Men and women’s bodies face different challenges as they grow and develop, and it’s important that we recognize these differences and work to prevent issues as we age. Today, we want to take a closer look at some challenges that are unique to women and explain how a physical therapy routine can help them confront these changes head on. In today’s blog, we spotlight four health issues that are unique to women that respond well to a physical therapy regimen.
Women’s Health and Physical Therapy
Here’s a look at some changes or stages of life that many women experience that may be more easily navigated with the help of a physical therapy program.
- Pregnancy – A woman’s body goes through a number of significant changes during pregnancy. As the child develops, stress will be channeled in different ways across the body, which can lead to new aches and pains. Similarly, pregnancy can lead to postural changes that can put areas like your lower back and hips at risk of pain and discomfort. A physical therapy program can help you prepare muscles for this new stress and provide you with some posture improvement exercises to help make those 40 weeks as comfortable as possible.
- Childbirth/Postpartum – If you think your body goes through some fascinating changes as the child develops, just wait until the birth. Your pelvic floor muscles and other areas go through some drastic changes as the child is born, and although the body is incredibly resilient, that process can be hard to bounce back from. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and ligaments through pelvic floor exercises, and we can help with bladder or bowel issues that can also commonly occur after the birthing process. Most moms get a crash course on some helpful exercises to do while they are in the hospital, but for a routine tailored to your needs and for help making the strongest recovery, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists.
- Sexual Health – Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse are issues that many women deal with silently, but know that there is help available. Again, our team can use pelvic floor exercises and other strengthening techniques to help you overcome a sensitive issue without the need for opioids or surgery. Sexual health is important, but we understand it’s not a topic that people always want to bring into the spotlight, so if you are dealing with an issue please reach out to a physical therapist!
- Menopause – Menopause can cause a variety of issues in women, and these are ushered in by the changes in hormonal production. These changes can lead to bone density loss, increased osteoporosis risk and even balance issues, but thankfully all of these issues can be combated with a physical therapy routine. We can help to strengthen your muscles and joints to take pressure off your bones, we can walk you through the basics of a healthy diet so that you get enough vitamins and minerals from food sources, and we can work to improve your balance and decrease your fall risk. You can overcome some of the potential side effects of menopause by connecting with a physical therapist.
For more information, or if you want to learn more about treating or preventing a woman’s health issue, reach out to the team at OrthoRehab Specialists today.