READ OUR COVID-19 UPDATES

X

Women’s Health

Did You Know Total Body Physical Therapy Offered Women’s Health Services?

Like other areas of medical practice related to women’s health, the specialty practice of Women’s Health Physical Therapy has emerged and developed in recent years. The scope of practice in Women’s Health Physical Therapy encompasses the evaluation, treatment, and education of women throughout the life span with dysfunction in urology, obstetrics, gynecology, gastroenterology, bone health, post-breast cancer surgical rehabilitation, eating disorders, menopausal symptoms, sexual health, sports medicine issues unique to women, low back and pelvic girdle pain.

Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

Pelvic floor muscle tightness can manifest into chronic pelvic pain and/or urinary and fecal urge incontinence for women.

If you are a woman suffering from occasional or chronic pelvic pain, physical therapy can help. Pelvic pain can occur for a vast number of reasons, and specialized physical therapy known as “pelvic floor rehabilitation” can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing.

Pelvic floor muscle weakness and lack of support can result in stress urinary incontinence and/or organ prolapse. Pelvic floor supportive dysfunctions can be caused by pregnancy and childbirth, episiotomy, uro-gynecological and colorectal surgeries, trauma, post-menopausal hormonal imbalance, lack of exercise and disuse. Statistically, it has been shown that 48% women live with stress urinary incontinence. The literature supports the ability of therapists to effectively rehabilitate these patients and is considered the first line of defense, in accordance with Urology guidelines.

Gastrointestinal and Bowel Conditions

Common gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal discomfort, cramping and altered bowel movements– constipation and/or diarrhea. Bloating or distention of the abdomen is also common.

The conditions we treat include:

  • Abdominal and Rectal Pain
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty Evacuating
  • Painful Bowel Movements
  • Fecal Incontinence
  •  Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Breast cancer

Breast cancer patients are typically only referred to physical therapy if they develop significant shoulder pain and motion loss or lymphedema during breast cancer treatment. But there is so much more that our skilled Sarasota Physical Therapy team can offer!

During post-operative follow-up, our skilled physical therapists can assess for early stage lymphedema, motion loss, functional loss and pain. Our skilled therapists can work manually on restricted tissues to assist throughout the breast reconstruction process, restoring tissue mobility and function. Due to the harsh effects of oncology treatment, active women can benefit from specialized physical therapy with an individualized fitness program including muscle stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular endurance and modalities to decrease pain. Survivors of breast cancer and other female reproductive cancers can develop vaginal and pelvic issues that can be significantly decreased with PT treatment.

What common issues may arise for Breast Cancer and Post Mastectomy?

  • Decreased shoulder range of motion & strength.
  • Pain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Poor Posture.
  • Peripheral neuropathy.
  • Increased risk for Osteoporosis & Lymphedema.

Physical Therapy can include:

  • Manual therapy to heal scar tissue and improve range of motion.
  • Restoring sensation and relieving nerve pain.
  • Shoulder exercises to help prevent secondary Lymphedema and restore full function.
  • Conditioning exercises to restore strength and combat fatigue.

Pregnancy & Postpartum

Prenatal and postpartum are times in a woman’s life that bring about many feelings, including anticipation, joy, nervousness, and sometimes discomfort. The times are hallmarked by fluctuating hormone levels that may cause excessive joint mobility, pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction. A number of changes may occur to your body during and after pregnancy. It can take several weeks or months to get back to the condition you were in before you became pregnant. The Physical Therapists at Body In Balance are experts in guiding your way!

What are common Prenatal and Post-Partum conditions Physical Therapy can help?

  • Back and pelvic pain
  • Diastasis Recti
  • Rib Cage pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Physical Therapy can include:

  • Prenatal and postpartum exercise prescription.
  • Posture and body mechanics screening and instruction.
  • Manual therapy techniques to correct musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Mobility of the spine can be affected in both the prenatal and the postpartum periods as the spine adjusts to the changing posture and weight gain as the fetus grows. These patients respond well to skilled manual therapy techniques to restore postural alignment and stability, promoting function throughout pregnancy.

The therapists at Total Body Physical Therapy are experts in treating prenatal and the postpartum conditions!

Through our targeted programs, we can help reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. Contact Total Body Physical Therapy today to schedule your consultation!

Will your Women’s Health services treat my condition?

Typical patients who would be strong candidates for our pelvic floor rehabilitation treatments include:

  • Pregnant women.
  • Postpartum women.
  • Postmenopausal women.
  • Women with pelvic organ prolapse.
  • Women dealing with urinary or fecal incontinence.
  • Women with chronic constipation and incomplete defecation.
  • Women dealing with pain during intercourse.
  • Women dealing with chronic pelvic pain.
  • And more!

Treatment Specialties

  • Prenatal, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Conditions
  • Urge/Urinary Incontinence
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain
  • Gastrointestinal Immotility
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Supportive Dysfunction/Prolapse
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Vulvodynia
  • Dyspareunia
  • Pudendal Neuralgia
  • Pubic Symphysis/Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pelvic Floor Myalgia Dysfunction
  • Coccydynia
  • Breast/Urogenital Cancer Treatments
  • Restoring a Pain-Free, Healthy Sex Life

What does a Women’s Health treatment plan look like?

According to ChoosePT,

“Women’s health physical therapists have specialized education and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of both acute and chronic conditions that specifically affect women.”

At your initial appointment, you will undergo a thorough physical evaluation and review of medical history. This will help your physical therapist determine the best course of treatment for your needs. At Total Body Physical Therapy, our services include:

  • Education (patient handouts and thorough information concerning your condition to take home).
  • Bladder training (surrounding your bladder schedule).
  • Neuro retraining (incorporating pelvic floor muscle activation during simulated daily activities).
  • Biofeedback.
  • Pelvic floor muscle retraining.
  • And more, as needed.

How can I get started?

Women’s health is important, and we want you to be able to live your life comfortably. If you are suffering from any of the conditions above, don’t wait any longer to contact our Sarasota physical therapy office!

We’ll help correct your Women’s Health-related issues so that you can get back to living your life to its’ fullest!