Dr Sonia Gupta
soniaguptapt@gmail.com
“A healthy woman builds a healthy family, and a healthy family builds a healthy society.”
Every year on International Women’s Day, the world celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of women. The 2026 theme – “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” – reminds us that celebration alone is not enough. Women deserve equal rights, fair treatment, and real action that improves their daily lives. One of the most important rights is the right to health – including freedom from preventable pain and suffering.
In Jammu and across India, women perform multiple roles every day. They are mothers, daughters, teachers, doctors, homemakers, caregivers, and professionals. From early morning household work to late-night responsibilities, many women rarely pause for themselves. Back pain becomes “normal.” Knee pain becomes “age-related.” Fatigue becomes “routine.”
But pain is not normal. Ignoring health is not strength.
Why Women’s Health Needs Special Attention
Women are the pillars of the family, society and nation. A woman’s body goes through several natural phases – puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Each stage brings hormonal and physical changes. Modern lifestyle factors such as long sitting hours, excessive mobile use, lack of exercise, and mental stress add further strain.
Common problems include:
* Neck and back pain
* Knee pain
* Frozen shoulder
* Heel pain
* Pelvic pain
* Urinary leakage after childbirth
* Osteoporosis after menopause
* Stress-related headaches
Many women delay treatment due to lack of awareness or because they prioritize family needs over their own.
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a scientific healthcare profession that focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving quality of life without unnecessary dependence on medicines or surgery. It uses targeted exercises, manual therapy, posture correction, ergonomic advice, and lifestyle education to treat the root cause of problems.
Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings physical discomfort such as lower back pain, pelvic pain, leg cramps, and swelling. A trained physiotherapist can guide safe prenatal exercises, breathing techniques, and posture correction to prepare the body for smoother labor and faster recovery.
Post-Delivery Recovery
After childbirth, many women experience back pain, weak abdominal muscles, urinary leakage, and pelvic floor weakness. These issues are treatable. Pelvic floor exercises and core strengthening significantly improve recovery and confidence.
Working Women and Lifestyle Disorders
Long hours of sitting and screen exposure often cause cervical pain, upper back stiffness, headaches, and wrist pain. Physiotherapy helps by teaching correct posture, prescribing strengthening exercises, and advising ergonomic adjustments.
Homemakers and Physical Strain
Daily household activities such as sweeping, mopping, lifting buckets, and cooking for long hours strain joints and muscles. Physiotherapy teaches safe movement techniques and strengthening exercises to prevent chronic pain.
Menopause and Bone Health
After menopause, women face an increased risk of weak bones and fractures. Weight-bearing exercises, balance training, and muscle strengthening help maintain bone density and prevent falls.
Mental Health and Movement
Physical activity releases natural mood boosters and reduces stress. Regular exercise improves emotional well-being and confidence.
Simple Home Tips
* Move every 45-60 minutes.
* Maintain correct posture.
* Perform daily stretching.
* Strengthen core and pelvic floor muscles.
* Wear comfortable footwear.
* Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.
* Do not ignore persistent pain.
Breaking the Silence
Women should not hesitate to discuss health issues. The 2026 theme emphasizes Rights, Justice, and Action for ALL Women and Girls – including access to respectful and preventive healthcare.
This Women’s Day, let us move beyond greetings and flowers. Let us respect women’s health rights, ensure justice in healthcare access, and take action through awareness and preventive physiotherapy care.
Let every woman stand tall – pain-free, confident, and strong.
Happy International Women’s Day
(The author is Physiotherapist Govt. Medical College & Hospital,
Jammu)
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