Millions of women experience issues associated with their physiology due to age, childbirth, or another underlying condition. In many cases, a woman experiencing uncomfortable or worrying symptoms will visit their OBGYN for advice and treatment options. In some situations, these professionals will recommend visiting a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist may not be the first person you think of when you consider issues such as urinary incontinence, but they can do a lot more for your health as a woman that you might think. In fact, there are many conditions that are treated through physiotherapy, and the results will convince you to come back for more.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness
Many women and men develop muscle weakness in their pelvic floor due to a number of reasons. For women, the primary causes of this weakening are pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. The right women’s health physiotherapy will assess your unique condition and tailor an exercise program to address the problem. These muscles are an important part of your body, and strengthening them will only do you good. A physiotherapist will help you achieve this goal after just a few weeks of treatment.
Urinary Incontinence
One third of women suffer from bladder weakness, or incontinence, at some point in their lifetime. This common issue is considered embarrassing to many women, but it can be successfully treated by a continence and women’s health physiotherapist. Through careful consideration of your situation and the proper treatment, you will once again feel confident in wearing your favourite clothing and moving through public areas without hesitation. You not only deserve the chance to do this but will be able to see real results in a matter of weeks.
Overactive Bladder
Sometimes suffered in conjunction with incontinence, an overactive bladder will cause an increased need to pass urine. This feeling can be frequent and urgent, interrupting many aspects of your life while you try to keep up with the urge to urinate. In some cases, not being able to find a toilet in time causes leaks, which are embarrassing and never happen at an opportune moment. Research has found that overactive bladder symptoms respond well to physiotherapy treatments, and many women experience relief from their worst symptoms. Being able to sit through an entire film, enjoying time out with friends, and more, are well within the realm of possibilities with the right, tailored treatment.
Prolapse
Prolapse is an exceptionally common condition among women who have had children, and symptoms include pressure, or ‘heaviness’ in the vagina, feeling or seeing a lump or bulge in the vagina, and a general sense of discomfort when walking or sitting. Prolapse can be treated successfully with a professional exercise regimen designed to improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Over time, and with a bit of patience, many women see their prolapse subside and enjoy a more comfortable life with fewer interruptions or frustrations.
Pain During Intercourse
Dyspareunia, otherwise known as painful sexual intercourse, can be caused by many issues, such as overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles. Other causes include vaginal childbirth and hormonal changes during the course of aging. The right professional can help assess and treat the factors causing your pain and work through your options.
