Women's Health
Women's Health

Women’s health problems can be broadly divided into two categories:

  • Obstetrics – regarding the period of pregnancy, childbirth and post natal
  • Gynaecology – healthcare specific to women
Obstetrics

Specialist physiotherapy advice both ante- and post- natally can be invaluable at this exciting time.

Here at The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic we can assess and treat common conditions such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain (previously known as SPD), sciatica, neck pain and rib pain which may develop as the pregnancy progresses. Other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome can be alleviated and managed. Pelvic floor exercises can be taught during pregnancy to improve pelvic support which will be beneficial both before and after giving birth in the prevention and treatment of incontinence. Pilates in pregnancy, and specialist exercises and advice on positions for labour and relaxation can be provided.

Post – natally it is very important to adopt good postures whilst caring for your baby. Musculoskeletal issues such as back and neck pain can be addressed, and pelvic floor re- education is very important at this time.

Exercise programs can be modified to be appropriate and safe aiming for the return of normal function and exercise.
Gynaecology

Urinary Incontinence – This may be stress incontinence or urge incontinence or a combination of both. You will be assessed and examined by our specialist women’s health physiotherapist who will then be able to decide which treatment and management is appropriate for you.

Prolapse – There are a number of different types of prolapse which can be examined and assessed.

Treatment will be provided if appropriate, or an onward referral to a specialist consultant urogynaecologist can be arranged if necessary.
Women’s Health Treatment Modalities

The pelvic floor muscles run from your pubic bone at the front to the tail bone at the back of your pelvis. They are shaped like a sling and provide support for your pelvic organs (uterus, vagina, bowel and bladder). Pelvic floor muscles are crucial to allow normal bladder and bowel function. There are many risk factors that can weaken the pelvic floor muscles such as pregnancy, labour, weight gain, chronic coughing, sneezing, constipation and menopause.

Pelvic floor muscle weakness can cause urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (pelvic organs bulges into the vagina). It is therefore essential to carry out your pelvic floor exercises correctly.

Stimulation can be a great method to activate weak pelvic floor muscles. It involves passing a small electrical current through the pelvic floor muscles causing them to contract and relax. As a result this can help to improve your pelvic floor muscle tone and awareness having a positive effect on your bladder.

Biofeedback is a fantastic tool for pelvic floor muscle retraining. It teaches you how to contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles and improve the timing of contraction. It is a process that uses special sensors and a portable monitor to display information about your pelvic floor muscle activity. It can help to train how to use the correct muscles and relax the incorrect ones.

Advice and education will be given to improve your bladder habits which plays an important part of treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. We will also consider and address any risk factors that might have an impact on your symptoms.
The pelvic floor educator is a form of biofeedback which doesn’t require electronic instruments. It is simple and easy to use at home. When you contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles it offers you visual feedback to ensure you are doing your exercises correctly. This will provide you with the confidence and reassurance to carry out your exercises correctly and independently at home.

The Belloost pregnancy pillow allows for antenatal patients to be in a prone position during assessment and treatment. It is shaped to reduce pressure on sensitive pubic bone and chest during pregnancy and can be adapted according to each patient. It is ideal for patients with low back pain and pelvic girdle pain which is a common complaint during pregnancy.
Share by: