When do I need to see a women’s health physio??

Any time is a good time to see a women’s health physio!

The most common time people seek out a women’s health physiotherapist is when they are pregnant or post-natal or when they have any incontinence (bladder or bowel). Incontinence is common but not normal and most of the time happens after having a baby or going through menopause.

You can also have urinary leakage if you have never been pregnant/had a baby (for example leaking wee is common in Australian netballers). If you have any symptoms of bladder or bowel leakage, constipation, symptoms of prolapse (funny feeling or heaviness in your vagina is a common symptom), or any ongoing severe period pain you should see your local women’s health physio.

Great times to see women’s health physio can be (but are not limited to):

• to get a baseline of your pelvic health checked

• Pre-pregnancy pelvic fitness check and advice

• Pregnancy: in the 2nd trimester and onwards (for pelvic fitness, pregnancy, labour and birth education, exercise planning, and advice)

• If any breastfeeding issues (women’s health physio are trained to give you advice to help your upper back and breast health, as well as providing treatment for mastitis or blocked ducts)

• Any pelvic girdle or hip issues (theses can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction)

• Post pregnancy return to exercise

• For any prolapse issues, women’s health physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose and provide conservative treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

• Menopause! This period of life can contribute to many changes in the pelvis and body, women’s health physio can assess and provide conservative management for menopausal symptoms including incontinence, prolapse, and bone health

• Period pain: come see a women’s health physiotherapist at any time! Severe period pain is not normal and there may be treatment suitable for your condition that can really relieve your symptoms! Things like endometriosis can be the cause, but not always! See your local women’s health physio for advice and treatment!

• Constipation! Constipation is TERRIBLE for the health of your pelvic floor and your symptoms can often be improved by seeing a women’s health physio,

Don’t delay - prioritise your long-term health and book in to see your local women’s health physio today!