Women's Health & Continence

Physiotherapists with specialist training in Women’s Health and Continence offer women of all ages physiotherapy treatment for bladder, bowel and pelvic floor conditions. Many also work in the areas of bone health, oncology rehabilitation and in the care of women in the antenatal and postnatal periods.

These physiotherapists typically deal with conditions such as:

 Urinary incontinence

  • Stress Urinary Incontinence
  • Urge Urinary Incontinence
  • Overactive Bladder

Pregnancy & Postnatal

  • Guidelines on safe exercise during pregnancy
  • Provision of Antenatal Classes·        
  • Treatment and management of Pelvic Girdle Pain including symphysis pubis dysfunction·        
  • Low back pain
  • Rib pain/Thoracic Pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Postnatal rehabilitation of pelvic floor and abdominals (including Diastasis Rectus Abdominis)

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction·

  • Prolapse
  • Sexual Dysfunction (Dyspareunia)
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Bowel Conditions
  • Constipation
  • Faecal Incontinence  

What will my Physiotherapist do?

Your first session with a physiotherapist will include a detailed assessment of your condition, beginning with questions about your symptoms and general medical history. You can rest assured that everything you tell the physiotherapist will remain completely confidential.

The assessment will be followed by a physical examination. The type of examination carried out will depend on the condition you are attending with, and may include an assessment of posture and function, muscle tone, flexibility and strength.

What are the treatments?

Based on the results of the assessment, your Physiotherapist will recommend a treatment programme that has been specifically developed for you, so there is no standard treatment in this area.

Treatment for pelvic floor/bladder & bowel conditions may include:

  • Exercises to strengthen or release the pelvic floor muscles
  • Manual therapy
  • Advice about healthy bladder and bowel habits
  • Discussion surrounding possible lifestyle changes that will help manage the problem

Treatment for musculoskeletal conditions may include:

  • Manual therapy
  • Exercises to strengthen weak muscles
  • Stretches to reduce tension in tight muscles
  • Advice regarding activities
  • Discussion surrounding possible lifestyle changes that will help manage the problem
  • Provision of supports/braces