Women’s health issues span the lifetime from a teenage athlete to the childbearing years and beyond.  Physical therapists can play an important role in the health and wellness during those times.

With the teenage athlete a PT can aide in strengthening and conditioning to prevent injuries.  A PT can also play an important role in return to sport following an injury.

With the childbearing years, a physical therapist can aide in several ways.  Prior to conception a PT can work with the woman on adopting a healthy lifestyle to facilitate a healthy pregnancy.  During pregnancy, a properly trained PT can work on activity modification, strengthening, conditioning, and pain management for a successful pregnancy.  A PT may also work with the patient on labor and delivery techniques with special considerations for previous and current injuries to maximize optimal positioning.

As women age other issues such as osteoporosis become a challenge.  Working on physical activity to improve balance to decrease fall risk, strength, and posture to reduce the risk of injuries such as fractures related to osteoporosis.

Other issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain can affect the younger and older population.  With incontinence women are often told it is “normal” and “to live with it”.  However, incontinence is an area that a trained therapist can address. Working on strengthening, bladder control and activities can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of incontinence and allow for return to activities that may have been avoided due to the incontinence.  Pelvic pain is also an area that is addressed with physical therapy.

Physical therapy can be an essential key in maintaining an active lifestyle by addressing the components of health and fitness throughout the woman’s lifespan.