Women’s Health Physiotherapy is the treatment of all disorders affecting the pelvis and pelvic floor. The pelvic floor supports the womb (uterus), bladder, and bowel. If these muscles are weak, it will result in leakage of pee (or poo) or a prolapse.
For some women, the pelvic floor muscles might be overactive – meaning that they are working when they should be relaxing. This results in painful sex, difficulty going to the loo, and problems with using tampons.
Did you know that:
- 1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence in their lifetime (leakage of urine when they sneeze / cough / laugh / jump)?
- 50% of women who had children experience a vaginal prolapse
- Up to 60% of women who do not have children have significant bladder / bowel or pain symptoms.
- Approximately 20% of women have chronic pelvic pain.
Many women tolerate these problems for years thinking they are normal and are a part of being a woman. Embarrassment often prevents women from seeking help and women are usually not aware that there are effective treatments available
Post Natal Check MOT
Our women’s health physiotherapist is experienced in treating women through pregnancy and post-natally. We recommend a six-week pot natal MOT check-up following the birth of your baby. We will check your pelvic floor and abdominals, discuss incontinence of abdominal separation (Diastasis Recti), low back and perineal / pelvic pain, and give you plenty of advice on safe return to intimacy, fitness, and exercise.
When do you need to see a women’s health physio?
- Pregnancy-related pain: Pain during pregnancy or after giving birth
- Diastasis recti / an abdominal gap that persists after giving birth
- Pelvic or vaginal pain or vaginal prolapse
- Constipation
- Urinary or faecal incontinence
- Caesarean or perineal scar management
- Painful sex or vulvar pain
- Low back pain or pelvic pain during or after birth
What to expect from the visit to a women’s health physio?
The physio will perform an individualised, thorough assessment considering the woman’s history, details of birth and understanding of what the problem is. She will take a complete history of your bladder and bowel function, sexual function, and medical and surgical history. Your pelvic floor muscles might be examined during the assessment.
Treatment will include:
- Pelvic floor re-education and pelvic floor exercises
- Manual therapy (hands-on treatment)
- Patient education and advice
- Exercise therapy