Women’s Health
Women with pelvic floor muscle pain, urinary incontinence, and with musculoskeletal pain related to pregnancy could benefit from physical therapy treatments with specialization with these conditions. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscle running from the pelvic bone to the tailbone focusing on supporting of the internal organs, aid in bowel and bladder control, and contribute to sexual appreciation.
Hormonal changes can cause imbalances between muscle groups in the body and ligament laxity. Back pain during pregnancy, leakage of urine with laughing, sneezing or exercising, weak abdominal muscles after pregnancy, and pelvic pain are a range of problems that are not only inconvenient, but can be incapacitating.
Through the use of exercise and functional techniques tailored to individual needs we can help put you in control of your body.
Pregnancy-Related Musculoskeletal Pain: Pregnancy/Post Partum: Significant postural stresses, physical and hormonal changes can cause or contribute to the musculoskeletal problems during pregnancy and nursing. Often muscular related dysfunctions during pregnancy are results from tight or weak muscles and their effect on the joints of the mobile pelvis. PT interventions consist of manual therapy to correct positional misalignment, identifying those muscles and prescribing an exercise program will be developed. Bladder retraining is a consideration as well. From the weight of the baby pressing on the bladder during pregnancy, the bladder is forced to expel urine more frequently. After delivery the bladder continues to be in the habit of emptying, even though it may not be completely full. The Bladder has the capacity to control our thoughts. Therapy can help a woman to retrain her bladder so she is ultimately in control. By retaining the bladder, a woman can, in some cases, completely eliminate leaking. Post partum a comprehensive strengthening, flexibility and fitness program is designed according to the women’s needs keeping in mind she does not have much spare time focusing on strengthening of the stretched muscles and losing weight.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Upper Back Pain
- Mid Back Pain
- Low Back Pain
- SI Joint pain
- Postural Imbalances
- Rectus Diastasis
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence: This is most often when pelvic floor musculature is weak. The pelvic floor muscles can be weakened due to a variety of anatomical and physiological changes related to pregnancy, vaginal and caesarean section deliveries, obesity, estrogen depletion due to menopause or nerve damage. Treatment includes personalized program to establish and educate you on bladder strengthening and how to use them to control the leaking. Bladder and diet habits in conjunction with muscle education are most effective.
- Stress
- Urge
- Mixed
- Functional
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction/Pelvic Pain: Pain may occur if the pelvic floor muscles are in spasm from being held in a tightened position for too long or if there is laxity within the muscles and the pelvis isn’t offered the support it needs to function. Causes of pelvic pain may include a history of pelvic or abdominal surgery or disease, emotional stress, postural problems, childbirth, or physical trauma. Pelvic pain may interfere with even simple activities, such as sitting or lying down. Muscle and joint problems in the surrounding areas, such as the lumbar spine, hip, and sacroiliac joints can contribute to pain and weakness in the pelvic floor. Treatment of pain may include biofeedback, pelvic muscle re-education exercises, postural re-training and special emphasis on breathing patterns and decreasing the tone of the muscle during functional activities to help decrease muscle tension and restore normal function.
- Dysmennorhea
- Dyspareunia
- Endometriosis
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Pelvic Floor Myalgia
- Pelvic Support Problems
- Post Surgical Scarring
- Vestibulitis
- Vulvodynia
Pre and Post-surgical Rehabilitation: Strengthening the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles before and after any abdominal or gynecologic surgeries is an important intervention to improve functional and mobility after surgery. Education on lifting techniques without stressing your incision in addition to an effective cardiovascular exercise program.
Osteoporosis: Exercise has been proven to help improve bone density, and can prescribe careful, individualized exercise programs to preserve functional strength, and encourage a more active lifestyle while decreasing the potential for falls and possible fractures.
Improvement of Musculoskeletal Function
