What Is Women’s Health Physical Therapy?
Learn exactly how we treat pelvic floor dysfunction at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy
Are you experiencing abnormal pain in your pelvic area? Do you suffer from conditions like mixed incontinence or painful intercourse? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, it’s important to know that you are not alone!
Women’s health in physical therapy is a concept that is widely practiced but not as commonly understood. Deviating from invasive medical practices that could be unnecessary, physical therapists use effective strategies to treat women’s health problems in the area of pelvic floor dysfunction. Women’s health PT is a specialized area of physical therapy in that our therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy in IL are highly trained. If you’ve been suffering from issues like pelvic pain, it’s time to contact our specialists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy today!
What is pelvic floor dysfunction?
You may have heard of pelvic floor dysfunction before but aren’t quite sure what it means. Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly relax and coordinate your pelvic muscles, which can create symptoms like incontinence and pain during intercourse. If you’re experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, you may be faced with symptoms such as gastrointestinal (GI) issues, a frequent urge to pee, and abdominal pain.
Our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy go through extensive training to treat and evaluate conditions specific to women. These conditions include:
- Pelvic pain
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) (i.e., painful bladder syndrome)
- Pain during intercourse
- Mixed incontinence (i.e., stress and urge incontinence)
- Prolapses (i.e., rectocèle/rectum, cystocèle/bladder or uterus)
The ultimate goal of women’s health physical therapy is to diminish pain, restore proper functions, and boost self-confidence. As treatment continues, you will be able to return to all the activities you enjoy with a healthier, more positive outlook.
Who needs a women’s health therapist?
Any adult woman can suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. Some women may seek treatment during pregnancy, post-childbirth or post-menopausal. Others may be experiencing pain due to a recent accident, injury, or surgery. During an initial consultation with one of our physical therapists, you will learn more about your condition as well as how we can treat your symptoms and restore pelvic functions. To set up an appointment at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy, call us today!
How physical therapy can help
Physical therapy is a less invasive solution to pelvic floor dysfunction. Our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy are trained musculoskeletal specialists who know how to stretch, strengthen, and relax muscles in specialized ways that physicians may not. Your PT will guide you through specific techniques and exercises that will relieve your symptoms without the need for harsh prescription medications and their accompanying side effects.
What to expect during physical therapy
Initially, one of our skilled physical therapists will gather information about your medical history, current symptoms, and other lifestyle factors to determine a customized treatment plan that will work best for you. We understand that women’s health is a sensitive topic for many patients, which is why we highly value privacy. Appointments will primarily be held in private rooms, and we strongly suggest that patients communicate any requests for accommodations.
After a comprehensive assessment has taken place, your therapist will begin working through exercises and techniques to improve symptoms and functions in the affected areas.
Some treatment methods we may use include:
- Diaphragmatic breathing, which helps to relax abdominal and pelvic muscle tension that could be contributing to pain or symptoms.
- Massage, which includes therapeutic massage, prenatal and postnatal massage, trigger point, neuromuscular, and myofascial release
- Pelvic floor muscle training, or exercises that help strengthen the muscles under the uterus, bladder, and large intestine
- Biofeedback is the use of electrical sensors that provide information about the body and help to relax muscles and reduce pain.
- Electric stimulation, or treatment involving electrical stimulation to treat muscle spasms and pain.
Request an appointment at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy today
We know that pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly affect your daily life, which is why we have a highly educated and talented team to treat women’s health issues. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with any pelvic floor conditions, treatment at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy may be the answer! Our rehabilitation programs focus on improving strength, flexibility, and motor control of the pelvic floor muscles. We are dedicated to helping more women thrive in their recovery each day.
Don’t wait to start feeling like yourself again! Contact our office and start your road to recovery today.