When we think about physiotherapy, the first thing that often comes to mind is sports injuries, chronic back pain, or post-surgery rehabilitation. But did you know that physiotherapy plays a crucial role in women’s health too? Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialized field that addresses a wide range of issues unique to women, from pregnancy-related discomforts, like abdominal separation, coccyx pain, and pelvic girdle pain to pelvic floor disorders, like urgency incontinence and prolapse. A lot of these conditions are VERY common and are not something you need to struggle with. Symptoms can be reduced if managed properly and addressed in a timely manner by a women's health-specific physiotherapist. Let’s dive into how these women’s health services can be beneficial.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it can also be physically demanding. Your body undergoes tremendous changes, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and sometimes more serious issues like pelvic girdle pain or incontinence. Women’s health physiotherapy offers tailored assessments, exercises, and treatments that help manage these challenges, making your pregnancy journey smoother.
During postpartum recovery, physiotherapy can be invaluable. It helps in restoring core strength, improving posture, and addressing any issues that may have arisen during pregnancy or childbirth, such as diastasis recti (abdominal separation), pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, back pain, or pelvic girdle pain. With the right guidance, you can regain your strength and confidence as you navigate the early stages of motherhood.
Pelvic Floor Health
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Strong pelvic floor muscles are essential for bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall core stability. Unfortunately, many women experience pelvic floor dysfunction due to childbirth, aging, or other factors. This can lead to issues like incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or chronic pelvic pain.
Women’s health physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat pelvic floor disorders. Through a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and education, they can help you strengthen and control these muscles and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with minor discomfort or a more severe condition, physiotherapy can make a significant difference.
Supporting Women in Every Stage of Life
Women’s health physiotherapy isn’t just for pregnancy and postpartum care; it’s beneficial throughout every stage of life. For young women, it can address menstrual pain or help with sports-related injuries. For those going through menopause, physiotherapy can help manage symptoms like pelvic floor weakness or osteoporosis-related issues.
As women age, maintaining mobility, strength, and balance becomes increasingly important. Physiotherapy can help prevent falls, manage arthritis, and keep you active and independent for as long as possible. Women’s health physiotherapists are physiotherapists with a specialty. Most have experience with orthopedic conditions and they have the benefit of addressing a multitude of issues and combining treatments.
Tailored Care Just for You
One of the most significant benefits of women’s health physiotherapy is the personalized care it offers. Your physiotherapist will take the time to understand your specific needs and goals, creating a treatment plan that’s uniquely yours. This individualized approach ensures that you receive the care and support you need, whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall health.
Women’s health physiotherapy is more than just a treatment—it’s a pathway to better a better quality of life, and a smoother entry and recovery from pregnancy. By addressing the unique health challenges that women face, this specialized care can help you stay strong, active, and confident. If you’re experiencing any issues that you think might benefit from physiotherapy, consider booking an appointment with a women’s health physiotherapist. At Port Alberni Physiotherapy & Wellness, Lauren Siddall has special training in women’s health services, as well as orthopedic conditions, and clinical pilates. To book an appointment visit us at portalberniphysiotherapy.janeapp.com