Women's Health Physical Therapy - what is it?
Women's
Health Physical Therapy is a specialized field within the profession
that addresses orthopedic, neurological and other medical disorders
unique to women. These problems affect women of all ages and result
from a wide variety of causes such as trauma, aging, and childbirth.
A Women’s Health Physical Therapist has specialized training and experience in evaluating and treating these disorders. This specialty requires an advanced knowledge of female anatomy and physiology. A treatment plan must consider normal biological changes, as well as common disorders that occur throughout the female life span. Typical treatments include pelvic floor rehabilitation, core stabilization, and biofeedback training.
What problems do we treat?
The following is a summary of common diagnoses that we can address; however, this list is not exhaustive:
- Pregnancy related Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Pregnancy Recovery
- Pelvic Floor Weakness
- Pelvic Floor Trauma (related to childbirth, sports, or motor vehicle accidents)
- Post Partum related Musculoskeletal disorders
- Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Rib and Thoracic pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Girdle Pain
- Hip Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome related to Pregnancy
- C section scar pain/ adhesions
- Episiotomy scar pain/adhesions
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)
- Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI)
- Mixed Incontinence
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome
- Organ Prolapse
- Fecal Incontinence
- Constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Pelvic Pain
- Dyspareunia
- Vaginismus/anismus
- Vulvodynia
- Osteoporosis
- Post Mastectomy
The Pelvic Floor (PF) is a complex, dynamic series of muscles, ligaments and fascia which form a bowl shaped structure at the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles are important and perform many functions including:
- Constant postural muscle contraction to support your pelvic organs as you move
- Quick and strong contractions as needed to prevent accidental leaks of urine, gas or feces at inappropriate times
- Relaxing and stretching to fully urinate or defecate
- Adequate and pain free mobility during Intercourse
- Stretching during pregnancy and childbirth and retracting to normal position post-partum
What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
PF Dysfunction occurs when these functions stop working properly. These problems affect your everyday life and can lead to embarrassing accidents, chronic pain, and intimacy issues. There are several causes to include:
- Weakened, over-stretched PF muscles and ligaments from pregnancy, childbirth (especially multiple or prolonged pushing), chronic straining due to constipation, repetitive lifting/coughing or laughing. These pressures can result in a lack of muscular support to control urination or defecation and can also lead to Pelvic Organ Prolapse (falling of the bladder, uterus, or rectum).
- Damage to the nerves that supply the PF can result in supportive issues as well as sensory changes making it difficult to feel PF muscle contractions. Some patients may not “feel” leaks as they occur due to this sensory loss.
- Increased hypersensitivity of the nerves and muscles leading to muscle guarding, spasm, and tightness. This can restrict voiding or cause urinary dribbling, “on and off” urinary stream, and difficulty defecating. The spasms can trigger the urge sensation to go even if the bladder is not full. In addition, PF muscle spasms often interfere with intercourse making the act painful or impossible.
What to Expect and more information for Patients
Links to Informative Websites