Women’s health physiotherapy has existed for many years, but it wasn’t until the 1980s and 90s that it became a more established specialty within the physiotherapy field.
Initially focused on pelvic floor issues, the scope of women’s health physiotherapy has since broadened to include conditions such as incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and musculoskeletal problems associated with pregnancy and menopause. As awareness grew around the importance of pelvic health for overall health and wellbeing, the field continued to evolve, further solidifying its place as a specialised area of physiotherapy.
According to an article published by Grand View Research, the Australian and Asia Pacific region are expected to experience the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) within the area of women's health. This is due in part to the large population but also to Australia's ageing population.
Common Women’s Health Complaints
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine (wee). Studies show this affects one in four adults in Australia with around 80% of these cases reported to be women. There are four types of urinary incontinence: stress, urge, overflow and functional incontinence. The most common is stress Incontinence, which occurs when there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. For example, when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or lift heavy objects and you cannot control your bladder.
The Pelvis
Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), also referred to as Pubic Symphysis, is thought to be associated with the increased production of Relaxin, a hormone produced during pregnancy. Symptoms include pain or discomfort while walking, when sleeping or changing positions in bed, when sitting or standing for extended periods, moving up or down stairs, and performing household chores.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is when the pelvic organs drop, and in some cases bulge from either the vagina or rectum. This can occur due to a weakness or trauma of the pelvic floor often associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and age.
Menopause
Menopause typically affects women over the age of 45 but many women can experience symptoms as young as 35, coining the term perimenopause.
Perimenopause symptoms include hormonal changes that can cause sleep disturbances, irregularities in menstrual cycle (either shorter, longer, and sometimes inconsistent), muscular aches and pains, fatigue, irritability, and even night sweats.
Menopause refers to the period following your last menstrual cycle, the ovaries no longer produce oestrogen, and the body undergoes significant changes. The skin dries and you may experience unwanted hair growth, lack of libido and vaginal dryness, the frequent need to urinate, or mood and memory changes. Other more significant changes to be mindful of include cardiovascular health and decreased bone density due to osteoporosis.
Treating Women’s Health Complaints
Treatment of these conditions will vary but may include manual physiotherapy, pelvic floor training, bladder diaries, pessaries, exercise, supplements, and dietary changes.
Although these topics can be difficult to discuss with health care professionals, we at Right at Home Allied Health endeavour to create a safe space to address them. Untreated, these women’s health complaints can impact your self-confidence and overall quality of life but with proper guidance from your physiotherapist, most of these conditions can be treated.
Right at Home Allied Health is dedicated to delivering quality, patient-centred care across Australia. Our allied health services comprise chiropractic, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, and speech pathology. We also provide remedial massage therapy, clinical nutrition, clinical naturopathy, and Pilates. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve by decoding health, happiness, and harmony. Discover, heal, and optimise your physical and emotional wellbeing with Right at Home Allied Health. Book a Discovery Session at your local clinic today.
*Some services may not be available in all locations. Please contact your local office to learn more about their in-clinic and at-home allied health and wellbeing services.
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