Women's Health

What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy 

Women’s health physiotherapy involves assessing and treating women with the pelvic floor, bladder and bowel issues. Pelvic floor function is assessed with various tools, including real-time ultrasound, allowing an exercise program to be tailored to a patient’s needs and specific goals.

Women have health issues due to a complex reproductive system that makes them unique from men.

General women's health refers to women's overall physical well-being, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of conditions and diseases that are specific to women or affect women differently than men. 

This can include reproductive health, gynaecological health, mental health, and overall physical health and wellness.

Women's Health also promotes healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices to help prevent or manage certain health conditions.

How Can We Help You?

• Pregnancy (Prenatal Support)
• Postnatal Conditions
• Prolapse
• Incontinence Issues
• Pelvis Pain
• Sacroiliac Pain (SIJ) 
• Coccyx Pain
• Rectus Abdominis Diastasis
• Lymphoedema
• Pelvic Floor Assessment (Vaginal Examination)
• Sacroiliac Abdominal Conditions

Pre-Pregnancy and Postnatal Management

Physiotherapists can play an important role in prenatal care, helping women to stay healthy and active during pregnancy while minimising the risk of complications.

Musculoskeletal Strength and Pain

One key area where physiotherapists can provide support in managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction during pregnancy. Many women experience back pain, pelvic pain, or other discomforts during pregnancy, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, and education on posture and body mechanics.

Our physiotherapist can also help with supplementary advice in the areas of

• Weight Management,
• Workplace and home environment,
• Lifestyle & Habits, and
• Diet

Improved Fitness Before and During Pregnancy

Physiotherapists can also help women maintain or improve their physical fitness during pregnancy, focusing on safe and appropriate exercises that can help reduce the risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Pregnancy exercise can also help improve mood, reduce stress, and promote healthy weight gain.

In addition, physiotherapists can provide education and support for common issues such as 

• urinary incontinence, 
• constipation, and 
• diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles). 

They can also guide proper positioning and breathing techniques for labour and delivery.

Overall, physiotherapy can be a valuable part of prenatal care, helping women to stay healthy and active during pregnancy while minimising the risk of complications and improving their overall quality of life.

Postnatal care

Physiotherapy can be an important part of postnatal care, helping women to recover from the physical changes and demands of childbirth and to return to their pre-pregnancy level of function and activity.

One key area that physiotherapy can support is managing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction following childbirth. Many women experience back pain, pelvic pain, or other discomforts after delivery, which can be effectively managed with physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, exercise, and education on posture and body mechanics.

Physiotherapists can also provide guidance and support for pelvic floor rehabilitation, an important part of postnatal recovery. This may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel function, as well as education on proper lifting techniques and body mechanics to prevent further injury.

In addition, physiotherapists can provide support and education for breastfeeding women, including techniques to prevent and manage common issues such as blocked ducts, mastitis, and nipple pain.

Overall, physiotherapy can be a valuable part of postnatal care, helping women to recover from childbirth and to return to their pre-pregnancy level of function and activity. It can also provide support and education for common issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction and breastfeeding, helping women to optimise their overall health and well-being during this important time.

Pelvis, Sacroiliac & Coccyx Pain 

Pelvic Examination and Assessment

Physiotherapy can effectively assess and manage pain in the pelvis, sacroiliac joint (SIJ), and coccyx (tailbone).

To assess the cause of the pain, a physiotherapist will typically conduct a thorough physical examination to identify any muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, or other underlying factors contributing to the pain. 

An assessment may include pelvic floor muscle strength and flexibility. Further examination of the sacroiliac joint’s alignment and mobility and assessing the mobility and positioning of the coccyx.

Pelvic Pain Treatment and Management

Based on the assessment findings, the physiotherapist will develop a personalised treatment plan to address the underlying causes of the pain. This may include a combination of techniques, such as 

• manual therapy, 
• exercise, and 
• education on proper body mechanics.

Manual Therapy for Pelvic Pain

Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release can help to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.

Exercise Therapy for Pelvic Pain

Exercise therapies would be prescribed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve overall core stability can help to improve alignment and reduce pain.

Education for Women with Pelvic Pain

Education on proper body mechanics, including strategies to avoid aggravating the pain and to promote good posture and movement patterns, can also be an important part of the management plan.

Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective approach for assessing and managing pain in the pelvis, SIJ, and coccyx, helping patients to reduce pain, improve function, and optimise their overall health and well-being.

Pelvic Floor Assessment (Vaginal Examination)

Pelvic floor assessment is a common part of physiotherapy treatment for women who experience symptoms related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as 

• urinary or faecal incontinence, 
• pelvic pain, or 
• prolapse. 

Pelvic Floor Assessment

The assessment may include a vaginal examination, a medical procedure used to evaluate the pelvic floor muscles.

During a vaginal examination, the physiotherapist may insert one or two fingers into the vagina and ask the patient to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles. This allows the physiotherapist to assess the muscles' strength, tone, and endurance and identify any areas of tenderness or pain.

The examination is typically performed with the patient lying down and the physiotherapist wearing gloves and using a water-based lubricant for comfort.

It is important for patients to feel comfortable and safe during the examination, and physiotherapists will take care to explain the procedure and answer any questions or concerns the patient may have. Patients are also encouraged to communicate any discomfort or pain during the examination so that the physiotherapist can adjust the procedure as needed.

A vaginal examination as part of a pelvic floor assessment can be an effective tool for identifying pelvic floor dysfunction and developing a personalised treatment plan to improve symptoms and optimise overall pelvic health.

Prolapse Treatments 

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for prolapse, which is a condition that occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend or bulge into the vaginal wall.

Kegel Exercises for Prolapse

One of the most commonly recommended treatments for prolapse is pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that support the pelvic organs, which can help improve their positioning and reduce prolapse symptoms.

Exercise Education

A physiotherapist can help patients learn how to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises correctly and provide guidance on how often and for how long they should be done. In addition, a physiotherapist may also use biofeedback techniques to help patients improve their pelvic floor muscle function. 

Biofeedback involves using electronic sensors to monitor muscle activity and provide feedback to the patient, which can help them better understand how to activate and relax their pelvic floor muscles.

Other treatment options may include manual therapy, which involves hands-on techniques to release tension and improve mobility in the pelvic region, and education on proper bowel and bladder habits.

Overall, physiotherapy can be a valuable treatment option for individuals with prolapse, helping them to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Incontinence Therapy

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for incontinence, which is a condition that affects bladder control and can lead to involuntary urine leakage. 

Urodynamic Testing

Urodynamics is a diagnostic test used to evaluate bladder function and can help identify the underlying causes of incontinence.

Urodynamics testing may be recommended for incontinent individuals to assess bladder function and identify underlying issues. Based on the results of the urodynamics test, a physiotherapist can develop an individualised treatment plan that may include pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, and other techniques to improve bladder control.

Kegel Exercises for Incontinence

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises again, are a common treatment option for incontinence. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that support the pelvic organs, which can help improve bladder control and reduce incontinence symptoms.

A physiotherapist can help patients learn how to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises correctly and provide guidance on how often and for how long they should be done. In addition, a physiotherapist may also use biofeedback techniques to help patients improve their pelvic floor muscle function. 

Overall, physiotherapy can be a valuable treatment option for individuals with incontinence, and urodynamics testing can help identify the condition's underlying causes, leading to more effective treatment.

Rectus Abdominis Diastasis and Abdominal Conditions

What is Rectus Abdominis Diastasis

Rectus abdominis diastasis, also known as diastasis recti, is a condition that occurs when the left and right abdominal muscles separate, creating a gap in the midline and can lead to a bulge in the midline of the abdomen. A variety of factors, including pregnancy, obesity, or excessive straining during exercise, can cause this separation.

Symptoms of rectus abdominis diastasis may include a visible bulge or protrusion in the midline of the abdomen, especially when the person is straining or sitting up, as well as lower back pain, poor posture, and decreased core stability.

While rectus abdominis diastasis is not usually a serious medical condition, it can be uncomfortable and affect a person's quality of life. Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for rectus abdominis diastasis, helping to strengthen the abdominal muscles and reduce the separation, leading to improved core stability and reduced symptoms.

Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Treatment

Physiotherapy can effectively treat rectus abdominis diastasis and other abdominal conditions, such as abdominal muscle strains or weakness.

One of the most common treatment options for rectus abdominis diastasis is specific exercises that target the deep abdominal muscles. These exercises can help strengthen and tighten the abdominal muscles, reducing separation and improving core stability.

A physiotherapist can help patients learn how to perform these exercises correctly and provide guidance on how often and for how long they should be done. In addition, a physiotherapist may also use manual therapy techniques, such as massage or stretching, to help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the abdominal muscles.

Other treatment options include education on proper body mechanics and posture and using supportive devices, such as an abdominal binder, to support the abdominal muscles.

Overall, physiotherapy can be a valuable treatment option for individuals with rectus abdominis diastasis and other abdominal conditions, helping them to improve their core stability and reduce their symptoms.

Lymphoedema

What is Lymphedema

Lymphedema is characterised by swelling in the arms or legs due to a buildup of lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system is responsible for maintaining fluid balance and fighting infection. When the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes become damaged, the fluid can accumulate and cause swelling.

Causes of Lymphedema

Lymphedema can be primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is caused by an inherited abnormality in the lymphatic system, while secondary lymphedema is typically caused by damage to the lymphatic system from cancer treatment, infection, or injury.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Symptoms of lymphedema may include swelling, heaviness, tightness, or aching in the affected limb, as well as decreased flexibility and mobility. 

Treatment of Lymphedema

Lymphedema has no cure, but it can be managed with therapies such as 

• compression garments, 
• manual lymphatic drainage, 
• exercise, and 
• skincare.

Physiotherapy can play an important role in the management of lymphedema. A physiotherapist can provide a range of treatments to help reduce swelling, improve mobility, and prevent complications.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

One common treatment for lymphedema is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a gentle massage technique that can help to move excess lymphatic fluid out of the affected limb. Our therapist is trained in lymphedema management and can perform MLD and teach patients self-massage techniques to perform at home.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is another key component of lymphedema management, and a physiotherapist can help patients select and fit compression garments such as bandages or stockings. These garments help to reduce swelling by providing external pressure to the affected limb.

Exercise

Exercise is also important for managing lymphedema, and a physiotherapist can design an exercise program tailored to the patient's needs and abilities. Exercise can help improve lymphatic flow and prevent muscle atrophy, including low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

Education

Finally, a physiotherapist can provide education and support for skin care and other self-management strategies to help prevent infections and other complications associated with lymphedema.

Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective part of a comprehensive lymphedema management plan, helping patients to reduce swelling, improve mobility, and maintain their quality of life.

Real-Time Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a common modality used in physiotherapy for therapeutic purposes. It is a form of deep heating that uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate tissues, providing a warming effect that can help to relieve pain, increase blood flow, and promote tissue healing.

In physiotherapy, ultrasound is typically used to treat conditions such as soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, and joint inflammation. It is also used in rehabilitation after surgery or other traumatic injuries to promote tissue healing and reduce pain.

During an ultrasound treatment, a physiotherapist will apply a special gel to the skin over the affected area, then move a small handheld device called a transducer over the area in a circular motion. The transducer emits sound waves that penetrate the skin and deep tissues, producing a warming effect that can help to reduce pain and inflammation, increase blood flow, and improve tissue healing.

Ultrasound therapy is safe and non-invasive. As with any physiotherapy treatment, it is important to consult with a qualified physiotherapist to determine if ultrasound therapy is appropriate for your individual needs.