Physical Therapy
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| Women’s Health
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Women’s Health and Pelvic Floor
Program
OPTIMIZING WOMEN’S HEALTH THROUGH
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Women of all ages are benefiting from
specialized physical therapy services for a variety of problems
including incontinence, prolapse, dyspareunia (painful intercourse),
osteoporosis, and pregnancy related musculoskeletal disorders.
Physical therapists who have undergone significant additional
specialized training to address women’s health issues are able to
provide their clients with a ride range of treatment options.
Dyspareunia
Pain with intercourse whether
secondary to vaginismus, pelvic floor hypertonus, vestibulitis, or
vulvadynia, can improve significantly or even resolve through
physical therapy. Interventions may include manual techniques (myofascial
release and perineal massage), biofeedback, electrical stimulation,
ultrasound, and exercise.
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence responds well to
strengthening of the pelvic floor musculature. Physical therapy
enables women to exercise their muscles more effectively through
education and use of equipment such as biofeedback or pressure
perineometers. As strength improves some women benefit from the use
of vaginal weights. Electrical stimulation is an option for those
unable to contract the pelvic floor without assistance. Timed
voiding is helpful for women with urgency and frequency problems.
Prolapse
Patients with pelvic floor laxity may
present with cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, or uterine prolapse.
Strengthening of the abdominal and pelvic floor musculature, and
education regarding proper body mechanics and lifting techniques can
help alleviate the pressure and discomfort associated with prolapse.
Osteoporosis
Education in body mechanics, postural
instruction, and balance/safety training can help to minimize the
incidence of fractures associated with osteoporosis. Pain relief
after fracture is another benefit of physical therapy. Instruction
in weight bearing and resistive exercise can help to maintain and
even improve bone density.
Musculoskeletal Pain in Pregnancy
and Post Partum
Physical therapists with training in
women’s health are uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat patients
with back pain, joint dysfunctions, and nerve compression syndromes
associated with pregnancy. Treatment may include local heat/cold
modalities, massage, exercise, and instruction in body mechanics and
posture/positional advice specific to pregnancy.
