02/09/2025
Supporting Stronger, Healthier Women: A Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologists Role in Women’s Health Week
Women’s Health Week encourages women of all ages to prioritise their physical and mental health and well-being. At Activate Health our Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists are passionate about supporting, educating, and empowering the women in our community.
Why Women's Health Week Matters
• Raising awareness of common yet often overlooked health issues
• Encouraging open conversations about women’s health
• Empowering women to take control of their health through education and early intervention
Statistics:
• 80% of people with urinary incontinence are women (APA)
• Pelvic organ prolapse affects 50% of Australian Women (APA)
• Pain is NOT normal - 68% of women aged 18–44 experience pelvic pain (APA)
• In Australia, an estimate of over 40% of women over the age of 60 are diagnosed with Osteoporosis (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
The Physiotherapist / Exercise Physiologists Role in Women’s Health
Our role is about preventative care, functional movement, pain management, and long-term wellness. In the context of women’s health, we can provide crucial support in areas like:
1. Pelvic Health
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Pain during s*x (dyspareunia)
• Pregnancy and postnatal recovery
With appropriate assessment and targeted pelvic floor exercises, many of these issues are highly treatable without surgery or medication.
2. Menopause and Musculoskeletal Health
The drop in estrogen during menopause can impact joint health, bone density, and muscle mass. We help women navigate:
• Osteoporosis prevention and management
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Maintaining balance and mobility
4. Exercise Prescription and Lifestyle Advice
Movement is medicine! A tailored exercise plan can help manage chronic conditions such as PCOS, Endometriosis, and supporting individuals to improve their mental health.
We Encourage Women to Prioritize Themselves
Often Women care about everyone around them. This Women’s Health Week, we encourage all women to prioritise them self and their health.
• Book regular health check-ups including:
o Regular cervical screening from age 25
o Bowel cancer screening from age 45
o Breast cancer screening from age 50
o Bone health checks
o Skin check (yearly), Eye test (every 2 years), Hearing test, Dental check and clean (yearly). (Better Health VIC).
• Seek help early for pain or dysfunction—don’t normalize suffering!
• Talk openly about pelvic health, menstrual health, and menopause
• Move your body regularly, in ways that feel good and are guided by your individual needs
Women's Health Week is a movement toward greater visibility, conversation, and care for women. As physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists we are proud to be part of that journey, supporting women to feel stronger, move better, and live healthier at every life stage.
If you have questions about how physiotherapy / Exercise Physiology can support your health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your well-being matters—this week and every week.
