Womens Health

We provide the following services in the area of female health:

• Treatment of all types of incontinence and pelvic floor weakness
• Post natal check-up
• Information and exercise for osteoporosis

Incontinence

How big is the problem? Poor bladder control is a problem in women of all ages. Four in ten women will suffer from incontinence at some stage during their life. It is not a disease of the elderly. Leakage is common but not normal and more importantly, incontinence is curable.

Childbirth, menopause, hormone fluctuations and heavy lifting can all predispose a woman to problems with her pelvic floor.

How does the bladder work?

The bladder is a hollow muscular, balloon like sac that collects and stores urine produced by the kidneys. When you go to the toilet the bladder muscle squeezes, the bladder outlet muscle relaxes and urine empties out. Your pelvic floor muscles help your outlet muscles to “hold on tight”, when you cough, sneeze, laugh or run.

How the problems happen?

The initial leaking called “stress incontinence” is caused by a weakening of the pelvic muscles. This results in leakage when you cough, sneeze, run or do any physical exertion. Subsequently one is fearful of a leakage and starts going to the toilet "just in case" establishing a pattern of frequency. Soon “toilet hopping” emerges where one plans a trip around every “ladies” in town and cutting down on fluid before any outing.

How can physiotherapy help?

The ability to control your waterworks depends on the ability to control your pelvic floor muscles. If we can strengthen these muscles we can regain control of the bladder in most cases.

In Listowel Physiotherapy Clinic we examine and assess each patient. We then devise a treatment programme for that patient’s specific requirements.

Treatment may consist of:

• Pelvic floor muscle strengthening
• Clinic based muscle stimulation
• Clinic based biofeedback therapy
• Home unit muscle stimulation
• Bladder training programmes
• Deep abdominal strengthening

Frequently we will use a combination of treatments to accelerate recovery. We provide state of the art equipment, working in conjunction with the GP’s and consultants to give the best and most appropriate care.

Post natal check up

This service is for women at least three months after childbirth. The areas assessed are

• Pelvic floor muscle strength
• Abdominal muscle strength
• Sacroiliac Dysfunction

Following assessment the patient gets instruction or treatment on the areas required. Muscle check-ups at this stage may prevent more extensive problems developing later.

Osteoporosis

Once diagnosed, it is primarily managed through diet and medication. However, it is important to exercise to maintain strong bones and good mobility. A programme can be designed to suit individual requirements.