Raising Awareness for FGC
Female genital cutting (FGC), also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is a deeply entrenched practice affecting millions of women worldwide. Performed for non-medical reasons, often without consent and in unsanitary conditions, FGC leaves lasting physical and psychological scars. The consequences range from chronic pain and infections to severe complications during childbirth. Despite being outlawed in many countries, it persists due to cultural beliefs and often times familial pressure.
The Role Of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Pelvic health physical therapy plays a crucial role within the healing process. It is often not sought out until years after the actual procedure and healing has taken place. One obvious entrance of a pelvic health physical therapist into an individuals health care plan is when the individual becomes sexually active and experiences symptoms of pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, pain with orgasm or difficulty experiencing orgasm. Pelvic health PT is also helpful for improving bladder and bowel function, and in preparation for birth to reduce scar tissue around the birthing canal.
Pelvic health physical therapy is a specialized facet within physical therapy requiring additional training. It is a specialized approach, offering tailored interventions to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. Through scar tissue manual therapy, nerve mobilization, and targeted exercises, these therapists address the physical repercussions of FGC. By targeting scar tissue adhesions and improving nerve mobility, they aim to reduce pain and restore tissue function. After the tissue mobility has improved pelvic health physical therapists will re-teach proper pelvic floor muscle coordination to improve bowel, bladder and sexual function.
Healing Goes Beyond Physical Rehabilitation
The profound psychological impact of FGC warrants a holistic approach. Many women who embark on this healing journey require the emotional support a mental health therapist (talk therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist etc) can provide to overcome the trauma. As pelvic health physical therapists we strongly recommend having a mental health professional within the interdisciplinary team to ensure survivors receive appropriate comprehensive care.
In the face of a complex and deeply ingrained practice like FGC, pelvic health physical therapy offers a path towards healing and empowerment. Pelvic health physical therapists play a vital role in addressing the physical aspects of FGC within the interdisciplinary team and offer many treatment options to decrease pain, improve sexual health and reproductive function.
More Resources on FGC/FGM:
Sahiyo: This organization is working to end FGC/FGM. They also provide support and resources for individuals that have undergone this procedure.
