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Physiotherapy and Women’s Health

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects nearly half of all Australian women. Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialty area, focusing on pelvic floor disorders, continence and chronic pelvic pain.

Why should you see a physiotherapist for women’s health related issues?

Many women suffer from pelvic pain or continence/prolapse related issues, post-pregnancy or due to general ageing. It is common for women to put up with their suffering due to potential embarrassment or not knowing where to go for help. However, women’s health physiotherapy is a growing field and definitely one to reach out to.

Physiotherapists will help by:

• Providing exercises to help with overactivity or under activity of the muscles
• Biofeedback – use of technology to help activation of muscles
• Advice and education – help provide awareness on simple aspects that will make a difference

All of the above contribute to muscle strengthening, improved motor control and in turn reduction in pain.

Treatment is tailored depending on the symptoms, so it may take largely different amount of time for improvement to be seen. However, we do know that pelvic floor physiotherapy can lessen incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction. In fact, physiotherapy before childbirth or menopause onset has also shown to be beneficial for protecting against pelvic floor dysfunction (or the extent of it).

What are the pelvic floor muscles?

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles which support the womb (uterus), bladder and bowel (colon), forming a ‘sling’ from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back. If the muscles are weak, this can affect bladder and bowel control, resulting in incontinence (leakage) or prolapse. These muscles are particularly known to be affected after childbirth or at onset of menopause due to hormonal changes.

Watch the video below to find out more information!

If you are suffering from pelvic pain or pelvic floor dysfunction, or if you have any questions about the services we provide contact us today on 1800 992 999!

For more information visit:

https://jeanhailes.org.au/news/what-happens-when-you-see-a-pelvic-floor-physiotherapist-or-endocrinologist

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Category:Womens_Health