Women's Health Issues and Osteopathy
The female body is unique and requires a specialised response and women have diverse health needs, not only due to their anatomy but also the lifestyle factors that are unique to women.
Osteopaths can be such a valuable part of your “wellbeing team” (Midwife, Nutritionist/Naturopath, Family, Friends etc). There is so much space for osteopathy to have a positive, influential and empowering effect on women’s health issues. Here are just a few areas where osteopathy for women may be able to assist and be an awesome part of your wellbeing team.
Assistance in hormone management
One of the main things that sets women apart from men anatomically is the reproductive system. Women, during their childbearing years, will experience repeated menstrual symptoms which can include lower back pain, hip pain and discomfort, bloating, abdominal cramping, leg pain, headaches and breast tenderness. Musculoskeletal pain can occur during the cycle due to attachment of ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus to the bony structures of the pelvis. With this in mind, any hormonal changes that affect the reproductive system will also impact on the musculoskeletal attachments.
Osteopathy for women can assist with these symptoms by easing tension, promoting circulation and maintaining good range of movement.
Treatment for pelvic pain
Osteopathy is often overlooked as a treatment option for the many painful women’s health issues. Beyond medication and surgery, most women aren’t aware of the benefits of manual therapy for this kind of pain. Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that uses gentle, hands-on techniques in a comfortable setting to reduce the pain caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. The techniques used are called visceral manipulation and clinical research shows that it can help reduce pain and improve quality of life for women. Our clinic provides the evidence-based, effective care that is based upon your specific symptoms.
Treatment for pregnancy
One of the most taxing processes on a women’s body is pregnancy and childbirth and women often experience lower back pain, groin pain, pelvic pain, postural issues, sciatica, upper back and neck pain, rib cage pain, headaches and carpal tunnel, to name a few. Osteopathic treatment can offer a gentle, safe and drug-free solution for pregnant women to support movement and adaptation for the women’s body, during a time of great change. Treatment can include gentle stretching, joint mobilisation, subtle balancing, soft-tissue massage and work to help achieve balance and flexibility within the body.
It’s important to remember that osteopathic manual practitioners are not medical doctors and do not diagnose. We are manual therapists who work in tandem with your family doctor or medical specialist to provide treatment options to reduce pain and restore quality of life. All new and unusual pains should be assessed by a licensed medical physician as they can both diagnose the issue at hand and order imaging if needed. Symptoms which are red flags will be referred back to your primary care physician.
