The Doctor ‘Empowering’ England Women to Success
From European champions to World Cup finalists, England’s Lionesses have experienced unprecedented success in recent years. While head coach Sarina Wiegman and her backroom staff have been instrumental in fostering a winning mentality, one member in particular has played a crucial role in inspiring change of a different kind – Dr. Ritan Mehta, the head of women’s medical for the Football Association (FA).
Dr. Mehta has been working with the FA for nearly a decade, focusing on female athlete health. By addressing topics such as menstrual cycles, sports bras, and breast and pelvic floor health, he has helped the team reach new heights. The goal is to empower athletes to better understand their bodies.
In the past five to six years, the FA has delved into the menstrual cycle, breaking through taboos and encouraging open conversations. Dr. Mehta expressed surprise at how receptive the players have been. As a male doctor in a female environment, he initially expected some discomfort, but the players have embraced the discussions.
To further enhance their approach to female health, the FA partnered with an elite sport bio-analytics company three years ago. This collaboration led to the development of apps that allow players, coaches, and medical staff at both club and international levels to track menstrual cycles and tailor training and nutrition accordingly. More than half of the teams in the Women’s Super League now utilize this technology.
Dr. Mehta emphasizes that every individual is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice. The goal is to understand each player on a personal level and make incremental improvements. By tracking menstrual cycles over an extended period, the medical team has been able to identify patterns and make adjustments accordingly. For example, one player who experienced bouts of nausea discovered that it coincided with a specific time of the month.
While progress has been made in understanding and managing menstrual health, attention is now shifting to pelvic floor health. Research indicates that 20% of professional female players are affected by issues related to the pelvic floor, such as leaking, pain, and discomfort. Dr. Mehta believes that addressing this area could have the most significant impact on female players’ well-being.
The FA has recently launched several female-specific health projects, including discussions around pelvic floor health. Chelsea, a Women’s Super League club, has also taken a significant step by appointing a pelvic health specialist. The investment in this area has already yielded positive results for players like Niamh Charles, an England and Chelsea defender who experienced a back injury that affected her pelvic floor. By incorporating proper breathing techniques and focusing on pelvic floor health, Charles has been able to alleviate her pain.
The Lionesses’ commitment to female health extends beyond the senior team and has been integrated into the pathway teams, including the under-16s. Education programs and one-on-one sessions with players are key components of this approach. The aim is to ensure that female health remains a priority not just during their playing careers but also throughout their lives.
In conclusion, the success of England’s women’s national team can be attributed not only to their skill on the field but also to the dedication and innovative approach of their medical team. By challenging taboos, embracing technology, and prioritizing individualized care, the FA is empowering female athletes to reach their full potential.