Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Women’s Health is a specific area of physiotherapy focusing on the treatment and management of women’s health issues.
The main life stages a Women’s Health Physiotherapist treats are:
- The Child Bearing Years
- Postnatal Period
- Post-menopausal
- The Older Woman
The following are examples of common problems or conditions than are treated by a specialist Women’s Health physiotherapist.
Pregnancy Related Issues
- Back pain
- Abdominal muscle weakness
- Pelvis pain
- Leg cramps
- Urinary incontinence
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Postural changes/Difficulty in turning, sleeping positions
The following are examples of treatments and interventions used by a Women’s Health Physiotherapist to treat pregnancy related issues:
- Abdominal muscle exercises
- Breathing exercises
- Manual Therapy
- Core Stability Training
- Guidance on safe exercise in pregnancy
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Re-Education
- Pregnancy exercise classes
- Postural Correction
- Relaxation Techniques
- Strengthening / Stabilising Exercises
- An individualized exercise program
Postnatal Conditions
- Post pregnancy belly pouch/Diastasis recti
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Back pain
- Urinary Incontinence
- Chronic pain management
- Postural correction
- Postnatal exercises sessions
Post-Menopausal Problems
- Muscle Weakness
- Pelvic Floor Weakness
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Urinary Incontinence
Examples of Women’s Health Physiotherapy Interventions:
- Core Stability Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Re-education
- Specific / General Exercises
The Older Woman
- Decreased general Mobility / Activity
- Lifestyle Changes
- Osteoporosis
Examples of Women’s Health Physiotherapy Interventions:
- Exercise Prescription
- Health Promotion
- Recreational Exercise / Activity