What is a Women’s Health Physiotherapist?
Women’s Health Physiotherapists have post-graduate training and experience in a broad range of musculoskeletal issues associated with the life stages of pregnancy, birth and post-partum, lactation and menopause. They also specialize in pelvic floor muscle function and dysfunction.
Who can benefit from Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Pregnant & Post-natal women with:
- Pregnancy-related back or neck pain
- Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (Pelvic Instability)
- Abdominal muscle separation (DRAM)
- Carpal tunnel and wrist pain
- Coccyx pain
- Rib pain
- Mastitis and blocked ducts
- Return to sport and exercise after childbirth
Women who experience:
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Incontinence
- Inability to relax their pelvic floor muscles
- Inability to “find” and activate their pelvic floor muscles correctly
- A need to urgently and frequently rush to the toilet
- Pain in the pelvic region due to childbirth, surgery, and sexual pain
- Preparation and recovery after continence surgery, hysterectomy, prolapse repair
How long does a visit take?
It usually takes an hour during the first appointment to gather all the information required and to give appropriate advice.
What will the first visit involve?
A detailed history can help us decide what the nature of your problem might be. An assessment will be made on your ability to correctly perform a pelvic floor contraction. You may also be asked to fill out a fluid balance chart.
Will I need an internal examination?
A physiotherapy internal examination is used to assess the state, tone and strength of your pelvic floor, in addition to identifying any tender areas or trigger points that may be contributing to your problem. It is therefore very useful for the physiotherapist in building a picture as to the cause of your problem. However it is not essential and if you do not want to be examined I am happy to treat you without an internal examination.
Assessment also includes evaluation of your abdominal muscles, bladder and bowel function, lifestyle and exercise factors.
You can expect a sensitive approach and individually tailored management.
How will my problem be treated?
Treatment options include:
- teaching correct PF exercises and designing an exercise programme to strengthen the PF muscles
- bladder and bowel re-education
- manual therapy of the pelvic floor including connective tissue release and trigger point therapy
- dietary and lifestyle advice, including how to exercise without aggravating symptoms
- prolapse management advice
- postural re-education
- manual therapy of the pelvis
- biofeedback and electrotherapy, if necessary
Do I need to be referred by my doctor for a Women s Health Assessment
Referral from a medical practitioner is not essential.
At Wicklow Physiotherapy Clinic we will communicate and work in conjunction with your General Practitioner, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, surgeon or other medical health-care provider throughout your treatment.
