PHYSIOTHERAPY IN WOMEN’S HEALTH

Following International Women’s day, this is a week when we celebrate women, and how can we celebrate women without a focus on their health?  Women are natural-born caregivers, but we often see them neglect their own health while helping their loved ones. So, let’s help women remember to focus on their own need for care too. Physiotherapy can play a key role in keeping the women we love healthy.  Women’s Health Physiotherapy consists of non-surgical, therapeutic treatments for various health problems affecting women across the life span.

Physiotherapy can help prevent and manage many of the health issues faced by women. The following are different life stages where a woman might need a specialized physiotherapist, as well as the common conditions that occur during these stages.

Young Athlete

• Sexual dysfunction
• Perineal pain
• Pelvic / abdominal / low back pain
• Discomfort with sexual intercourse / use of tampon

 

The Child-Bearing Years (Pre/Post Pregnancy)

• Abdominal muscle weakness
• Pelvic girdle injury / pain
• Back ache / stiffness
• Bladder / bowel dysfunction
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Constipation
• Decreased fitness levels / inactivity
• Pelvic floor muscle damage
• Postural changes
• Urinary incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction or pain

 

Peri/Post-Menopausal

• Bowel Dysfunction / Constipation
• Muscle Weakness
• Pelvic Floor Weakness
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Urinary Incontinence
• Weight Gain

 

The Elderly Woman (Geriatrics)

• Decreased general mobility / activity
• Lifestyle changes
• Osteoporosis

What Can be Done to Help?

Having a qualified and experienced physiotherapist provide a comprehensive assessment, followed by a tailored exercise program and, at times, some additional treatments is the best way to prevent and adequately manage many of these health issues women face.

However, these symptoms often affect daily life, activities and emotions.  It is also difficult for some women to talk about or seek help for such issues as they can be considered embarrassing or taboo to talk about, especially with regards to sexual health. It’s important to understand all these aspects and incorporate them into treatment for a more effective, holistic approach.

Follow us throughout the next week as we break down each of these life stages and explain in more detail how physiotherapy treatments work for these conditions.

If you are experiencing any of the above problems, come in to PCA today for a thorough and confidential examination, as well as follow-up treatment provided by our professional and specialized team of therapists.