constant transitions throughout life.

“As a physiotherapist, movement is my passion,” she shared. “A lot of pain and aches come from sedentary lifestyles. Then, when you add pregnancy, ageing, and menopause, it becomes even more important to discuss.”

One of the major issues she encounters is the fear many women now associate with childbirth and pregnancy. According to Fennell, the conversation around women’s health has become increasingly urgent, particularly as more women express hesitation about motherhood.

“We have a declining birth population, and I’m not saying it’s just because women aren’t having babies,” she said thoughtfully. “But a lot of it has to do with the fear of delivery, and what happens afterwards.”

She believes many women are overwhelmed not only by the idea of childbirth itself, but by the lack of support and education surrounding what happens to their bodies during and after delivery.

She explained that the process women experience during pregnancy takes a toll on the body, considering internal organs shifting and the pelvic floor carrying so much pressure. Then, after delivery, especially Caesarean sections, many women are expected to immediately care for a child while barely understanding how to care for themselves.

Fennell emphasised the importance of strengthening the pelvic floor and core muscles before, during and after pregnancy, noting that these muscle groups are essential in supporting organs, stabilising the body, and aiding recovery after childbirth.

“The pelvic floor keeps everything in place,” she explained.

She also highlighted several symptoms women commonly dismiss that could actually signal deeper health concerns, including severe cramps, headaches, back pain, locked hips, and excessively heavy menstrual bleeding.

“Heavy bleeding is not normal,” Fennell stressed. “It can lead to anemia, fatigue, fertility issues, and many other complications.”

Her mission, however, extends beyond maternal care. Fennell is also deeply passionate about children with special needs, a group she says often lacks representation and understanding.

“Those with special needs don’t always have a voice, and I like being their voice through movement and passion,” she said.

Through physiotherapy, she helps children develop strength, coordination, movement patterns, and independence while also providing hope and encouragement to their families.

Some of her proudest moments are not public achievements, but the intimate victories experienced within therapy rooms – a child moving independently for the first time, a parent feeling hopeful again, or an elderly patient regaining enough mobility to engage with their loved ones.

As women age, Fennell is equally committed to changing conversations around menopause and ageing. She encourages women to incorporate strength training and weighted exercises into their lifestyles long before menopause begins.

“Movement and muscle strength become critical during pre-menopause and menopause,” she said.

Still, despite the seriousness of her work, Fennell carries an undeniable warmth and authenticity. Outside of physiotherapy, she is a woman of faith, a devoted wife, and someone discovering life through the lens of a businesswoman.

Whether through physiotherapy, advocacy, movement or ministry, Natalia Fennell’s mission remains rooted in one thing: helping people heal.

And for countless women quietly carrying pain they were taught to normalise, her work serves as both a reminder and a reassurance that their bodies deserve care too.