There are many special stages throughout a woman’s life, from her childbearing years to menopause and beyond. The changes that occur both physiologically and mentally to a woman may be distressing when there is lack of awareness. Women’s health is a comprehensive and growing area within the field of physiotherapy.
At Southside Physiotherapy, our trained Women’s Health Physiotherapists are able to assess and manage common conditions such as:
- Urinary Incontinence (UI)
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) with Real Time Ultrasound
- Mild prolapse
- Inconsistent bowel and bladder habits
- Pregnancy pre-screening assessment and education
- Exercise during pregnancy
- Common musculoskeletal conditions during pregnancy:
– Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PrPGP) and lower back pain (LBP)
– Hip/groin pain
– Wrist and thumb pain - Postnatal screening (once cleared by GP)
- Abdominal separation (Diastasis Rectus Abdominus)
Through pregnancy and childbirth, women will experience increased stress and load on the pelvic floor, which can lead to conditions such as incontinence and prolapse.
For women, pelvic floor muscle training remains first-line treatment for urinary incontinence and improves quality of life.
Our women’s health therapists are also experienced in the musculoskeletal field, aiding their abilities to assess and treat musculoskeletal related conditions in any stage of a woman’s life.
Lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain are common conditions in pregnancy and can be effectively treated. Although pain is not limited to a particular trimester, it is often experienced at 14 – 30 weeks gestation.
Whether it be through manual therapy or individualised exercise prescription, our physiotherapists are able to help ease any discomfort and manage/limit any aggravations.
Additionally, evidence has shown that regular exercise during pregnancy can benefit both the woman and fetus. Such benefits include reducing back pain and decreasing risk of gestational diabetes (higher than normal blood glucose levels that first appear during pregnancy).
However, it is still important to consult your medical professional (obstetrician, gynaecologist, GP) about your exercise routine during your early prenatal visits to screen for any potential risk factors.
All Women’s Health consultations are one on one consultations in a private room for 45 minutes.
Please phone us on 9527 4099 for any enquiries!