Physical Therapist Services for Women's Health

Women’s health physical therapists evaluate and treat conditions that specifically affect women. They design treatment plans for each woman’s needs, challenges, and goals.

There are some conditions that women may be hesitant to discuss with their health care providers. The good news is that incontinence, pelvic pain, lymphedema, and many others are treatable. Physical therapy offers solutions that do not involve surgery or long-term use of prescribed medicines. 

Physical therapists work with women of all ages and abilities to help you stay moving. Regular physical activity can benefit your physical, mental, and social health. It also can help prevent or improve many chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and some cancers.

Pregnancy

Many problems related to pregnancy can be treated by a physical therapist. This includes treatment to reduce pain as well as muscle, bone, and joint problems if experienced. Physical therapists can develop or adjust a personalized exercise program to enable you to continue (most) activities during pregnancy. They also can help you safely get back to any activities that you had to stop due to medical reasons.

Unless there is a medical reason, most women can maintain their physical activity level during pregnancy and resume after giving birth. Physical activity during pregnancy helps to maintain overall fitness, manage blood pressure, and reduces the risk of:

• Excessive weight gain.
• Incontinence.
• Gestational diabetes.

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.

Find a PT near you!

The resources below are designed to help you understand how a physical therapist can help you and offer health tips for women across the lifespan.

Symptoms & Conditions

Physical therapists treat and manage numerous conditions affecting women, including:

• Diastasis Rectus Abdominis | Podcast
• Female Athlete Triad | Podcast
• Fibromyalgia | Podcast
• Incontinence | Podcast
• Lymphedema | Podcast
• Osteoporosis | Podcast
• Pelvic Pain | Success Story
  
  

Explore other symptoms and conditions.

Podcasts

• Overcoming Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Pain in Women, Men, and Runners Through Physical Therapy
• Girl Power: Keeping Female Adolescent Athletes Healthy and Prepared for Sports
• Women's Health Across the Lifespan
• Stress Induced Urinary Incontinence: Common, But Not Normal
  
  
  

For Mothers

Before and During Pregnancy

• 5 Ways to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy
• 5 Tips for Physical Activity After Childbirth
• Pregnancy Pains: Causes, Solutions, and Comprehensive Relief
• Podcast: Pregnancy and Running
  
  

After Childbirth

• Podcast: Fourth Trimester: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
• Podcast: Diastasis Recti Abdominis: The Likely Cause of Mummy Tummy
• Did You Know: Pregnancy Alters Running Form
• Podcast: Stress Induced Urinary Incontinence: Common, But Not Normal
  
  

Additional Information

Access our Health Center for Children and Health Center for Parents.