Top 5 Benefits of Women’s Health Assessment You Didn’t Know About

1. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Why It Matters:

Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to a range of issues, including incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. These conditions can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life.

Benefit:

Women’s health assessment provides targeted exercises and treatments to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. This can help reduce or eliminate incontinence, alleviate pelvic pain, and improve sexual health.

Real-World Impact:

Imagine being able to laugh, sneeze, or exercise without the fear of leakage. Whilst this is a common problem, it should not be considered as normal. Women who undergo pelvic floor rehabilitation often report a significant improvement in these symptoms, as well as their confidence and quality of life.

2. Prenatal and Postnatal Care

Why It Matters:

Pregnancy and childbirth put immense strain on a woman’s body, often leading to issues like back pain, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), and pelvic girdle pain.

Benefit:

Women’s health assessments can provide exercises and techniques to manage pain, strengthen the core and pelvic muscles, and prepare the body for childbirth. Postnatally, they can help with recovery, addressing issues such as diastasis recti and pelvic floor weakness.

Real-World Impact:

Receiving specialised care during and after pregnancy can make a significant difference. Many expectant mothers experience issues such as severe back pain during pregnancy. Prenatal physiotherapy can provide substantial relief and help them prepare better for labour. Postnatally, physiotherapy can also aid in recovery from conditions like diastasis recti, helping new mothers regain their pre-pregnancy fitness levels within a few months.

3. Management of Menopausal Symptoms

Why It Matters:

Menopause brings about hormonal changes that can lead to various physical issues, including joint pain, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence.

Benefit:

Women’s health assessment offers tailored exercise programmes and lifestyle advice to manage and alleviate menopausal symptoms. These programmes can improve bone density, enhance joint mobility, and reduce incontinence.

Real-World Impact:

Effective management of menopausal symptoms can lead to a more active and fulfilling life. Women may experience fewer joint aches, improved bladder control, and better overall physical health, allowing them to continue enjoying activities they love without the limitations often associated with menopause. For example, Linda, a 52-year-old experiencing severe joint pain and incontinence due to menopause, saw a dramatic reduction in her symptoms through a combination of strength training, pelvic floor exercises, and dietary changes recommended by her physiotherapist. She now enjoys hiking and dancing again, activities she had given up due to discomfort.

4. Support for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Why It Matters:

Chronic pelvic pain can stem from conditions such as endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It can be debilitating and affect every aspect of a woman’s life.

Benefit:

Women’s health assessments use a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and pain management techniques to address the underlying causes of chronic pelvic pain.

Real-World Impact:

With specialised physiotherapy, women suffering from chronic pelvic pain can experience significant relief and an improved quality of life. Many individuals with conditions such as endometriosis find that after a few months of tailored physiotherapy, their pain levels decrease substantially. This allows them to return to work full-time and enjoy social activities without being overshadowed by constant discomfort.

5. Enhanced Sexual Health

Why It Matters:

Sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, but issues such as pain during intercourse, decreased libido, and pelvic floor dysfunction can hinder sexual activity.

Benefit:

Through pelvic floor exercises, manual therapy, and education, women’s health assessments can address these issues, enhancing sexual function and satisfaction.

Real-World Impact:

Improved sexual health can lead to a better quality of life, strengthening intimate relationships and boosting self-esteem. Many individuals who experience pain during intercourse report significant relief after undergoing pelvic floor therapy. This reduction in pain often leads to more satisfying and intimate relationships with their partners.