A Women’s health physiotherapist is a specialised physiotherapist trained in assessing and treating all issues related to pelvic floor dysfunctions. These issues can be pregnancy and non-pregnancy related for example Pregnancy-related back pain, Pelvic girdle pain and incontinence. We also offer 6-week post-natal pelvic floor function checks and 12-week C-section checks.
A Women’s health physiotherapist is a specialised physio experienced in assessing and treating all issues related to pelvic floor dysfunctions. These can be pregnancy and non-pregnancy related.
Conditions we assess and treat include;
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Pregnancy-related back pain.
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Pelvic girdle pain / Pubic symphysis pain
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6-week post-natal pelvic floor function check and rehabilitation.
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12- week post- C-section check and rehabilitation.
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Pelvic organ prolapse where clients will feel a dragging sensation between their legs due to a drooping of organs like the bladder. Rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of this condition.
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Urinary/bladder stress incontinence. This presents as leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, or moving suddenly.
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Urgency incontinence. This presents as sometimes feeling you need to go to the toilet but don’t always get there on time. Clients normally describe going to the toilet ‘just in case’ and knowing where every toilet is in town.
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Bowel incontinence
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Constipation
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Pelvic pain which can manifest as having pain during or after intercourse.
In addition to individualised rehabilitation sessions, we offer ante-natal and post-natal Pilates classes as well as acupuncture services which can assist with achieving optimal maintenance and/or recovery outcomes.
Expectations for your Women's Health appointment
Your initial appointment with us will consist of a thorough assessment, findings will be discussed with you at length and treatment will depend on your assessment findings and symptoms.
We will start with taking a confidential and comprehensive history. As many people find these sensitive issues difficult to discuss, understanding the onset of your symptoms and how it is affecting your daily life is crucial in directing your treatment. Your physical assessment majority of the time will begin by examining your abdominal muscles, pelvis and lumbar spine.
Following this, you may be offered with your consent an internal examination. This part of your examination is relevant and necessary in identifying the tone, strength and control of your pelvic floor muscles. Using finger palpation, the pelvic floor muscles will be assessed for injury or scarring, signs of pelvic organ prolapse, muscle tone, tenderness and sensation. Following this the pelvic floor muscle will be tested for strength and endurance.
It is important to determine if all pelvic floor muscle groups are working in sync together, and if not why not?
Once we establish your baseline of pelvic floor muscle control we will then proceed by compiling an individualised exercise program which may include manual therapy to address any findings.
Whether it’s for maintenance or simply a desire to take control of health and fitness, Women’s Health physiotherapy can help.
"1 in 3 women suffer with embarrassing leaks. Up to 70% improve with specialised physiotherapy (including pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining and advice) so don't put up with it anymore." (Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists)