Physical Therapy for Women's Reproductive Health
Physical therapy takes a holistic approach to reproductive health, especially for women. General sexual health, maternity, and menopause can all benefit from physical therapy, which cares for both mental and physical well-being, helping you feel comfortable and at your best at every stage of life.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor
One of the most common conditions women experience is pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs, including the vagina, uterus, bladder, and bowels; it also prevents incontinence and provides stability as part of the core. Because of this constant workload, it can become strained or injured, but the good news is that it can be treated without surgery.
Physical therapy can address a wide range of women's needs, including concerns related to the pelvic floor. This kind of care is highly individualized, since every woman's experience differs, so it's important for your physical therapist to understand your specific needs. The first visit involves a lot of conversation, the more information you share about your reproductive health concerns, the more comprehensive your treatment plan can be.
Physical Therapy and Mechanical Infertility
Pelvic floor physical therapy can also help with infertility, which takes a toll on both physical well-being and relationships. While many infertility issues connect to problems with ovulation, there's also what's known as mechanical infertility, caused by a physical obstruction, such as scar tissue that forms in the abdomen or reproductive organs after surgery or disease, or by inflammation and lymphatic blockage that restricts blood flow to and from the reproductive organs. Pain during intercourse is also considered a form of mechanical infertility.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can significantly reduce mechanical infertility through hands-on sessions that improve the mobility of scar tissue and promote better blood flow in the pelvic area, freeing up lymphatic drainage. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are also part of the therapy, helping improve tolerance to intercourse. Physical therapy can't treat conditions like endometriosis or PCOS directly, but it can help manage their chronic symptoms.
Other Conditions Physical Therapy Can Help
Generally speaking, physical therapy for women helps you move with more comfort and ease with the guidance of an expert. Other common issues physical therapy for women can address include pregnancy-related pain at every stage, constipation, overactive bladder, urinary and fecal incontinence, bone density changes related to menopause, and mastitis or blocked milk ducts.