Women's Health
What is Women's Health Physiotherapy?
Women's health physiotherapy helps women manage a variety of conditions associated with pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. We offer personalised treatment plans to help women overcome discomfort and enhance their quality of life.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences significant changes.
Common pregnancy-related issues include:
- Back pain: This is often caused by the extra weight and changes in posture during pregnancy, leading to discomfort.
- Pelvic girdle pain: Pain in the pelvic area may occur, resulting from the loosening of ligaments and increased pressure on the pelvis due to the growing baby.
- Postural problems: As the centre of gravity shifts, women may develop postural problems that can lead to pain in the back and neck.
Postpartum Recovery
The postpartum period is a crucial time for healing and recovery after childbirth. Physiotherapy can help manage:
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: This can arise from pregnancy and childbirth and may affect bladder control and sexual function, requiring rehabilitation to restore normalcy.
- Diastasis recti: A common condition in which the connective tissue (linea alba) between the abdominal muscles thins and stretches during pregnancy (which is 100% normal to make space for your growing baby). Postpartum, this lining can stay wide and women usually complain of still looking pregnant or having a weak core. A holistic approach can help regain proper function and core strength.
- Core strength: Women may struggle to regain core strength after pregnancy. Targeted exercises can help restore strength and tone.
- Urinary incontinence: This condition involves involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. Physiotherapy can assist with better pressure management strategies and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to alleviate symptoms.
- C-section scar rehabilitation: Women who have undergone a C-section may experience scar tissue tightness, sensitivity, or pain. Mobility, strength, and scar tissue management can all be improved through physiotherapy.
- Perineal scars and episiotomies: Perineal tears or episiotomies during childbirth can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Physiotherapy can promote healing and address any pelvic floor issues resulting from these injuries.
Menopause
As women age, menopause can introduce new physical challenges, such as:
- Joint pain: Hormonal changes during menopause can increase joint stiffness and discomfort, often affecting mobility and daily activities.
- Osteoporosis: This condition causes bones to weaken, increasing the risk of fractures. Physiotherapy can help strengthen bones and improve balance to reduce fall risk.
- Muscle weakness: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to a decline in muscle mass and strength, making exercise essential for maintaining independence.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Due to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone, women often experience pelvic floor dysfunction in menopause. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can increase quality of life and optimise pelvic floor health.
We also assist with other ordinary women's health issues, such as overactive bladder, constipation, faecal incontinence, and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse). With our compassionate approach to women's health, we want to empower women to live active, healthy lives at every stage.
