Physiotherapy is a branch of medical science that studies how humans move. It uses physical therapy to promote healthy movement and reduce pain. Physiotherapists are trained health professionals who assess, diagnose, and recommend treatment options to help restore proper body functioning. In Australia, they must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA).
Common goals of physiotherapy are to increase joint movement, enhance muscle and tendon flexibility, and reduce stiffness. Physiotherapy is also a technique to prevent injuries and build muscle strength and tone. Techniques used can include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and electrotherapy.
Physiotherapists can specialize in different areas, such as sports medicine, pediatrics, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Women’s health physiotherapists focus on pregnancy and disorders of the pelvis and pelvic floor. Other specializations include neurological physiotherapy, which addresses conditions like stroke and Parkinson’s disease, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, which helps manage chronic conditions like asthma and COPD.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
It’s not uncommon for women to first see a physiotherapist when they become pregnant. Pregnancy, or prenatal, physiotherapy helps reduce pain in the main joints that are commonly strained during pregnancy.
Pelvic girdle pain is one of the most commonly experienced pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions. It generally occurs due to changes in posture and increased pelvic pressure from the weight of the baby. Hormonal changes also play a major role in causing pelvic girdle pain since they soften the ligaments that support the pelvis.
Physiotherapy during pregnancy also helps reduce the likelihood of:
- birth trauma;
- urinary incontinence during pregnancy and after birth — up to 67% of pregnant women will leak urine (incontinence) when they laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise;
- lower back pain — around 50% of pregnant women experience low back pain;
- pelvic floor dysfunction, including incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and prolapse;
- birth complications.
You may see a physiotherapist during your pregnancy to prevent issues or treat new conditions. There can also be benefits in learning about helpful labour and birth positions. Some positions during pregnancy can be helpful to move a baby into the right position for labour and birth. Additionally, physiotherapy can aid in maintaining overall physical fitness and managing stress, which contributes to a healthier pregnancy and delivery.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy Postpartum: Why You Might Need It
Being pregnant and having a baby can affect your body in many ways. Your muscles have stretched, and your ligaments have softened, especially those in your abdomen and pelvic floor. These changes can increase your chance of bladder and bowel problems.
Physiotherapy after you’ve had your baby can help you regain your strength and fitness, and address any of the following issues:
- bladder or bowel problems, such as leaking urine, pain when urinating or passing a bowel movement, and frequent urination;
- pelvic floor weakness;
- abdominal separation (diastasis recti);
- back pain.
Physiotherapy can also guide you in safely returning to exercise and playing sports after having a baby. Postpartum physiotherapy is tailored to support your recovery, helping to restore function and improve overall well-being.
Common Physiotherapy Techniques and Their Benefits
When you first visit a physiotherapist, they’ll start by asking detailed questions about your medical history and any current health issues you might have. Based on this initial assessment, they’ll employ a variety of techniques and recommend specific exercises designed to improve your movement and alleviate discomfort. Typically, a series of appointments will be necessary to create and refine a personalized treatment plan and to assess its effectiveness over time.
It’s important to remember that the benefits of physiotherapy might not be immediate. Often, you’ll be given exercises to perform at home to complement the treatment received during your sessions.
Some common physiotherapy techniques include:
- massage and Ultrasound Therapy. These techniques can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve circulation in affected areas;
- joint Manipulation. This involves gentle adjustments to specific joints to restore movement and relieve discomfort;
- muscle Stretching. Exercises may include side and forward stretches, the ‘cat’ stretch, and pelvic circles to increase flexibility and reduce muscle tension;
- movement Guidance. The physiotherapist will teach you alternative ways to move that avoid aggravating your condition, promoting better movement patterns;
- exercise Recommendations. Tailored exercise programs are provided to strengthen muscles and support recovery;
- supportive Devices. You might receive advice on using supportive belts or compression pants to stabilize and protect affected areas.
By incorporating these techniques and following your physiotherapist’s guidance, you can work towards improving your overall physical health and functionality.
In conclusion, common physiotherapy techniques such as massage, ultrasound therapy, joint manipulation, muscle stretching, guided movement, exercise recommendations, and the use of supportive devices play a crucial role in enhancing physical function and alleviating discomfort. By following a personalized treatment plan, patients can achieve improved mobility, reduced pain, and better overall health.
Identifying the Signs: Do You Need Physiotherapy
You might be unsure if seeing a physiotherapist will be helpful. Many women accept a certain amount of discomfort as normal during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, a tailored exercise plan can often help reduce a range of symptoms and improve comfort and mobility.
During pregnancy, you may notice changes in the strength of your pelvic floor, leading to difficulties in controlling urine (wee). An intensive, supervised pelvic floor exercise program can significantly reduce the likelihood of urinary leakage, both before and after childbirth.
A common yet lesser-known condition during pregnancy is carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by increased fluid levels that exert extra pressure on the median nerve supplying the wrist and fingers. Symptoms include tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand, swelling, and weakness, making it hard to grip objects. Physiotherapy treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include using splints, resting, avoiding repetitive hand movements, and performing median nerve and tendon stretches.
Physiotherapy is beneficial not just during pregnancy but throughout a woman’s life. Pelvic floor exercises are recommended for women of all ages, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum.
It’s very common for women to experience back strain during and after pregnancy. A physiotherapist can guide you on maintaining good posture while standing and sitting to alleviate this discomfort.
Another common pregnancy complication is the widening of the abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti. Between 66% and 100% of women experience this change, noticing a gap down the center of their tummy when moving or getting up from a lying position. Abdominal muscle exercises can help build muscle tone and restore core strength.
Seeing a physiotherapist can provide significant benefits in managing these conditions, enhancing overall well-being during and after pregnancy.
Understanding the Safety and Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
There are generally no risks in seeing a qualified and registered physiotherapist. However, some individuals might experience a temporary increase in muscle discomfort after massage and targeted exercises. This is a normal response as your body adjusts to the treatment. Your physiotherapist will provide guidance on what to expect and suggest methods to manage any discomfort, such as gentle stretches, ice or heat application, and rest. They will also tailor the treatment to your specific needs to ensure safety and effectiveness, especially during sensitive periods like pregnancy.
Tips for Finding the Right Physiotherapist for Your Needs
Your maternity care provider can refer you to a physiotherapist, or you can seek one out independently. A doctor’s referral is not required to see a physiotherapist. Most maternity hospitals have a physiotherapy department, and many also offer antenatal classes.
If you see a physiotherapist at a public hospital, Medicare covers the cost. For private physiotherapy sessions, you will need to pay out-of-pocket, though you may be eligible for a rebate if you have private health insurance.
You can find a physiotherapist online using the Service Finder tool, which provides information on available practitioners in your area.