Women’s Health
Women’s Health is a specialised field of Physiotherapy that focuses on female health problems. This includes Continence issues of the bladder and bowel, Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pelvic Pain. We also offer advice and treatment on Pelvic Girdle Pain (formerly SPD) and Low Back Pain during and after pregnancy and problematic scarring as a result of Pelvic Floor injury, childbirth or surgery.
Did you know that as many as 1 in 3 women experience some kind of Women’s Health problem but are often too embarrassed to seek help. At Physiotherapy2fit we are fully aware of the nature and sensitivity of these conditions and aim to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible whilst providing you with the appropriate treatment and advice.
Were you also aware that as many as 1 in 3 women experience Low Back Pain and 1 in 5 women experience Pelvic Girdle Pain during pregnancy. At Physiotherapy2fit we have the expert knowledge and skills to help you manage this effectively and alleviate your symptoms during and after your pregnancy.
What does Women’s Health Physiotherapy involve?
- We assess Pelvic Floor function and teach you how to conduct Pelvic Floor muscle exercises correctly, so to help reduce the symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Continence problems.
- Provide advice and treatment for bladder retraining.
- Teach correct defecation techniques.
- Help prepare for and recover after Gynaecological surgery and return to normal activity.
- Offer guidance and treatment for painful scar tissue following childbirth or Gynaecological surgery.
- Offer treatment for Pelvic Pain.
- Exercise, advice and treatment for Diastasis Recti (separation of abdominal muscle following pregnancy)
- Treatment, advice and exercise for Low Back Pain and Pelvic Girdle Pain during and after pregnancy.
Acupuncture for Menopausal Symptoms
The menopause is inevitable for all women. The decline in oestrogen levels can cause acute menopause symptoms affecting an estimated 80% of women in the UK. Symptoms can include, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood swings, forgetfulness, headaches, joint pain and muscle aches or loss of libido. These symptoms normally last for around 4 years but can remain for up to 12 years. Most commonly Hormone Therapy (HRT/HT) is used to treat these symptoms but acupuncture has been shown to be as effective. If you suffer from heart disease or have a family history of some womens’ cancers then HT will not be an option.
Borud et al (2009) showed a decrease of hot flushes by 5.8 per 24hrs in the acupuncture treated group compared to a control group.
Acupuncture is thought to help in regulating FSH as well as other hormones. It has been shown to reduce serotonin levels and increase endorphins helping with relaxation and tension. Most importantly it has been shown to stimulate nerves, muscles and other tissues leading to the way that our brain processes pain, resulting in decreased symptoms!
Research suggests you will need a minimum of 6 sessions and most people need a “top up” every few weeks/months to manage their menopausal symptoms.
