Women’s Health Physiotherapy: Supporting You Through Every Stage of Life
Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy dedicated to addressing conditions unique to women’s bodies. Whether you’re preparing for labour, recovering postpartum, managing pelvic pain, or navigating menopause, women’s health physiotherapy can offer effective support to improve your quality of life.
If you’re unsure how physiotherapy can help with issues like pelvic dysfunction, urinary incontinence, or pregnancy-related discomfort, this blog will guide you through the benefits and explain how expert care can make a difference at any stage of your journey.
What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, joints, and tissues of the pelvic floor, abdomen, hips, and lower back. It addresses a range of conditions that commonly affect women, especially those related to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and pelvic health.
Using specialised assessment techniques and treatments, women’s health physiotherapists help restore function, reduce pain, and improve strength and mobility in these areas.
How Can Women’s Health Physiotherapy Help You?
Pre-Natal Care and Labour Preparation
Pregnancy brings many physical changes — your body adapts to support your growing baby, which can lead to back pain, pelvic discomfort, and changes in posture. Physiotherapy can help by:
Teaching exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and core muscles, supporting your body through pregnancy.
Offering advice on posture, ergonomics, and safe movement to reduce pain and discomfort.
Preparing you for labour with breathing techniques, perineal massage guidance, and strategies to manage contractions.
Reducing risk of pelvic floor trauma during delivery.
Post-Natal Recovery
After childbirth, your body needs time and support to heal. Women’s health physiotherapy aids postnatal recovery by:
Assessing and treating pelvic floor weakness, which can cause urinary incontinence or prolapse.
Managing post-delivery pain, including perineal or cesarean scar tissue.
Helping you regain abdominal strength and posture.
Providing guidance on safe return to exercise and everyday activities.
Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction
Pelvic dysfunction can include a variety of issues such as:
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
Pelvic girdle pain
Overactive or underactive pelvic floor muscles
Physiotherapy helps by assessing muscle function, guiding personalised exercises, manual therapy, and education to improve symptoms and restore function.
Menopause and Beyond
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect your pelvic floor and overall musculoskeletal health. Physiotherapy can:
Address pelvic floor weakening that may lead to incontinence or prolapse.
Help manage joint stiffness, osteoporosis risk, and posture changes.
Support management of chronic pelvic pain or discomfort.
Provide lifestyle advice and exercises to maintain strength and mobility.
Other Conditions Treated by Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Chronic pelvic pain
Bladder dysfunction
Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., hysterectomy)
Pelvic floor dysfunction related to sports or heavy lifting
What to Expect in a Women’s Health Physiotherapy Session
Your physiotherapist will start with a thorough assessment, including discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and goals. Depending on your comfort, a pelvic floor muscle assessment may be done internally or externally.
Based on the assessment, a personalised treatment plan is created. This might include:
Pelvic floor and core strengthening exercises
Manual therapy to release tight muscles or scar tissue
Education on bladder and bowel health
Advice on posture and movement strategies
Breathwork and relaxation techniques
Sessions are confidential, supportive, and tailored to your individual needs.
Why Choose Ardu Physio for Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
At Ardu Physio, we understand the unique challenges women face at every stage of life. Our specialised approach combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate care, empowering you to regain control, reduce pain, and improve your wellbeing.
Whether you’re preparing for labour, recovering postpartum, or managing menopausal changes, we’re here to support you on your journey.
Take the Next Step Towards Your Health
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, or preparing for childbirth, don’t wait. Contact Ardu Physio today at contact@arduphysio.com or book a consultation online. Experience personalised care that helps you move through life with confidence and comfort.
