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Women’s Health Issues
Prairie Rehabilitation Services (PRS) has physical therapists trained to treat women with pelvic floor muscle pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, and with musculoskeletal pain related to pregnancy. Physical therapy can also help women following obstetric surgery.
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles running from the pubic bone to the tailbone. They function to support our internal organs, such as the uterus and bladder, aid in bowel and bladder control, and contribute to sexual appreciation.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Pain
Pain may occur if the pelvic floor muscles are in spasm from being held
in a tightened position for too long. Causes of pelvic pain may include
a history of pelvic or abdominal surgery or disease, emotional stress,
postural problems, or physical trauma. Pelvic pain may interfere with
even simple activities, such as sitting or lying down. Many treatment
options are available to decrease muscle tension and restore normal functioning.
These include biofeedback and relaxation training, correction of muscle
imbalances through stretching and strengthening, and modalities such as
ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
The pelvic floor muscles can be weakened due a variety of anatomical and
physiological changes. These changes can be related to pregnancy, vaginal
and caesarean section deliveries, obesity, estrogen depletion due to menopause,
or nerve damage. Weakening of the pelvic floor musculature may contribute
to incontinence. During your initial visit, a physical therapist will
conduct a variety of tests to assess the strength, coordination, and integrity
of the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Based on these findings, a
personalized program is established and you will be educated on bladder
and/or bowel function and how to strengthen your pelvic floor musculature.
Pregnancy-Related Muscluloskeletal Pain
Women who are pregnant or who have just given birth experience a special
set of problems that the physical therapists at PRS are trained to identify
and treat. We understand that the mother needs as much TLC as her baby
due to the dramatic physiologic and anatomic changes that occur with,
and immediately following, pregnancy. During pregnancy, some of the most
seemingly simple activities strain the musculoskeletal system and cause
pain. We can help identify 1) what changes in your body are contributing
to the problem 2) how certain activities can be altered to make it safer
for you 3) what birthing positions would be best for you 4) what exercises
would be beneficial and safe for you to do during and after pregnancy.
To make an appointment with one of our women’s health therapists, or to receive additional information, please call (605) 334-5630 or 1-888-372-2629. Our therapists are also available for brief presentations to interested groups.
Helpful Women's Links
- National Association for Continence (formally HIP)
- Endometriosis Association, Inc.
- Interstitial Cystitis Association
- National Vulvodynia Association (NVA)