Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Our Womens Health physiotherapists have specialist skills, knowledge and training to be able to assess and treat a wide range of conditions related to pregnancy, child birth and pelvic floor dysfunction.
There is a wealth of evidence to support physiotherapy as a highly effective intervention to alleviate, and even cure, symptoms related to the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor problems can be due to a number or reasons and can be an embarrassing topic for many women. But they should not be thought of as “normal” or something that just happens with age. Something can be done to help and most commonly these problems are reversible.
Women’s Health physiotherapists can help with the following conditions:
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Prolapse
- Incontinence – stress and urge
- Overactive bladder
- Ante-natal and post-natal gynaecological problems
- Problems following traumatic deliveries; including episiotomies and tears
- Musculoskeletal problems during and after pregnancy
- Musculoskeletal problems arising from gynaecological problems and/or surgery
- Vulvodynia (vulva pain)
- Bowel conditions, including incontinence and constipation
- Pudendal Neuralgia/nerve entrapment
- Coccydynia
- Interstitial cystitis
- Rectus Diastasis (separation of the abdominal wall after giving birth)
- Sexual dysfunction
In many cases, women require 3 or 4 sessions to most effectively treat a Pelvic Health problem. The findings from assessment and the recommended treatment plan will be discussed with you at your first appointment.
What should you expect in a consultation with a Womens Health physiotherapist?
At your first appointment, the physiotherapist will discuss your problem with you and take a detailed history so they can best understand your needs. There is ample opportunity for you to also ask questions and be given information on the various treatment options available.
The assessment process may involve removing your clothing so that the physiotherapist may gather important information and provide appropriate advice. You will not be obliged to remove your clothing if you do not wish to, and you may bring someone to your appointment with you as a chaperone if you would prefer to.
To gather all the information needed and to guide best treatment, the assessment of gynaecological and bowel problems typically involves an internal examination. Some women may be anxious at the suggestion of an internal examination, however our physiotherapists are very experienced in doing this and will discuss the process with you to ensure you are put at ease. You will be given the option to refuse should you decide not to. You may also bring someone with you should you prefer to have a chaperone present.
Some of the treatment options offered to you may include:
- teaching correct pelvic floor exercises and provision of an exercise programme to strengthen these muscles
- bladder and bowel re-education
- prolapse management advice
- biofeedback and electrotherapy when necessary
- manual therapy (ie hands on treatment), where appropriate
- postural and back care advice, including advice on lifting techniques
- dietary and lifestyle advice, including how to exercise without aggravating symptoms and how to exercise safely during and after pregnancy
- advice on pain management
- advice on delivery positions
- support belts and mobility aids
Please contact us should you have any queries.
