There is increased awareness and focus to health issues related to female in recent times. There are multiple roles a woman has to play which leaves her with less time for her own self. Females have a natural tendency to place her own needs beneath family’s requirements. The society may believe and practice the notion – “Ladies first”. But when it comes to Indian women, we most of the times have a natural tendency to ignore our own health; exercise in any form of relaxation is never our priority.
Physiotherapy from Womb to Tomb
A simple assessment and structured exercise program by a physiotherapist is often sufficient to prevent the health issues in women across the life span, right from birth, to the young athlete to the child bearing woman to the menopausal & the elderly.
Women’s health physiotherapy has been derived from the clinical area of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Women’s Health Physiotherapy refers to the non-surgical therapeutic treatment specific to various health problems affecting women. During the course of therapy, specially designed exercises and equipment can be used to help patients restore their normal physical activities.
The scope of practice has definitely increased in recent times to include all health concerns of women like pelvic pain, Sacro-iliac joint dysfunctions, prolapse, varicose veins, plantar fasciitis, incontinence, prenatal and post-partum Musculo-skeletal pain, osteoporosis rehabilitation and generalized wellness programmes. All females throughout their life span from young adolescent girl, the child bearing age group, the menopausal women to the geriatric age group benefit from physiotherapy.
Benefits of Women’s Health Physiotherapy in common conditions faced by women
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): From the beginning of puberty, a girl may experience various menstrual discomforts till the time she attains her menopause also, at various stages of life like during pregnancy and postnatally, there are various Musculo-skeletal issues /ailments which a women lives with. A physiotherapist assesses the physical effect PMS has on your body as well as the risk factors that can influence and worsen them, before offering a range of management options and advice. Treatment may include manual therapy to relieve tension as well as related discomfort such as headaches and constipation, relaxation point stimulation, kinesiotaping or electrotherapy. An important part of the treatment is teaching relaxation techniques and advice on self-management and self-care.
Endometriosis: Physiotherapy modalities may prove to be a fundamental treatment option for the patient with endometriosis, pre and post laparoscopic surgery, especially if they experience musculoskeletal impairments. Effective physiotherapy treatment options include: myofascial manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle lengthening, trigger point release, stretching and flexibility exercises, spinal mobilizations, nerve glides, relaxation exercises and behavioural modifications.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Physiotherapists can provide a customized exercise program which would help in losing the weight gained due to the storage of oestrogen in adipose tissue, lower insulin levels, and dietary changes to reduce consumption of carbohydrates.
Heart diseases: Physical therapy can help to prevent the onset of heart disease, and reduce the negative consequences of heart disease by implementing a treatment program that addresses all the contributing factors of this disease. This may include advice on smoking cessation, an exercise program for weight management and improving cholesterol levels. There are cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients who have had a heart attack or severe heart disease.
Osteoporosis: Post-menopausal women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Physical therapy can help to prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of bone fractures. Strengthening exercises for your bones is of high importance in maintaining the health of osteoporotic bones. Exercise programs also include weight bearing exercises, flexibility exercises, postural and balance exercises.
Obesity: Physiotherapy has a role to play in the prevention and management of obesity. Obesity leads to restrictions in movement, affecting engagement in physical activity. Exercise and movement is the keystone of the scope of physiotherapy practice. A treatment plan for an obese patient may comprise of a provision of personalized lifestyle advice, prescription, supervision, and progression of appropriate physical activity to increase muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance, to sustain energy output to enhance and maintain weight loss under safe and controlled conditions.
Depression: Exercise has been known to benefit patients with mild to moderate mood disorders, especially anxiety and depression. When performing aerobic exercises our body releases endorphins which are responsible for relieving pain and improving mood. These endorphins can also lower cortisol levels known to be elevated in patients with depression. Additionally, exercise increases the sensitivity of serotonin in the same way antidepressants work, allowing for more serotonin to remain in the nerve synapse. Exercise can be aerobic or resistive in nature, as both are known to be beneficial in patients.
Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Disorders – Urinary incontinence, also referred to as overactive bladder, is the inability to control the flow of urine. Leakage of urine occurs due to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles as a result of injury, pregnancy, surgery or lack of exercise. Physiotherapy session includes: Diet modifications to avoid bladder irritation, Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, Methods to reduce the urinary urgency and frequency.
Pregnancy related conditions – Pain in the lower back, pelvic region, rib and thoracic region, headache, neck pain and stiffness, muscle weakness of the pelvic floor, leg cramps, weakened abdominal muscles and bladder, pain or numbness in the wrist and hand, all can also be treated with physical therapy.
At times, the only thing you need is the right assessment to prevent the onset of any kind of health issues. Your assessment and treatment often depend on your present condition. Whilst these sensitive issues are often difficult to discuss, understanding the onset of your symptoms and how your daily life is affected is vital in directing your treatment.
A few of the most common issues you can see a women’s physiotherapist to treat include:
- Pregnancy-related pain
- Relaxation and mindfulness exercises to aid in childbirth
- Abdominal separation due to pregnancy
- Pelvic floor strengthening during and after pregnancy
- Caesarean/Perineal scar management
- Bone density concerns related to menopause
- Pelvic girdle instability or pain
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pelvic floor prolapse due to childbirth
- Pelvic pain or pain related to sexual intercourse
- Overactive bladders
- Urinary urgency
- Constipation
- Antenatal and postnatal exercise
- Antenatal and postnatal Pilates
- Antenatal massage
- Mastitis or Blocked Milk Ducts
- A few of the most common issues you can see a women’s physiotherapist to treat include:
- Pregnancy-related pain
- Relaxation and mindfulness exercises to aid in childbirth
- Abdominal separation due to pregnancy
- Pelvic floor strengthening during and after pregnancy
- Caesarean/Perineal scar management
- Bone density concerns related to menopause
- Pelvic girdle instability or pain
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pelvic floor prolapse due to childbirth
- Pelvic pain or pain related to sexual intercourse
- Overactive bladders
- Urinary urgency
- Constipation
- Antenatal and postnatal exercise
- Antenatal and postnatal Pilates
- Antenatal massage
- Mastitis or Blocked Milk Ducts
- To prevent pelvic floor dysfunctions.
- To prepare for and aid recovery after any gynaecological surgery.
- Conservative treatment of bladder and/or bowel problems with pelvic floor exercises.
- Treatment of sexual dysfunction related to the pelvic floor muscles.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy is a vital component in a woman’s life in order to stay fit and healthy thus aiming to empower every woman to understand their symptoms and guide them on their road to recovery.
“Women’s Health Physiotherapy empowers women to recognize how their bodies work and take charge of their well-being.”