Women’s health concerns are much more complex than men’s and with the help of physical therapy (also called physiotherapy in many parts of the world), many of these issues can easily be remedied or addressed.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
There are main factors that greatly differentiate men from women. Of these, it is important to highlight three: menstruation, pregnancy and lactation. These bodily changes in a woman are mostly influenced by hormonal fluctuations and can also be a reason for mood swings and differences in behavior.
Knowing and understanding these key physical differences and how they affect physiologic change are part and parcel of what a physical therapist does. It helps them make a more accurate diagnosis and help women alleviate any symptoms that may affect her day-to-day life.
Women’s Health
Prevention is key: a qualified physical therapist, a correct assessment and the right exercise program may be enough to keep most common health-related issues at bay. The beauty of this is that it can be applied to any woman of any age.
Prior to examining any specific health-related issues, the therapist will obtain a comprehensive history/past medical history including illnesses, surgeries, pregnancies/deliveries (vaginal or C-Section), medications and supplements. Examination of any imaging, blood work, etc. are also reviewed and documented. Vitals and physical exam follow to obtain an overall assessment of the patient.
Here are some ways physical therapy can be of great use to women:
PMS
When visiting a physical therapist for the first time, they would most likely want to know the physical effects of premenstrual syndrome on a woman’s body. In addition, they would want to know any risk factors affecting such effects. At this point, a physical therapist can already determine how these risk factors play a role in PMS. Physical therapy treatment could include therapy to relieve tension, headaches and constipation; electrotherapy, Kinesio taping, and trigger point stimulation are a few of the modalities available to the physical therapist. During this period of a woman’s cycle, the main focus is self-care and self-management and learning how to deal with stress through relaxation techniques. Modified exercise has shown to be helpful during this phase as well.
Endometriosis
Around 20% of women of child-bearing age have endometriosis, and this is just a rough estimate. Some women go undiagnosed and experience pain without knowing of the disease.
Endometriosis is the condition of the endometrium growing on parts where it shouldn’t, like the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Symptoms include pelvic pain during menstruation, pain and cramps during sexual intercourse, bowel movement, and urination, among other things. Some women also experience infertility, which can have devastating effects especially when she has plans of starting a family of her own. With physical therapy, a woman who suffers endometriosis can help with pain management, before and after laparoscopic surgery.
PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
Women who suffer from PCOS are usually of child-bearing age and have an excess amount of androgen (a male hormone) in their system. This causes a host of physical irregularities to the female body, including failure to release an egg and weight gain. Physical therapists can recommend an exercise program that targets the fat deposits in the body, as well as helps regulate insulin levels and suggest nutritional strategies to regulate carbohydrate and protein uptake.
Heart disease
Physical therapy is more of prevention rather than cure, so a good exercise program can definitely prevent the onset of heart disease. Some advice a physical therapist might give could include quitting smoking, staying active and consuming healthy, nutritious food to help manage weight and cholesterol levels. If one has had heart disease, there are cardiac rehabilitation programs that focus on improved fitness while modifying lifestyle and improving overall health.
Osteoporosis
For women who’ve been through menopause, osteoporosis poses a greater threat now more than ever. Changes in bone density can occur at any age, male or female, but are most likely to occur in women post menopause. With the assistance of a physical therapist, further bone loss can be averted, thus lessening the incidence of bone fractures. Your physical therapist will recommend strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, and postural and balance exercises. They may also refer you to your primary care physician for blood work and medication to help manage your osteoporosis/osteopenia.
Obesity
People who are obese have restricted movements and physical therapy can help with this. Under strict management and supervision, an obese patient will be able to see weight loss and more flexibility.
Depression
Physical activity is fast becoming a remedy for mild to moderate mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, due to the body’s release of a hormone called endorphins (also known as the “feel-good” hormone). This chemical is credited to a more improved overall mood. Cortisol, a chemical in the body that increases when someone is stressed out, also decreases. Sleep disorders can contribute to depression and hormonal changes which can be considered here also.
Urinary Incontinence
When the bladder cannot control the flow of urine, this is called urinary incontinence. This occurs when pelvic floor muscles become weak, most likely due to lack of exercise, surgery, injury or pregnancy. Around 30% of women are incontinent at the age of 65. A physical therapist may recommend doing pelvic floor exercises, a slight modification in the diet to avoid urinary tract irritation and some practices to decrease the incidence of urinary urgency.
Pregnancy-related symptoms
Women who have gotten pregnant, or already are, can certainly attest to certain physical symptoms that go with this condition. Because of the fetal position, amniotic fluid and weight gain, women experience pain in their backs, pelvis, legs, and abdominal walls, just to name a few. Physical therapy is a safe and proven method to help manage these symptoms through exercise and other modalities.
Conclusion
When it comes to overall good health and well-being, physical therapy is one alternative woman can certainly turn to. Age is never a factor with physical therapy, as women any age can approach a physical therapist for pain management and a wide variety of conditions.
Tahmineh Kamza, DTP, graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honors in Science and obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in the United States. Aside from manual therapy and dry needling, she is well versed in hydrotherapy, taping and corrective exercise. She is a true believer in active therapy, thus her treatment goals always include an emphasis on physical activity with the aim of improving White Pine Health & Wellness Centre client’s functional abilities.
Article edited by Dr. Stephen Black
