Physical Therapists have a unique place in
the rehabilitation needs of women.
We provide evaluation and treatment of the
following conditions:
- Childbearing years
- Pregnancy and post partum pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Stress, urge or overactive bladders
- Pelvic pain conditions
- Pelvic floor tension myalgias
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Musculoskeletal Lumbopelvic & hip
dysfunction
- Sacroiliac dysfunction
- Coccyx or tailbone pain
- Osteoporosis
Musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment for
incontinence, pelvic pain, Interstitial
Cystitis, osteoporosis and the special needs of
women during the childbearing years are included
in the Women's Health Program at Ability
Physical Therapy. We are members of the Women's
Health Section of the
American Physical
Therapy Association.
What is
Incontinence? There are several types of
incontinence, or uncontrolled loss of bladder or
bowel contents. Stress incontinence occurs when
the pressure inside the bladder exceeds that
inside the urethra (the tube carrying the urine
out of the body) and typically occurs with
walking, running, laughing or coughing. This can
be due to pelvic floor muscle weakness. Urge
incontinence is caused by bladder muscle
hypersensitivity, with a strong urge to void
followed by leakage. A careful muscle evaluation
can identify the dysfunction, and with proper
training bladder control and pelvic floor muscle
strength can improve.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a condition
where the inside lining of the bladder becomes
hyperirritable, painful, and in worst cases,
damaged. The cause is not well understood.
Physical Therapists with advanced training in
this area can help teach bladder control methods
and self care habits to improve symptoms.
Pelvic Pain Trauma
to the pelvic floor muscle group can result from
childbirth or accidental injury. Muscle and
joint problems in the surrounding areas, such as
the lumbar spine, hips and sacroiliac joints can
contribute to pain and weakness in the pelvic
floor. Our PT's can assess and treat the results
of these injuries, improving symptoms and
function.
Osteoporosis
is a weakening of bone caused by hormonal
changes as a woman enters menopause. Exercise
has been proven to help improve bone density,
and PT's 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.
Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in the Childbearing
Years During pregnancy and nursing a woman
undergoes significant postural stresses,
physical and hormonal changes that can cause or
contribute to musculoskeletal problems that are
treatable by Physical Therapists. Evaluating and
managing Low Back Pain and other common problems
as well as injury due to trauma will allow a
more active, healthy lifestyle and greater
postural stability and strength for the physical
challenges of childcare.
