Women's Health Physio Clinics Co. Cork

Offered at Our Carrigaline, Carrigtwohill & Bandon Clinics

Endometriosis & Physiotherapy

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, inflammation, and potential fertility issues. Physiotherapy offers a holistic approach to managing these symptoms:

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Endometriosis can lead to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Physiotherapists employ exercises, biofeedback, and manual therapy to relax and strengthen these muscles, alleviating pain and improving function.
Manual Therapy & Scar Mobilization: Techniques like myofascial release and visceral mobilization address adhesions and scar tissue, enhancing tissue mobility and reducing discomfort.
Breathing & Relaxation Techniques: Stress can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms. Incorporating diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness helps in managing stress and reducing muscle tension.
Postural Education: Correcting posture and movement patterns can minimize strain on affected tissues, reducing pain and improving daily function.
Pre and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy prepares the body for surgery and aids in recovery, focusing on restoring mobility, strength, and function.

Menopause & Physiotherapy

Menopause brings hormonal changes that can affect muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being. Physiotherapy can mitigate these effects through:

Strength Training: Incorporating resistance exercises helps combat muscle loss and supports metabolic health. Activities like squats, push-ups, and resistance band workouts are beneficial.
Low-Impact Exercises: Programs like reformer Pilates focus on low-impact resistance training, improving strength and balance without stressing joints.
Flexibility and Balance Training: Incorporating yoga and balance exercises improves flexibility, reduces fall risk, and enhances overall mobility.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse & Physiotherapy

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when pelvic organs descend due to weakened support structures. Physiotherapy offers non-surgical interventions:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT): Regular exercises strengthen pelvic muscles, providing better support and alleviating symptoms like pelvic heaviness and urinary incontinence.
Postural and Lifestyle Modifications: Educating on proper body mechanics and avoiding activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure can prevent symptom exacerbation.
Pessary Fitting and Management: Physiotherapists can assist in fitting vaginal pessaries, devices that support pelvic organs, offering relief for moderate to severe prolapse cases.

Pre & Post-Pregnancy Strengthening

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the body. Physiotherapy supports women through:

Prenatal Strengthening: Tailored exercises prepare the body for childbirth, focusing on core stability, pelvic floor strength, and posture.
Postnatal Rehabilitation: Addressing issues like diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction, physiotherapy aids in restoring strength and function postpartum.
Education and Support: Guidance on safe exercise progression, lifting techniques, and body mechanics ensures a smooth transition back to daily activities.

Understanding Incontinence

Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool, affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing this condition.

Types of Incontinence

Stress Incontinence: Leakage during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
Urge Incontinence: Sudden, intense urges to urinate, leading to leakage.
Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Overflow Incontinence: Difficulty emptying the bladder completely, causing dribbling.

Physiotherapy for Incontinence

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT):
- Strengthens pelvic muscles to support the bladder and prevent leakage.
- Techniques include Kegel exercises and biofeedback tools.
Bladder Training:
- Helps retrain the bladder to hold urine for longer periods.
- Focuses on delaying urination and establishing a schedule.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Addressing dietary triggers (e.g., caffeine, alcohol) and weight management.
Electrical Stimulation:
- Stimulates weak pelvic floor muscles, improving strength and function.
Education and Support:
- Teaching proper toileting habits and ergonomic positions for voiding.

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, can result from physical, emotional, or hormonal factors. Physiotherapy addresses physical causes to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Overactive or tight pelvic muscles.
Hormonal Changes: Vaginal dryness or atrophy due to menopause or postpartum.
Scarring or Trauma: From childbirth, surgeries, or injuries.
Medical Conditions: Endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Physiotherapy for Painful Intercourse

Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques:
- Focuses on reducing muscle tension through breathing exercises, manual therapy, and stretches.
Trigger Point Release:
- Direct treatment of muscle knots or tight areas causing pain.
Vaginal Dilator Therapy:
- Gradual desensitization to reduce pain and improve tolerance.
Education on Body Mechanics:
- Guidance on positions and movements that minimize discomfort during intimacy.
Scar Tissue Mobilization:
- Techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain in areas affected by scarring.
Coordination Exercises:
- Helps retrain the pelvic floor to work in sync with the rest of the body.

Core Treatments & Recovery

Endometriosis & Physiotherapy

Menopause & Physiotherapy

Menopause brings hormonal changes that can affect muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being. Physiotherapy can mitigate these effects through

Pelvic Organ Prolapse & Physiotherapy

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when pelvic organs descend due to weakened support structures. Physiotherapy offers non-surgical interventions:

Pre & Post-Pregnancy Strengthening

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on the body. Physiotherapy supports women through:

Understanding Incontinence

Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or stool, affecting physical, emotional, and social well-being. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing this condition.

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, can result from physical, emotional, or hormonal factors. Physiotherapy addresses physical causes to alleviate pain and improve quality of life.

Pain Relief

For pregnancy-related pain, lower back pain, tailbone pain, pelvic joint pain, pelvic pain, vulvar pain, and pain with intercourse.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Supportive scar management techniques to aid in healing, flexibility, and comfort.

Pelvic Health

Bladder leaks, urgency, and bowel difficulties are common but not something you have to live with.