Pregnancy and Women’s Health

Women's Health Physiotherapy, also known as pelvic health physiotherapy or women's pelvic floor physiotherapy, is an area of physiotherapy which requires additional training and focuses on the assessment and treatment of conditions related to the pelvic region in women.

Women's health physiotherapists are trained to address a wide range of issues that affect this area of the body, including:

  • Antenatal and postnatal services

  • Pelvic floor issues including bladder, bowel and prolapse

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Pelvic pain

Remember, it is never too early or too late to seek advice or treatment!

Antenatal

During pregnancy, women's health physiotherapists can provide guidance on exercises, posture, and pelvic floor training to help prepare the body for childbirth. We aim to ensure any concerns are addressed promptly during your pregnancy to avoid unnecessary discomfort, assist with birth and post partum recovery.

Common conditions we treat during pregnancy are:

  • Lower Back Pain

  • Pelvic Girdle Pain

  • Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

  • Round Ligament Pain

  • Thoracic Spine Pain

  • Sciatic Nerve Irritation

Postnatal

After childbirth (vaginal or caesarian section) it is important that the muscles supporting your pelvic floor, back and abdomen start to work again as quickly as possible.

Women’s Health Physiotherapy postnatal checks are recommended for all women at or after 6 weeks postpartum. The check may involve assessment of your pelvic floor, abdominal muscle separation, and scar tissue . We will assist with any concerns occurring at the time of assessment, and also provide advice to ensure a successful long term recovery. This may include guidance and advice on return to exercise.

Physiotherapy for Mastitis

Did you know physiotherapy can help with mastitis? Physiotherapy for mastitis can consist of:

  • Ultrasound therapy for mastitis

  • Lymphatic massage

  • Pain management

  • Posture correction

We offer appointments within 24 hours for any patients with mastitis as this is a condition which needs to be treated urgently.

Pelvic Floor Issues

Women's health physiotherapists assess and treat various pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as:

  • Stress urinary incontinence

  • Urge urinary incontinence

  • Mixed incontinence

  • Faecal incontinence

  • Overactive bladder

  • Prolapse

If you are or have experienced any of the following, physiotherapy may be able to assist in relieving or reducing your symptoms or prevent worsening of your condition.

  • Needing to rush to the toilet with little or no warning

  • Leaking urine when coughing, laughing or exercising

  • Unable to control the urge to pass urine due to triggers such as running water or approaching home

  • Having to use your hand to pass a bowel motion

  • Inability to determine whether its wind or a motion in your bowel

  • Repeated urinary tract infections

  • Bed wetting

  • Pain with intercourse

  • Dragging or a bulging feeling vaginally

  • Vaginal dryness, especially post menopause

  • Trauma during childbirth (regardless of how long ago)

Pelvic Pain and Sexual Dysfunction

Women may experience pelvic pain for various reasons, including conditions like endometriosis, vulvodynia, or painful intercourse (dyspareunia).

Women's Health Physiotherapists can use manual techniques, exercise programs, and pain management strategies to alleviate pelvic pain. Pain during sex, or issues related to the pelvic floor muscles that affect sexual function are more common than many women realise and are often quite treatable.

More Information:

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health