Women’s health significantly differs from that of men in several unique ways. Women are considered the cornerstone of their family’s overall health, which means that their health can influence the overall health of your family and children. As a woman, one way you can improve your general health and alleviate some of your health issues is through physiotherapy.
What Is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy (for women’s health) is a holistic and non-surgical treatment that aims to alleviate various health problems affecting women’s health. Since women are bound to undergo regular hormonal changes, menstrual periods, pregnancy, childbirth, and other challenges, doing physiotherapy can help improve your body’s flexibility and endurance when dealing with pains and aches.
In addition to improving general health, women’s health physiotherapy can provide additional support for pregnant women and women undergoing labor. You may find a reputable physiotherapy clinic in your area, like the easyalliedhealth.ca or other wellness clinics, to book your appointment. But before booking one, it’s ideal to know first what health issues women’s health physiotherapy can help you with.
What Women’s Health Issues Can Physiotherapy Help You With?
Women’s health physiotherapy is known to help manage numerous health issues that most women go through. Your physiotherapist will tailor a personalized treatment plan based on your current health state, conditions, and other specific needs. Some of the common women’s health issues that your physiotherapist can help with may include the following:
- Pregnancy or labor-related pain
- Constipation
- Pelvic health
- Urinary urgency
- Menopause-related concerns
- Childbirth preparation
- Antenatal and postnatal exercise
- Pelvic pain related to sexual intercourse
- Vaginal pain
- Mid-back, lower back, and neck pains
Women can take advantage of physiotherapy to promote overall health and wellness, whether pregnant or struggling with any of these conditions.
What Can You Expect From Your Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Before anything else, your physiotherapist will ask for your consent on whether you’re comfortable discussing or answering some questions regarding your health. Some patients tend to be selective about talking about their issues. They want to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the session, and knowing your boundaries is one of the first steps to a safe and comfortable physiotherapy experience.
After seeking consent, your physiotherapist will start the initial assessment with a thorough subjective and objective examination. They may ask questions about your physical concerns (past or current), medical history, any maintained medications, who your current doctors are, and other details relevant to your health. They’ll also conduct a series of body assessments, such as testing for movement restrictions, underlying neural irritation, tightness in muscles or joints, or other specific weakness in your abdominal muscles.
You can expect your physiotherapist to discuss and explain the unique complexities of female anatomy and hormones. Once your physiotherapist has gathered all the relevant information about your health, they’ll spend the rest of the appointment on holistic treatment, such as manual therapy to relieve muscle or joint tightness, posture modification, and muscle activation.
How To Prepare For Your Physiotherapy Appointment?
Generally, an appointment for women’s health physiotherapy may last an hour or more, depending on your condition and the treatment you require. To prepare for your physiotherapy appointment, it’s recommended that you wear comfortable clothes in which you can move freely.
Your physiotherapist may ask you to perform low-impact exercises or stretches during the session, and wearing loose clothing can help you move freely. Meanwhile, if your appointment is for your lower body (e.g., pelvis floor, lower back, hip), you can bring shorts so the therapist can easily move and see the target area.
Besides proper clothing, you may also need to bring the following, depending on your therapist’s request:
- Health card
- List of medications (if applicable)
- List of symptoms of your condition
- Diagnostic imaging reports (X-rays, ultrasounds, etc.)
If you feel more comfortable bringing a friend or family member, you may do so. Your companion may come up with relevant questions on your behalf, which you might forget to raise during your visit.
Also, remember to bring water for your session and drink lots before the appointment. Proper hydration before your physiotherapy can help minimize post-assessment soreness.
What Are The Common Physiotherapy Techniques Used?
There are different techniques used for physiotherapy. Be wary that your treatment may depend on the condition you’re coming and consulting for. Some of the common physiotherapy techniques used are:
- Range Of Motion (ROM) Exercises
Your physiotherapist may recommend ROM exercises to facilitate circulation, encourage joint mobility, and promote movement. This is necessary, especially if you have postural problems or muscle atrophy concerns.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization (therapeutic massage) can help relax your muscles and alleviate swelling, especially if you’re suffering from athletic injuries, recovering from an accident, or relieving pregnancy discomforts. Soft tissue massage can help promote blood flow and reduce inflammation in your joints.
- Cryotherapy And Heat Therapy
Back pains, stiff muscles, and sore body parts are among the common complaints of women with desk jobs. In that case, your physiotherapist may include heat therapy and cryotherapy in your treatment plan to relieve muscle tightness and stiffness.
- Kinesio Taping
Your physiotherapist may use this colorful, neon tape wrapped or applied on your body or skin during your session. Kinesio taping is used to aid muscle movement, reduce inflammation and swelling, and support your joints and muscles.
Key Takeaway
Overall, women’s health physiotherapy can help women stay healthy and active throughout all life stages and phases. So, whether you’re suffering from any women’s health conditions mentioned above or looking to improve your overall health and life quality, don’t hesitate to reach out to a reputable physiotherapist, discuss your treatment options, and book your appointment.