Women's Health ~ Your pelvis and you!!

Women’s health is forever changing and that is especially true as we look back over the last couple of decades, as many of the services that are available to women today were not available during our parents and grandparents era. Additionally, pelvic floor issues and pain for a great many years went largely under diagnosed and often overlooked by health care professionals. Thankfully today, women’s healthcare has changed dramatically, with physical therapists playing an important key role in women’s health!

Many women and at various life stages, experience pelvic floor dysfunction and/or pain but let’s take a closer look at some of the symptoms. Unexplained pain in the pelvic region originating below the belly button and/or above the legs. Urinary urgency, hesitancy, frequency or incomplete emptying of the bladder. Constipation or bowl straining, lower back pain, muscle spasms in the pelvis, pain and/or pressure in the pelvic region or rectum. Beginning to sound familiar?

So whether you are trying to get fit before or after childbirth, experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence or simply wanting to get in better shape, there are now physical therapists who not only specialize in women’s health but also in pelvic floor dysfunction and pain.

Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floor issues work to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. Yes ladies, we have muscles within the pelvic floor that are entirely separate from our abdomen?! Who knew such muscles even existed and could be weakened by childbirth, heavy lifting, surgery, constipation and menopause alike!

The pelvic floor muscles work together to support the bladder, colon and uterus, forming a “hammock” type bracing system. If these muscles begin to weaken for any reason, bladder and bowel control can become affected, resulting in leakage or collapse. Physical therapists, specializing in the pelvic floor will take a full medical history and perform a thorough examination in order to develop a treatment plan to suit your individual needs.

Treatment can vary greatly depending on symptoms but research suggests that pelvic floor physical therapy provides improvement for more than 75% of those with pelvic floor dysfunction! Treatments can include biofeedback, medications, relaxation techniques, myofascial release and exercises just to name a few.

Although pelvic physical therapy may sound a bit strange at first, which dissipates quickly after experiencing the results first hand. Time is of the essence, so women wait no longer…..it’s time to experience the long, overdue and much wanted relief you have been hoping for.

Contact us today to learn more. We are women, helping women with a passion for customized care!!!