What is Women’s Health Physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapy is a non-surgical treatment option for a number of health issues. Our women’s health physiotherapists will assess your individual case, identify the most appropriate treatment and support you through your recovery.
Our physiotherapists provide treatment and assessment of:
- Pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence and prolapse
- Musculoskeletal conditions associated with pregnancy
- Sexual dysfunction
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Vulval conditions
- Newborn conditions
- Bowel disorders including constipation and incontinence
Incontinence therapies – Men and Women
We have two experienced senior staff with a special interest in assisting you to find solutions to common problems such as stress incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome(formerly known as urgency), faecal incontinence and other related bowel symptoms. We also provide a men’s incontinence rehabilitation service especially for men recovering from radical prostatectomy. Research proves that the earlier you start pelvic floor training the earlier you will regain optimal function. Assessment and Biofeedback is provided with the 2D Real-Time Ultrasound at no extra cost.
Mastectomy Care
After mastectomy surgery, patients may experience tightness around the surgical site. This is caused by scar tissue formation. The result can be very dense tissue under the incision, which is painful and can restrict range of motion. The restricted range of motion puts a woman at risk for a painful condition known as frozen shoulder. Early treatment by a physical therapist can help reduce the pain and help regain functional range of motion and strength.
Numbness and/or nerve sensitivity at the surgical site can develop post-mastectomy. Manual therapy can help restore sensation and relieve nerve pain. In severe cases, a chronic condition known as post-mastectomy pain syndrome may develop. This is caused by scar tissue impinging on nerves. Physical therapy can be very effective at releasing scar tissue and reducing this nerve related pain.
Axillary node dissection can lead to a condition known as cording or axillary web syndrome. Cording presents as a moderate to painful tightening, which appears as “cords” emanating from the armpit and extending down the arm. Cording significantly restricts range of motion and arm function. Manual therapy and therapeutic stretching helps to resolve this condition quickly.
Radiation treatment after mastectomy surgery can exacerbate posture and range of motion problems, causing fibrosis and skin tightness. Manual therapy can remediate these issues and may prevent them from ever becoming a problem.
The Benefits of Exercise and Physical Therapy post mastectomy treatment programs can differ greatly as seen above, but there are a few benefits that all patients can benefit from:
- Improved shoulder range of motion
- Improved shoulder strength
- Improved functional mobility
- Improved posture
- Decreased pain at the surgical site
- Decreased oedema on the affected side
- Improved sensation at the surgical site
Treatments for and include but not limited to
- Massage and connective tissue release for scar adhesions
- Axillary cording syndrome and lymphoedema symptoms
- Shoulder rehabilitation to restore range of motion and strength
- Management of Post Mastectomy pain syndrome