Women’s Health Physio West Ryde

We are Stockists of SRC Pregnancy Shorts/Recovery Shorts

• Reduces pain and increased pelvic/back support
• Anatomical panels provide consistent gentle medical grade compression – Recovery Shorts are especially beneficial post C-section or perineal wound areas
• Increases mobility and pelvic muscle function
• Specialised fabric construction technology
• Lightweight breathable fabric provides superior comfort
• Recovery Shorts assist to regain your pre-baby body shape faster

For more information Click Here

Pelvic Floor

The ‘Pelvic Floor’ relates to a group of muscles that extend like a sling from the pubic bone to the tail bone (e.g. make up the floor of the pelvis). The Pelvic Floor muscles have 4 very important functions:

• Support the pelvic organs
• Play a role in bladder and bowel control;
• Required for normal sexual function;
• Help to stabilize the pelvis and spine.

There are many different types of factors which can cause ‘dysfunction’ within the normal workings of the pelvic floor, some of these include pelvic/lower back pain, pregnancy, childbirth, gynaecological surgery, menopause, constipation, obesity, ageing, inactivity and chronic coughing or lifting.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can present in different forms, such as:

• Pelvic floor weakness
• Pelvic floor overactivity (tight, tense and potentially painful muscles)
• Prolapse – descent of the bladder, bowel or uterus into the vagina which results in a heaviness/dragging sensation or bulge/lump
• Bladder and bowel incontinence
• Pain with intercourse
• Reduced vaginal sensation with intercourse
• Pelvic floor injury during childbirth

Exercises designed specifically for the pelvic floor, education, lifestyle changes and a variety of other management strategies play an integral role in the reduction and resolution of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood ensures that the management of your particular condition is individualised and based on current research. Your Physiotherapist at Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood will teach you how to exercise your pelvic floor muscles correctly.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the increases in abdominal weight can put pressure on the surrounding organs. For example, the increased pressure on the bladder can lead to increased urinary frequency, and sometimes even leakage. Strong pelvic floor muscles will help to reduce the risk of leakage, as they help to support the growing baby and stabilise the pelvis. Recent research recommends that women perform pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy and after childbirth to prevent and treat pelvic floor problems.

Another common complaint in pregnancy is back or pelvic pain. This is largely due to the ligaments of your pelvis becoming more flexible to make room for the growing foetus. These pains often disappear after delivery, but in the interim, your physiotherapist at Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood will provide hands-on treatment to reduce your pain and give you strategies of how to best manage your pain at home. At Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood we also assess and treat the separation of stomach muscles, which can occur as your muscles stretch to accommodate the growing foetus during pregnancy.

Whilst childbirth is an amazing experience, factors such as a high birth weight baby (>4000g), the use of forceps, a long pushing stage, vaginal tearing and/or an episiotomy (surgical cut of the perineum) can cause pelvic floor problems. Research has shown that optimal maternal health and strong pelvic floor muscles will assist in your recovery following childbirth. In the case of pelvic floor injury, your physiotherapist at Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood will provide you with individualised education, pelvic floor exercises and evidence-based treatment to assist you in making a full recovery.

Following childbirth women can experience neck or shoulder pain from breastfeeding or wrist or thumb pain from handling their baby. Your physiotherapist will treat these aches or pains to assist you in caring for your newborn baby.

Incontinence

Incontinence can be a distressing problem, but fear not, Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood is here to help. Individualised management strategies and exercises will help to resolve your incontinence and improve your confidence and quality of life.
Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose the primary cause of your symptoms and classify the type of incontinence into the following:

• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)- leakage on effort or exertion e.g. when you cough, sneeze, laugh, run or jump
• Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI)- leakage accompanied by or immediately preceded by a sudden compelling desire to urinate that is difficult to defer (i.e. urgency)
• Mixed Urinary Incontinence (MUI)- both SUI and UUI

According to current research, conservative management is recommended as the first line treatment for all women with urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises, education and lifestyle changes are integral components in the management of urinary incontinence and other bladder problems. At Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood your physiotherapist will ensure management is in accordance with the most up to date clinical research.

Pre & Post Natal Conditions

During pregnancy, most women suffer from at least one of a variety of different Musculoskeletal complaints such as lower or upper back pain, upper limb pain (including but not limited to lateral epicondylitis, DeQuervain’s) and pelvic instability. Once the third trimester arrives, the expectant mother has a change in her centre of gravity. Added to this, is the change in hormones that weaken pelvic muscles and ligaments leading to pelvic floor dysfunction and potentially incontinence issues.

Physiotherapy treatment we provide includes hands on treatment aiming for symptom relief, core and pelvic strengthening and self-management strategies to assist with getting through these tough times with all the extra stress and strains being put on our bodies. We can also use strapping techniques and braces to assist with supporting the above mentioned structures if necessary.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a condition where the breast is inflamed. Commonly, an area of the breast is red and tender. There may also be a blocked duct, which feels like a lump in the breast. Mastitis generally occurs, however is not limited to the first 3 months after your baby’s birth. There is a peak of occurrence at the second week postpartum and another peak at 5-6 weeks.

Signs of Mastitis:

• Part or all of the breast is markedly painful, hot and tender to touch, and may look red and swollen
• You may feel tired, nauseous, run down, have chills, a headache or think you have the flu. You may feel achy all over especially in the low back and neck. These flu-like symptoms can occur before the breast tenderness
• You may have flu-like symptoms plus a temperature around 38 degrees. The breast may become increasingly hot, tender and appear tight and shiny. These symptoms suggest you have an infection, which is more likely if you have cracked nipples.
• You are feeling progressively worse. With simple engorgement, a blocked duct, or mastitis without infection, you should gradually feel better not worse.
• Recent events have set you up for mastitis – eg. change in baby’s feeding pattern, increased stress and tiredness.

Management of Mastitis – we offer Ultrasound treatment to help open the milk ducts and promote circulation. You may need 2-5 days of ultrasound treatment. It is encouraged that you receive at least 2 treatments in 2 consecutive days, however you may need up to 3 consecutive days or a couple of weeks of 2 consecutive days of treatment depending on the severity of your condition.

Contact us on (02) 9874 8410 or at admin@ndpe.com.au to arrange an appointment with a Northern Districts Physiotherapy Eastwood physiotherapist.