Now I am sure we have all heard of a ‘women's health physio’ but what actually do they do? They are specialised to focus on the amazing body of a women - due to the structural makeup, hormones, pregnancy, ageing and childbirth there is more specific advice that women may seek out.
WHAT IS WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
We can treat, advice and educate on a wide range of health issues such as:
Pregnancy related pain
Musculoskeletal pain
Prenatal and postpartum
Osteoporosis
Education on wellness and prevention
Incontinence
Abdominal separation
Pelvic floor strengthening
Caesarean/perineal scar management
Pelvic girdle pain
Bone density concerns related to menopause
Mastitis or blocked milk ducts
Pelvic floor organ prolapse
We assess your specific needs and then tailor exercise plans to help improve a variety of symptoms for example, lower back pain caused by weakness in core and pelvic floor, or decreased bone density during menopause and a strengthening program for your bones.
Another more common role is aiding women in pelvic floor training, especially during and after pregnancy. The weight of the baby during pregnancy and the physical birth process places a-lot of stress on the pelvic floor - so it is essential to strengthen this area as much as possible! Not only for childbirth but to minimise urinary incontinence, prolapse and other pelvic issues.
WHEN TO SEE A WOMENS HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST WHEN PREGNANT
You can come visit us at any point when you become pregnant - especially if you want the support and guidance around safe exercise during your pregnancy!
However it is often most helpful to come visit when you feel any discomfort or pain around your lower back, pelvis, ribs or hips.
We often follow our lovely mums beyond their journey after pregnancy - to help with any postnatal concerns that majority of women feel after birth. Often ranging from abdominal separation, to prolapse to just wanting to get back into safe exercise!
PRENATAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
During the the time of your pregnancy women's health physiotherapists can support you with:
Exercise advice and recommendations - to keep you active and safe throughout your journey
Childbirth education - stretches, positions of comfort and relaxation techniques
Pelvic floor strengthening and relaxation techniques
Abdominal strengthening exercises
Treatment of any body pain due to pregnancy
POSTNATAL PHYSIOTHERAPY
Once you have given birth, don’t worry we aren’t giving up on you there is so much we can help with!
Abdominal separation treatment - help to support, rebuild and improve core activation
Re strengthen the pelvic floor - most common in all cases of women
Caesarean scar treatment - help recover from C section
Returning to exercise - guidance and support to help you get back to what you love
Prolapse
Postural changes associated with being a new mum - larger breasts, breastfeeding positioning etc
The scope of women's health is amazing and diverse so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and see how we can help you form the best version of your body!
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