WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
Women face a range of complex health issues. Menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy and its related conditions can also significantly affect the body. Most women assume that they must live with these conditions, as there is little or nothing that can be done to influence them other than medical/operative intervention. In many instances, that is not the case.
Issues That Can Be Improved by Physiotherapy:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction, including incontinence
- Prenatal and postnatal issues such as mastitis, lower back pain or abdominal muscle separation
A trained Women’s Health & Continence Physiotherapist can help better manage these conditions. Also, they are often integral to the treatment program, working alongside GP’s and specialists as part of the treatment team. Furthermore, they can often help patients avoid surgery down the track. Appointments cover a thorough assessment of the concern and an in-depth discussion about the most effective treatment technique recommended for your particular health issue. Diagnosis and treatment plans are created in line with the latest evidence-based practice and are delivered in a safe and supportive environment. Treatment may involve simple exercises, ultrasound or massage, and follow up rehabilitation activities that may be recommended such as a guided exercise program or clinical Pilates. For example, a physiotherapy session for urinary incontinence might include:
Practical tips to reduce urinary frequency and urgency
Information about diet changes that can be made to avoid irritating the bladder
An exercise programme to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
Why Heartland Rehab
We have specially trained physiotherapists who can help with women’s health and related issues. We also help with advice about safe fitness alternatives for those people affected by, or at risk of, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and offer classes and programs including:
- Pregnancy education
- Pool exercise classes
- Clinical Pilates
- Individual exercise prescriptions
Our Specialisation
Women’s Health is a specific area of physiotherapy focusing on the treatment and management of women’s health issues. A Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Women’s Health will have undergone further specialist training in this area. The main life stages a Women’s Health Physiotherapist treats are:
- The Child Bearing Years
- Peri and Post-Menopausal
- The Older Woman
For The Child Bearing Years
The following are examples of treatments and interventions used by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist to treat pregnancy-related issues.
Common Pregnancy Related Issues:
- Abdominal muscle weakness
- Pelvic girdle injury / pain
- Backache / stiffness
- Bladder / Bowel dysfunction
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Coccydynia
- Constipation
- DRAM – Diastasis of Rectus Abdominis Muscle
- Decreased fitness levels / inactivity
- Pelvic floor muscle damage
- Postural changes
Our Tailored Treatments:
- Abdominal Muscle Exercises
- Manual Therapy
- Breathing Exercises
- Health Promotion
- Postural Correction
- Core Stability Training
- Education
- Ante and Post Natal Pilates Classes
- Relaxation Techniques
- Strengthening / Stabilising Exercises
- Guidance on Safe Exercise in Pregnancy
The Peri and Post-Menopausal Stage
The following are examples of treatments and interventions used by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist to treat peri and post-menopausal conditions.
Peri and Post-Menopausal Conditions:
- Bowel Dysfunction / Constipation
- Muscle Weakness
- Pelvic Floor Weakness
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Urinary Stress Incontinence
- Weight Gain
- Urinary Urge Incontinence
Our Tailored Treatments:
- Bladder Training
- Core Stability Exercises
- Defecation Dynamics
- Dietary Changes
- Health Promotion
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Re-education
- Specific / General Exercises
For The Older Woman
The following are examples of treatments and interventions used by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist to help seniors maintain their mobility.
Senior Conditions:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Decreased General Mobility / Activity
- Osteoporosis
Our Tailored Treatments:
- Manual Therapy
- Exercise Prescription
- Recreational Exercise / Activity
- Falls Prevention
- Health Promotion
