Women's Health

This physical therapy specialty program addresses the musculoskeletal components of obstetrical and gynecological diagnoses including:

• incontinence
• pelvic floor and abdominal pain and dysfunction
• peri-natal musculoskeletal dysfunction
• post-surgical pain

Physical therapists working in this area are orthopedic physical therapists that have completed extensive amounts of addition training in the specialty of women's health.

Your rehabilitation will begin with a thorough physical therapy evaluation designed to identify the muscles, soft tissue, joints and nerves contributing to your pain and dysfunction. The evaluation includes analysis of your posture, body mechanics and bowel and bladder habits. Once the evaluation is completed your physical therapist, in consultation with your physician, will develop a treatment program designed to help you meet your rehabilitation goals.

Incontinence

Incontinence (the involuntary loss of urine or stool) affects the lives of up to 30% of Americans. Common symptoms include

• Frequent urination
• Leaking with laughing, coughing, sneezing or lifting
• Strong urge that cannot be ignored
• Losing urine or stool when you feel a strong urge
• Urinating more than once during the night
• Pain with urination or defecation
• Constipation
• Limiting activity due to incontinence

Weak or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles, poor abdominal strength, and poor habits frequently contribute to incontinence. Physical therapy rehabilitation can improve or cure these problems, allowing patients to return to a more active lifestyle.

Pelvic Floor and Abdominal Pain Dysfunction

Abdominal or pelvic pain that limits function and sexual activity affects over 2.5 million women. Common symptoms include

• Unexplained abdominal or groin pain
• Pain with sexual activity
• Vulvar irritation
• Difficulty with urination or defecation
• Bladder pain

Musculoskeletal dysfunction is a common, and often undiagnosed, contributor to these complaints. Pelvic muscle tension, weakness or coordination problems, poor bowel and bladder habits, scar tissue restrictions and joint dysfunctions are common problems identified with physical therapy evaluation. Physical therapy rehabilitation can improve or cure these problems, allowing patients to return to a more active lifestyle.

Peri-natal Muculoskeletal Dysfunctions

Approximately 50% of women who are pregnant experience some type of musculoskeletal pain. During the post-partum period neck, back and genital pain is also common. Physical therapy's non-invasive techniques can help address these complaints and keep you more active and comfortable during the per-natal period. Common complaints addressed by physical therapy include:

• Neck and back pain
• Sciatica or leg pain
• Tailbone or groin pain
• Episiotomy, perineal tear or Caesarian scar pain