Women’s Health
“I attended Aileen for physiotherapy for a fissure and overly tight muscles in my pelvic floor, which meant that I was experiencing a lot of pain while emptying my bowels, because my muscles went into spasm every time. This resulted in me developing constipation, which made everything more painful. I also experienced discomfort while sitting for long periods of time due to the fissure. The treatment, exercises and recommendations I received from Aileen were very helpful in enabling the release of my spasming muscles, which in turn gave the fissure time to heal. My muscles have developed more strength and flexibility on account of physiotherapy, targeted exercises, and making adjustments to the way I sit while at work. Change is gradual, so it is important to follow the programme Aileen puts in place. I have experienced tearing a couple of times since completing treatment, however, the fissure has healed quickly each time, as my muscles no longer go into spasm. I had no idea this form of specialist physiotherapy existed until Aileen was recommended to me by a consultant colorectal surgeon”
-Noreen
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy we specialise in Women’s Health.
Our Director Aileen Maguire, leads the Women’s Health Clinic. In 2002 Aileen completed a post-registration course in Women’s Health and since then has run the bowel and bladder continence service in the clinic. Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy is a particular area of interest.
Emily Smyth has a special interest in pregnancy related problems like pelvic girdle pain ,diastasis recti, and returning to exercise after pregnancy. Emily also specialises in cancer rehabilitation and is a trained PINC programme therapist. She can help women through all stages of their cancer journey stay active and healthy. She is also completing her Ph.D. in Trinity College Dublin to further her expertise in this area.
How can Physio help?
A detailed history can help us make a diagnosis in addition to an internal assessment on your ability to perform a pelvic floor contraction. You may need some assistance with this via a biofeedback unit or muscle stimulation. You may also be asked to fill out a fluid balance chart or give information on your dietary habits to help us know the extent of your problem, and show progress throughout treatment.
You will be given a home exercise programme with advice on bladder/bowel retraining and diet where necessary. Reviews will be carried out to monitor your progress. Remember: Muscles take time to become strong, so it will take some time to achieve your goals.
Women’s Health Clinic
-
![]()
Pregnancy
Many changes happen to your body over the course of the 9 months to allow your body to adapt. But this may also put more strain on certain parts of the body.
-
![]()
Incontinence
Incontinence is classified as an involuntary leakage of urine. Urinary incontinence as part of women’s health affects 1- 3 women in all stages of life.
-
![]()
Prolapse
This can occur as a result of childbirth or chronic constipation.
-
![]()
Bowel Problems
Bowel incontinence and constipation occurs from weakness of the pelvic floor and poor muscle co-ordination between the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. We know has distressing this can be.
-
![]()
Pelvic Pain
A contributory factor to pelvic pain is over-active pelvic floor muscles. This means these muscles never relax fully and there’s a constant high level of tension in the muscles.
-
![]()
Menopause
Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of a woman’s menstruation. Usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55 so most women can expect some 30 years of post-menopausal life.
-
![]()
Cancer Rehabilitation
One of our physio’s, Emily, specialises in cancer rehabilitation and is a trained PINC programme therapist. She can help women through all stages of their cancer journey stay active and healthy.
-
![]()
The Baby Years
One of the best ways to prepare for pregnancy, both physically and mentally, is to become or remain physically active before, during, and after pregnancy.
-
![]()
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is estimated it affects 300,000 people in Ireland.
See full list of Services
Contact us.
We are open for one-to-one consultations. We have enhanced our safety protocols. Click here for details. We also offer virtual consultations for those who cannot attend in person.