Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health encompasses a wide range of healthcare needs, especially during pre and postnatal periods. Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction through physiotherapy is an important aspect of women’s healthcare. Here is an overview of women’s healthcare during pre and postnatal periods, along with information on treating pelvic floor dysfunction through physiotherapy:
Pre-Natal Care
Prenatal Education: Providing education to expectant mothers about changes during pregnancy, optimal nutrition, exercise, and self-care.
Antenatal Exercises: Guiding women through safe and effective exercises to maintain strength, flexibility, and core stability during pregnancy.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Teaching Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prevent issues like incontinence.
Posture Correction: Educating women about proper posture to alleviate discomfort and prevent musculoskeletal issues.
Post-Natal Care
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, which can include issues like urinary incontinence, prolapse, and pain, through physiotherapy.
Diastasis Recti Management: Providing exercises and techniques to help heal abdominal separation after childbirth.
Scar Tissue Management: Assisting in the recovery of C-section or perineal tear scars through manual therapy techniques.
Corrective Exercises: Recommending exercises to regain core strength, stability, and overall muscle tone.
Back and Neck Pain Relief: Treating postural imbalances and pain that can arise from breastfeeding, carrying the baby, and sleep disturbances.
Return to Exercise: Guiding women on safe and gradual re-entry into exercise routines after childbirth.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment in Physiotherapy
Assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment to identify the specific pelvic floor issues, including muscle weakness, tightness, or pain.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Designing a personalised exercise programme to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles, depending on the issue.
Manual Techniques: Utilising manual therapy techniques like myofascial release to release tension and alleviate pain in the pelvic region.
Breathing and Core Activation: Teaching proper breathing techniques and core activation strategies to support pelvic floor function.
Holistic Approach
Psychosocial Support: Addressing emotional and mental well-being, as postpartum depression and anxiety are common during this period.
Continued Follow-up: Offering ongoing support and follow-up appointments to track progress and address any new concerns.
It is important to note that each woman’s experience is unique, and their healthcare should be tailored to their individual needs. A comprehensive approach that combines medical, physical, and emotional support can greatly enhance women’s health during pre and postnatal phases. Physiotherapists specialising in women’s health play a crucial role in promoting optimal outcomes for women during these important life stages.