Women’s Health Programs

Osteoporosis

Urinary  Incontinence

Pelvic Pain

Pre & Post Pregnancy Management

Urinary Incontinence

Do you suffer from leakage or bladder control problems?

Urinary incontinence is a common health problem, with up to 30 percent of women  ages 15-64 experiencing incontinence of various types.   If you experience any of the      following symptoms, you may benefit from physical therapy.

Stress Incontinence - Leakage of urine during everyday activities such as laughing, coughing, sneezing and lifting.

Urge Incontinence -  Sudden urge to urinate with little or no warning; frequent difficulty reaching the bathroom on time.

Mixed Incontinence - Symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence - The bladder becomes so full it just overflows, generally due to a weak bladder or a blockage.

There are many other causes of incontinence including infections, pregnancy/childbirth, menopause and surgery as well as various illnesses, diseases and medications. 

Urinary incontinence is not considered a  normal consequence of aging and it is not something a person must accept.  Physical therapy programs including exercises for strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles and education regarding bladder retraining and fluid intake, can be used alone or in conjunction with medications and surgery to treat incontinence.  Biofeedback and electric stimulation may also be used to help retrain the pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic Pain  

Are you experiencing pain in the pelvic region?

Many women experience pain in the lower abdominal or pelvic regions during the course of their lives for many reasons.  Due to the large number of muscles, nerves, organs and supporting structures in the area, there may be more than one cause of pain and diagnosis may be difficult. Physical therapy can be helpful with problems stemming from the  muscles, nerves and supporting structures. Treatment may include biofeedback to help strengthen and/or  relax the muscles, manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release, modalities such as ultrasound and electric stimulation, exercise programs and  education regarding your condition.

  Pre & Post Pregnancy Management

 Have you developed back pain as a result of your pregnancy or just unsure of how to modify your exercise program?

Many physical changes occur during pregnancy including changes in center of gravity due to growth of the fetus and  relaxation of the ligaments in preparation for childbirth.  While these changes are normal, they put a woman at greater risk for injury during exercise and daily activities and at greater risk for back and pelvic pain.  A physical therapist can  design or modify a land-based or aquatic exercise program and provide instruction in posture and body mechanics to help prevent injury or reduce pain.  In addition, treatment may include manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization to address existing problems.  Physical  therapy may also be beneficial after  pregnancy to provide exercise and body mechanics instruction and address     postpartum symptoms following a vaginal or cesarean delivery, including scar management.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST PHYSICAL THERAPY VISIT

Your physical therapist will gather  information from you regarding your   current problem, general health and goals for physical therapy.  A thorough    evaluation will be performed, including assessment of posture, strength and  flexibility.  Your physical therapist will then develop a treatment program for you, including education  regarding your condition and methods for home management.