RT Book, Section A1 HUGE, BARBARA SETTLES A1 KISNER, CAROLYN A2 Kisner, Carolyn A2 Colby, Lynn Allen A2 Borstad, John SR Print(0) ID 1169780844 T1 Women's Health: Obstetrics and Pelvic Floor T2 Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques, 7e YR 2018 FD 2018 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9780803658509 LK fadavisat.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1169780844 RD 2024/10/09 AB Throughout a woman's life cycle, specific gender differences need to be recognized for their relevance to rehabilitation. Recent research has shown repeatedly that women have specific and distinct physiological processes that extend beyond the obvious considerations of anatomy and hormones, including differences in symptoms of heart attacks and in metabolism of medications.77 Clearly, the pregnant or postpartum patient presents a unique gender-based clinical challenge for the physical therapist. Although pregnancy is a time of tremendous musculoskeletal, physiological, and emotional change, it is nonetheless a state of wellness. Pregnant women are typically well motivated, willing to learn, and highly responsive to treatment suggestions. For many women, the therapist is able to assess and monitor the physical changes with the primary focus on maintaining wellness. The ability to educate women about the role of exercise and health promotion during this key life transition provides a significant professional opportunity and responsibility.