Women’s Health

Women’s Health physiotherapy, also known as Pelvic physiotherapy, is a specialised branch of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures in women. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that supports the bladder, uterus and rectum.

What does Women's Health Physiotherapy entail?

Women’s Health physiotherapists are trained to treat a variety of conditions that affect the pelvic floor, including urinary and faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions. They use a range of techniques such as pelvic floor muscle exercises, manual therapy and electrical stimulation to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures.

Women’s Health physiotherapy is an important aspect of women’s healthcare as it can help to improve quality of life, reduce pain and discomfort and improve sexual function. It is often recommended for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, women experiencing menopause and those who have undergone gynaecological surgery.

Some of the most common conditions treated by women’s health physiotherapists include:

Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine that can occur during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising (stress incontinence).
Overactive bladder syndrome: Sudden and frequent urge to urinate, often accompanied by urine leakage (urge incontinence) and/or nocturia (frequent urination at night).
Faecal incontinence: Involuntary leakage of faeces or difficulty controlling bowel movements.
Pelvic organ prolapse: A condition where one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, can protrude into the vagina.
Pelvic pain: Pain in the pelvic area, including the lower abdomen, lower back and genitals.
Dyspareunia: Pain during sexual intercourse.
Vaginismus: Involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause pain and difficulty with penetration.
Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and other symptoms.
Vulvodynia: Chronic pain or discomfort in the vulva, the external female genitalia.
Pre- and post-natal care: Women’s health physiotherapy can also help with pre- and post-natal care, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, education on childbirth and breastfeeding positions, and management of common pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and pelvic girdle pain.

Women’s Health physiotherapy can help to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles and associated structures, reduce pain and discomfort and improve quality of life for women experiencing these conditions.

Benefits of Women’s Health physiotherapy

Improved pelvic floor muscle function:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can help to improve the strength (and sometimes relaxation), endurance and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles. This can help to reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain.

Reduced pain and discomfort:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and discomfort in the pelvic area, including during sexual intercourse. This can improve quality of life and overall well-being.

Prevention of pelvic floor dysfunction:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can help to prevent pelvic floor dysfunction from developing or worsening. This is particularly important during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as for women who have undergone gynaecological surgery or are experiencing menopause.

Education and empowerment:

Women’s health physiotherapists can provide education and support to help women better understand their bodies and how to care for them. This can empower women to take an active role in their own healthcare and make informed decisions about their health.

Individualised treatment:

Women’s health physiotherapy is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals. This means that women can receive personalised care that addresses their unique symptoms and concerns.

Women’s Health physiotherapy can improve pelvic floor muscle function, reduce pain and discomfort, prevent pelvic floor dysfunction, provide education and support and offer individualised treatment. These benefits can have a positive impact on women’s physical and emotional well-being, as well as their overall quality of life.

When you should consider Women’s Health physiotherapy

Women’s Health physiotherapy can be helpful for women of all ages, but there are certain times when it may be particularly beneficial. Here are some situations where you may want to consider seeing a Women’s Health physiotherapist:

During pregnancy:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can be helpful during pregnancy to prepare the pelvic floor muscles for childbirth and reduce the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction. A Women’s Health physiotherapist can teach you pelvic floor muscle exercises, as well as provide education on proper body mechanics and posture during pregnancy.

After childbirth:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can be beneficial after childbirth to help restore pelvic floor muscle function and reduce symptoms such as urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and pelvic pain. A Women’s Health physiotherapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles, as well as provide guidance on safe return to exercise and activities.

For pelvic pain or dysfunction:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can be helpful for women experiencing pelvic pain or dysfunction, such as urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, vaginismus, endometriosis, or vulvodynia. A Women’s health physiotherapist can assess your pelvic floor muscle function and provide treatment, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, manual therapy and other techniques.

Before and after gynaecological surgery:

Women’s Health physiotherapy can be helpful before and after gynaecological surgery, such as a hysterectomy or prolapse repair, to prepare the pelvic floor muscles for surgery and aid in recovery. A Women’s Health physiotherapist can provide education on pre- and post-surgical care, as well as exercises and other treatments to improve pelvic floor muscle function.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to the pelvic floor muscles or associated structures, or are planning for pregnancy or gynaecological surgery, it may be beneficial to see a Women’s Health physiotherapist. They can assess your individual needs and provide personalised treatment to improve your pelvic floor muscle function and overall well-being.

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