Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on the health and well-being of women.
Women’s health physiotherapists work with women of all ages, from adolescent girls to post-menopausal women.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at what a women’s health physio’s do – from general women’s issues to pelvic floor, menopause, and pregnancy.
What Does a Women’s Health Physio Do?
Women’s health physios are experts in many conditions that are unique to women. We assess, diagnose, and treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions that can be specific to women including:
Pregnancy Physio/ Postnatal Physiotherapist
– Pelvic girdle pain
– Pregnancy aches and pains
– Childbirth preparation
– Mastitis
– Breastfeeding posture
– Pelvic floor muscle assessment and training
– Carpal tunnel
– De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
– Return to exercise
General Women’s Health Physiotherapist
– Painful periods
– Endometriosis
– Dyspareunia (painful sex)
– Prolapse
– Incontinence
– Constipation
– Pelvic pain
– Hip and groin pain
– Bone health
– Rehabilitation post gynaecological surgery
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physio Do?
A physio who is trained in pelvic floor can accurately assess, diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction, which may include:
– Urge incontinence
– Stress incontinence
– Prolapse
Physio treatments include:
– Pelvic floor muscle training
– Pessary fitting
– Pelvic floor down training
– Electrical stimulation
– Breathing coordination
– Bladder retraining
Can a women’s health physio help menopause?
Yes, as women age, their Oestrogen levels drop. This causes change to connective tissue, muscles and bone health. These changes can result in pelvic floor dysfunction that can lead to incontinence and prolapse as well as osteoporosis.
Physio treatments include:
– Treating symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunctions through accurately assessing bladder/ bowel and pelvic floor function and providing a tailored treatment plan.
– Changes to bone health and muscle tissue can restrict exercise and result in weakness and a decline in fitness.
A physio can tailor an exercise program that consists of resistance and weight training that will help to increase bone density and improve muscle strength.
How can a Pregnancy Physio help?
A women’s health physio can help with pregnancy by assessing and treating common musculoskeletal conditions like sacroiliac joint pain, pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis pain and lumbar/coccyx spine pain.
Physio treatments include:
Pregnancy Pilates, manual therapy, support/bracing, pelvic floor exercises, stretches and advice on postures and movement strategies.
Women’s health physios can also help with childbirth preparation and with returning to normal function and exercise after childbirth by treating common post-natal conditions such as DRAM (diastasis of the rectus abdominus muscles), De Quervains tenosynovitis, pelvic floor dysfunction and pain related to postural issues.
For more information, read our blogs about Exercise During and After Pregnancy and Pregnancy Physio Brisbane.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy: The Ultimate Guide
In conclusion, physiotherapy is an important part of women’s health. It can help to improve the quality of life for women of all ages.
It can be used to treat a variety of conditions including general women’s issues to pelvic floor, menopause and pregnancy.
If you are considering women’s health physiotherapy, be sure to speak with your doctor or a qualified physiotherapist such as North West Physiotherapy to ensure that it is the right treatment for you.
North West Physiotherapy is your one-stop pain relief and healthy living practice in Brisbane. With six clinics across North Brisbane; Everton Park, Keperra, Eatons Hill, Nundah, Lutchwyche and Newmarket, our aim is to provide holistic healthcare solution to suit your specific lifestyle.
Our services include Physiotherapy, Sports Physio, Hydrotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Dry Needling, Massage, Womens Health, and Seniors Strength and Balance Classes. Please note that services vary across our clinics.
Contact your local clinic to book an appointment.
