When you think of physical therapy, you might think of treatment for sports-related injuries or rehabilitation after joint replacement surgeries. But physical therapists also partner with women throughout their lifespan to help them prevent and manage women's health issues?
Here are four common areas in which physical therapists help to advance women's health:
1. Pregnancy and Postpartum
Supporting the weight of a baby, hormone changes, and postural changes can affect a woman during pregnancy. Many women assume these are permanent changes they must learn to cope with in the long term. But that is not true. Physical therapists can help with many related issues, including:
- Body mechanics and flexibility.
- Safe exercise plans before and after childbirth.
- Improving the function of pelvic muscles.
- Incontinence.
- Childbirth preparation and getting back to pre-pregnancy fitness after the baby is born.
- Addressing balance if needed (pregnancy brings about physiological changes that increase the risk of falling).
2. Gastroenterological and Urological Conditions
Conditions such as bowel incontinence and constipation are often ones that women do not feel comfortable discussing. Or they may not even know that there is treatment available for these issues. Women's health physical therapists have specialized education and expertise and often help women with these issues.
3. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Gynecological Conditions
Pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and pain with sexual intercourse are just some of the issues that many women deal with silently. Physical therapists can offer solutions that often do not involve surgery or long-term prescription medicine use.
4. Menopause
Menopause can mean significant changes for a woman. Changes can include weight gain, insomnia, and hot flashes. Physical therapists can design an aerobic exercise plan to help with those effects. They also can help you design a strength and balance program to help with building muscle, reducing falls risk, and maintaining bone density and can reduce the risk of problems related to osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Learn more about women's health physical therapists and the conditions they treat.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They 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.
