Women’s Health
Women’s health issues are often overlooked in the realm of physical therapy, as they are not seen to be as severe or life-threatening as other diseases. At Professional Therapy Solutions, we want to change that by proving how important it is for women to receive proper care. The idea that nothing can be done for women because the problems seem minor is outdated and a disservice to everyone. As a result, Jennifer Vaughn, DPT, a women’s health specialist, focuses on improving women’s health through a variety of treatments and services.
Women’s Health Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy
Some of the most common issues that women face are pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. These are all issues that may cause extreme discomfort to those suffering from them. Pelvic floor physical therapy is a highly specialized, conservative treatment option for many common conditions, including prenatal and postpartum pain, tailbone pain, painful intercourse, as well as the following:
Often caused by childbirth, pelvic floor dysfunction is characterized by weak or weakening of the muscles in the pelvic floor. This often leads to bladder problems, bowel problems, or pain in the vaginal area.
A problem that causes someone to experience leaking urine when they sneeze or cough. This can be very embarrassing and uncomfortable for women who have this issue.
When one of the organs within your pelvis begins to fall out of place because it has been weakened over time. If you have this issue, it is important to seek treatment right away, as it can make you feel very uncomfortable.
This joint is next to the base of the spine, connecting it to the pelvis. Problems in this area can cause low back, butt, or leg pain, similar to sciatica. This condition is often confused with a herniated disc, so it is important to know the symptoms and consult with a licensed physician for an accurate diagnosis.
A chronic issue involving bladder health, this condition is characterized by feelings of pain and pressure in the bladder or pelvic region. The bladder’s walls inflame, causing it to be irritated and very sensitive. Treatment of this issue can involve a combination of physical therapy, diet changes, and surgical procedures.
Persistent pain or pressure between the navel and hips lasting for more than six months is considered chronic. This complication can be tied to many other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or even mental health disorders like PTSD.
Pelvic floor muscles are the lower abdomen muscles that facilitate smooth bowel movements. When these muscles can no longer effectively work with the muscles around them to help you defecate, it leads to long-lasting constipation and discomfort.
Women’s Health Treatment Options
Our specially trained physical therapist can evaluate you and create an individualized treatment plan to address your limitations and achieve your goals for physical therapy regarding your women’s health issue. Treatment may include the following:
- Soft tissue massage
- Myofascial release
- Dry needling
- Instruction in vaginal dilators
- Desensitization
- Scar tissue mobilization
- Postural correlation
- Therapeutic exercise
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Cold/heat therapy
- Bowel/bladder retraining
- Fitting for supportive belts/braces
- Home exercise prescription and progressions
Women’s health issues are a significant area of medicine that deserve attention and advanced treatments. If you believe you could benefit from pelvic floor therapy and other physical therapy services tailored to women’s health, call the experts of Professional Therapy Solutions at (601) 898-1828 or request and appointment online today.
