Physiotherapy for Women through their life stages
Well where do I start?! The miracle that women thrive throughout our life stages still astounds me. Puberty, adolescence, the childbearing years and menopause all include major hormonal and structural shifts and adaptations. Not to mention the usual process of aging, work and daily tasks, family life, relationships, exercise and sport. Wow. Might I hit a few nerves by saying that our male counterparts have a slightly ‘easier’ deal?
To cover it all in one go will be lengthy, so let us focus on the childbearing years and see how a physiotherapist can help you, or loved ones, through the physical changes and new demands that are placed on the female body.
Women have given birth since day dot. Beautiful changes occur in your body to grow and nurture another little human inside you. Your pelvis widens, your rib-cage expands, organs shift to make room for your ‘mini-me’ over nine or so months. Feeling flutters of movement as the weeks pass make it more and more real, your life as you know it is changing. Unfortunately, all of these beautiful changes can also result in less ‘glamorous’ aspects of pregnancy. Fatigue, wakefulness at night, aches and pains, nausea, cravings, body temperature changes and more frequent trips to the toilet are all considered ‘normal’.
Then there is giving birth, or the birthing process, that looms at first far in the distance, and then it is upon you. Birthing and antenatal classes, books and advice from your midwife has prepared you up till now. Occasionally, it does not go to plan, often it does. Nevertheless, the post-natal period (the fourth trimester) is not talked about freely, at a time where you need support the most. Often, we hear women say, “I didn’t know there are physiotherapists who treat this” or “I thought that this was normal”. A physiotherapist with an interest in women’s health, or a titled women’s health physiotherapist can help.
In October 2019 the APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association) released a statement calling for ‘women’s health physiotherapists to be included in the care teams for all pregnant women in Australia to reduce the risk of complications and to improve outcomes for women and their babies’.
Currently in Australia, access to obstetric physiotherapy care is available to women in some areas but not in others, meaning thousands of women every year are missing out on getting individualised care to support them during pregnancy and their recovery after birth. We are here to change and challenge that norm. All women deserve to be cared for during this time.
BUBS-IN care
During pregnancy, we can give you advice on how to exercise and modify daily activities as your body changes, as well as help you prepare your body for labour. We are available to treat any aches or pains including wrist pain, pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and back pain.
Pain around your hips, back and pelvis?
PGP is common and normal during pregnancy. Most women will start to experience it between 14 and 30 weeks, but it could sneak up on you earlier or later as your body adapts to growing a baby. Symptoms may include pain with walking or turning over in bed, at the front or back of your pelvis, sometimes radiating down your thigh. You may find yourself unable to sit or stand for long periods of time. Physiotherapy treatment is used to slow the progression of PGP during your pregnancy, and make you more comfortable leading up to birth.
Getting tingly hands and fingers?
Many women experience carpal tunnel syndrome or similar symptoms during pregnancy. The carpal tunnel is a small passage in the wrist where nerves and tendons pass from your arm into your hand and fingers. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy cause you to retain fluid and they softens the ligament which forms the roof of the tunnel. When this happens, the nerve that runs through the tunnel can become compressed resulting in pins and needles, numbness and stiff painful hands. The good news is that there are many ways physiotherapy can help, and most women are able to significantly decrease their symptoms.
Keen to exercise during pregnancy but need a bit of motivation?
We offer great BUBS-IN exercise classes to keep you moving. We are now offering them online via a live stream as an option during this time of social isolation, as exercise during pregnancy has been proven to improve health outcomes for both yourself and your baby.
BUBS-OUT care
After you give birth, all the love and attention are often focused and diverted on your gorgeous little human(s). However, your body has just gone through major trauma and/or surgery, alongside sleep deprivation and exhaustion. YOU need time to heal and recover to be the best mumma for your bub in the long run. Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of conditions post birth including incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, mastitis symptoms, abdominal muscle separation, scar tissue management and symptoms of prolapse.
Prolapse, what?!
Pelvic organ Prolapse (POP) is the downward displacement of pelvic organs (bladder, bowel or uterus) resulting in movements towards or through the vaginal or anus. According to the APA - In Australia, it is currently estimated that 50 per cent of women who have had more than one child have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse.
Prolapse is normal but it comes with a range of symptoms such as heaviness, dragging, low back ache, interrupted urine flow and leakage. There are different degrees and types of prolapse therefore, if this sounds familiar, or you have been told by a health professional that you might have a prolapse, or you simply would like to have your pelvis assessed, get in touch with a women’s physiotherapist.
Leaking?
Leaking can be embarrassing, socially isolating, reduce your physical activity, and it can negatively impact on your sex life. No wonder it is linked to higher rates of depression.
We recommend that you get a post-partum assessment around the six-week mark. It will give you a great opportunity to ask questions, look after YOU, and allow us to do so. Your consultation will be professional, private and in a safe environment. Your therapist will also talk about your goals and expectations for recovery, what you would like to get back to doing (returning to hobbies, exercise or work) and provide you with education and guidance you need to do so safely.
You can even bring your wee one in with you too, we LOVE babies! Futhermore, Telehealth consultations are now available so you can access great education and care from home! Voila! Because lets be honest, if you make it out of the house you’re winning. So no more excuses, all you need is a stable internet connection and you’re good to go!
It is vital to have a formal and thorough assessment and provide you with a series of options for your own individualised treatment, or simply reassure you with where you are at. BUT please be patient and kind to yourself, as it is going to be a gradual process to get you to where you want to be.
If you would like further information, please do not hesitate to talk to one of the physiotherapists here at Reload Physio or book in for a consultation. Grace, Anneka and Carla all have a passion for and an interest in women’s health and well-being.