Obstetric and gynecological (OB/GYN) physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on addressing the unique musculoskeletal and pelvic health needs of women throughout various stages of their reproductive life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and gynecological conditions.
Objectives
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Antenatal Education: Provide education and guidance to pregnant women regarding pelvic floor health, posture, body mechanics, exercise, and childbirth preparation to promote a healthy pregnancy, facilitate optimal fetal positioning, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal discomfort and pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Pregnancy-related Musculoskeletal Conditions: Assess and manage common musculoskeletal conditions associated with pregnancy such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, and pubic symphysis dysfunction through manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, supportive devices, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance maternal comfort.
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Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Conduct comprehensive assessments of pelvic floor function, including strength, coordination, endurance, and tone, and provide specialized pelvic floor rehabilitation programs incorporating pelvic floor exercises, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, manual therapy, and behavioural strategies to address pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain.
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Labor and Delivery Support: Offer guidance and support to women during labour and childbirth to optimize pelvic floor muscle function, promote effective pushing techniques, and minimize the risk of perineal trauma, pelvic floor injury, and obstetric complications, collaborating with midwives, obstetricians, and other healthcare providers to facilitate safe and positive birth experiences.
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Postpartum Recovery: Facilitate postpartum recovery and rehabilitation for women following childbirth, addressing musculoskeletal changes, pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti abdominis, scar tissue management, and restoration of core stability and functional movement patterns through targeted exercises, manual therapy, postural re-education, and gradual return to physical activity.
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Gynecological Rehabilitation: Provide rehabilitation interventions for women with gynecological conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, endometriosis, vulvodynia, and interstitial cystitis, focusing on pain management, pelvic floor relaxation, tissue mobilization, and therapeutic modalities to improve symptoms and quality of life.
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Pre and Postoperative Care: Offer preoperative preparation and postoperative rehabilitation for women undergoing gynecological surgeries such as hysterectomy, pelvic organ prolapse repair, urinary incontinence surgery, and pelvic floor reconstructive procedures, aiming to optimize surgical outcomes, enhance recovery, and minimize complications.
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Continence Promotion: Promote bladder and bowel continence through education on healthy bladder habits, fluid intake, dietary modifications, toileting techniques, and pelvic floor training, empowering women to manage urinary and fecal incontinence and improve their quality of life.
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Sexual Health Counseling: Provide counseling and support for women experiencing sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain during intercourse, or sexual concerns related to childbirth, menopause, or gynecological conditions, addressing psychological, relational, and physiological factors impacting sexual well-being.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, urologists, colorectal surgeons, psychologists, sex therapists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that addresses the complex physical, emotional, and social needs of women across the reproductive and menopausal continuum, promoting holistic health and well-being.