National Women's Health Week

Taking Charge of Your Body for National Women’s Health Week Happy National Women’s Health Week! It’s time to start talking about health issues we have dealt with for too long.  Many women accept low back pain, pelvic pain, incontinence and weak core as a normal part of life after having a baby, but they don’t have to.

• Diastasis recti is the separation of abdominal muscles, and many women don’t realize they have it. Caused by stretching the abs in pregnancy, diastasis weakens the core and results in low back pain, as well as abdominal and pelvic pain (study). No matter how long ago you were pregnant, it’s possible to exercise to lessen the gap to get back to your pre-baby body.
• Unaddressed incontinence will worsen – and it’s the number one reason women can no longer live independently. There’s a right and a wrong way to do Kegel exercises, so it’s important to see a physical therapist who specializes in women’s health.
• Physical fitness is the best way to feel young.  Women tend to focus on cardio, but weight-bearing is important to add to the mix because it helps maintain healthy bones.

Women need to know they don’t have to live with these issues, and the first step is starting the conversation.  Physical therapists are asking women to #overshare on Tuesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. ET at a women’s health Twitter party hosted by @MoveForwardPT. During the Twitter party, a panel of women’s health experts will discuss women’s health issues on Move Forward Radio. Experts joining include board-certified women’s health physical therapists Pamela Downey, PT, DPT, WCS and Rebecca Stephenson, PT, DPT, WCS as well as gynecologist Judith Reichman, MD, and author of Slow Down Your Clock: The Complete Guide to a Younger, Healthier You. Call in with your questions to 646-564-9841 or tweet @MoveForwardPT via #overshare. Let's preserve the sexy ladies and be proactive about our health! For more information, visit American Physical Therapy Association and Move Forward PT.

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