Female Athlete
The female athlete is strong, fierce, competitive, driven, determined. She is adaptable, committed, and focused. A female athlete deserves the highest level of care to keep her running, jumping, swimming, swinging, dancing at her best. Here at i’move, we know that females are unique to their male counterparts and require an individualized approach to exercise prescription and injury treatment and prevention.
How can physical therapy help?
Physical therapists are experts in human biomechanics and functional movement specific to sport and activities of the athlete. Women’s health physical therapists have further education to treat female athletes and the unique issues that they face. Here at i’move, we offer an integrated approach, looking at the whole female athlete from top to bottom to provide excellent assessment and treatment to address the root cause.
At i’move we offer:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit will be a 40 minute evaluation with a women’s health physical therapist. We will begin by getting to know you, listening to your goals, your medical history, and any specific challenges that you are facing. We will then move onto the physical examination, including assessment of body movement, functional mechanics, posture, strength, fascial and muscle balance. We will recommend an individualized plan of care and discuss follow up visits, treatment, and home exercises.
Is it okay to NOT menstruate if I am an athlete?
A regular menstrual cycle has been considered a “fifth vital sign” – meaning menstruation is an important indicator of the body’s health in addition to blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse, and temperature. If an athlete has not had a period for 3 months or more, she needs to consult with a physician. Menstrual cycle abnormalities can lead to long-term implications, specifically regarding bone health and infertility. It is important to identify the cause of amenorrhea and begin to address these causative factors.
Is it true that the less I weigh, the better I will perform in my sport?
No, falling below your ideal body weight can mean greater stress on your bones, with decreased ability to recover. This can lead to poor form and technique, which may heighten your risk of injury.
