Women's Health is a specialized area of Physical Therapy which focuses on the specific issues related to women's health.
Physical Therapists utilize a variety of techniques to assist you in the healing process and to increase your quality of life as you deal with a variety of women’s health issues.
- Fitting of Therapeutic Belts & Orthotics
- Electrical Stimulation
- Joint Mobilization
- Wound Care & Massage
- Energy Saving Tips
- Postural Control & Assessment
Incontinence is the loss of bladder control resulting in involuntary loss of urine. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can prevent, decrease, or even stop the leakage of urine altogether.
After Breast or Abdominal Surgery
The physical therapist can evaluate you and help you manage the effects of surgery.
Pregnancy Related Issuess
The Physical Therapist can treat musculoskeletal dysfunction related to prenatal and postpartum changes, as well as labor and delivery pain management and post cesarean section care.
Symptoms include diffuse pain and tender points present in many muscle groups, complaints of fatigue or exhaustion, loss of sexual desire and loss of general feeling of well being. Treatment addresses pain and education about pacing activities.
Pelvic pain may occur with prolonged sitting, pain with urination, or with intercourse. It may include numbness or tingling in the vaginal region. The physical therapist will help identify the cause of the pain and treat it accordingly.
The Female Athlete
Due to the rigors of high level physical activity, female athletes may experience problems within a group called the “female triad.” The Female Triad is made up of disordered eating, osteoporosis and menstrual irregularity. Physical therapy in conjunction with other health care providers can provide a team approach to lessen the impact of these problems.
Bone loss due to osteoporosis can become debilitating; thin, brittle bones may break more easily. The physical therapist will provide proper exercise and education to minimize the effects of osteoporosis on the body.
Women's Health Physical Therapist
Marie Wade, MS, PT, OCS
For more information on Women’s Health, contact:
Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association
If you believe you or someone you know would benefit from Physical Therapy, please contact your physician and ask for a referral. If you have any questions, please contact Physical Rehabilitation Department at (207) 779-2620.