PHYSIOTHERAPY
Women’s Health Physiotherapy
What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Women’s Health Physiotherapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that addresses conditions affecting the pelvis and pelvic floor, as well as all areas of obstetrics and urogynecology.
This branch of physiotherapy aims to improve the health and well-being of women at various stages of life.
According to Kaiser Permanente (2008), one-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders, which include symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, prolapsed pelvic organs, and incontinence.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Women’s Health Physiotherapy
What Can a Women’s Health Physiotherapist Help You With?
A women’s health physiotherapist can provide valuable support and treatment for various conditions, including:
Bladder Disorders
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Mixed incontinence (stress+urge)
Anorectal Disorders
- Fecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Anal fissures/hemorrhoidal crisis
Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
Sexual Dysfunction
- Dyspareunia
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Vestibulodynia
- Orgasm Issue
Prolapse
- Bladder
- Urethra
- Intestine/rectum
- Uterus
Pregnant
- Prevent/treat pain: pubic sinfise, sacroiliac, coccyx, low back pain, thoracic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, pelvic pain….
- Preventing pathological diastasis
- Prevent and assist in the treatment of gestational diabetes and hypertension
- Prevent/treat: Bladder and fecal disorders
- Swelling management
- Prepare for easier labour and delivery: helps the pregnant woman to develop skills that will be necessary at the time of delivery, such as improving physical capacity, improving breathing, preparing the pelvic floor and pelvic, contributing to better baby position, pain relief and for a good progression of labor.
- Tearing prevention and reduce chances of episiotomy
Post Partum
- Reduce pain: areola during breastfeeding, episiotomy, tearing, cesarean scar, hemorrhoidal and fissures
- Prevent/treat pain: pubic sinfise, sacroiliac, coccyx, low back pain, thoracic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, pelvic pain….
- Prevent/treat: Bladder and fecal disorders
- Pelvic floor and core (diastasis) rehabilitation
- Swelling management
- Helps the body to quickly return to pre-pregnancy condition and avoid future problems, such as urinary incontinence, poor posture, poor abdominal strength, pain and tendinitis
Post Surgery
- Rehabilitation after plastic, gynecological, breast cancer and cesarean surgeries.
Cancer Rehabilitation
- Breast cancer
- Pelvic cancer
What to expect from your
Women’s Health Physiotherapy appointment?
During the initial assessment, your therapist will take a detailed history of the presenting condition. The therapist will ask you a series of questions so that she can understand the true nature and complexity of your condition.
The physical assessment will begin with an assessment of your lumbar spine, pelvis, and abdominal muscles. Your therapist will assess the muscle tone, maximal strength, and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles.
Following the assessment, your therapist will discuss the findings with you and will explain the treatment plan to address your signs and symptoms.
WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
Prenatal Checkup (During Pregnancy)
Address any pregnancy related pain or injury
Advice on safe exercise during each trimester
Pelvic Floor assessment
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Incontinence assessment
Incontinence management
Individualised treatment based on comprehensive assessment
WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
Birth Preparation Let us support you for a smooth delivery(From 34 weeks of pregnancy until delivery)
Perineal Massage
Birth preparation exercises
Down training of pelvic floor
Stretches to ease delivery
Labor positions
Breathing practice
WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY
Postnatal Checkup (6 weeks pospartum)
Full postural screen
Diastasis check
Pelvic floor assessment
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Safe, graduated return to exercise
Individualized treatment based on comprehensive assessment
Hypopressive Breathing
Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists
Amy Lesley Gilbert
BSc, MCSP, HCPC, DOH
Founder
Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Senior Physiotherapist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is physiotherapy in women's health?
Physiotherapy in Women’s Health is a specialty that covers the female life cycle, from childhood to old age, including adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. It addresses the many changes in a woman’s body and provides special attention as needed.
What pathologies and conditions are treated?
- Voiding disorders (urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, increased urinary frequency day and/or night)
- Anorectal disorders (fecal incontinence, anal fissures, hemorrhoidal crises, and constipation)
- Sexual dysfunctions (dyspareunia, vaginismus, vestibulodynia, absence of orgasm)
- Prolapses of pelvic organs (descending uterus, bladder, and/or rectum)
- Pelvic pain, menstrual cramps
- Pre and post-operative pelvic and oncological surgeries (cesareans, hysterectomies, breast, and pelvis cancer)
- Pregnancy (preparation for normal delivery or cesarean section, prevention of diastasis, reduction of pain, discomfort, and swelling)
- Postpartum (rehabilitation of the pelvic floor, recovery of the abdominal muscles, postural reeducation, scar treatment (episiotomy, cesarean section))
- Menopause
Does physiotherapy in women's health treat the pelvic floor?
Yes! We evaluate, prevent, and treat dysfunctions in the pelvic region, specifically related to the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor supports pelvic organs, assists in urinary and fecal continence, and plays an important role in sexual function.
Should all pregnant and postpartum women undergo physiotherapy for the pelvic floor?
Exercises for the pelvic floor muscles are recommended during pregnancy and postpartum, regardless of the delivery mode (vaginal or cesarean). They prevent and reduce dysfunction symptoms, improve perineal perception, and provide benefits in postural control and breathing.
Is physiotherapy done just before the baby is born, or does it continue?
The pelvic floor muscles require continuous care. It is important to evaluate and train these muscles preventively before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum. Dysfunction prevention with specific exercises is crucial throughout life stages, including menopause and aging.
Do I need to do an assessment before starting treatment?
Yes, a complete assessment is necessary to identify your individual needs and determine the best therapeutic resources for your case. This includes detailed evaluations of your health conditions, physical, postural, and abdominal assessments, and a pelvic floor assessment.
How is the pelvic floor assessed?
An internal exam similar to a gynecological exam is conducted, involving the insertion of a gloved finger into the vagina to assess muscle coordination, strength, and the presence of prolapses. This helps tailor the treatment plan for optimal results.
What are the main techniques and exercises performed during treatment?
Techniques include body and behavioral awareness, postural and breathing exercises, pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback devices, vaginal cones, specific massagers, Pilates, thermotherapy, electrotherapy, laser therapy, and manual therapy. According inicial assessment and patient symptons.
What is the frequency of sessions?
The frequency depends on the pathology and the patient’s conditions, determined after evaluation and as sessions progress. Home exercises and patient cooperation are crucial for effective treatment.
When is the right time to make an appointment?
Every woman should undergo an evaluation to understand the condition of their pelvic floor. Early diagnosis is essential for prevention and treatment. If you experience urinary loss, plan to become pregnant, or show signs of menopause, seek a specialized physiotherapist.