At Providence Rehabilitation Services, highly skilled physical therapists use advanced treatments to help women with urinary and gynecological conditions. Many women find relief through physical therapy. All services are offered in a confidential, compassionate manner at convenient locations throughout the community.
Incontinence
Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) is very common in women. In fact, one out of every four women sometimes has trouble with bladder control.
With physical therapy, nearly 70 percent of women are able to improve their bladder control. Physical therapy may be the only form of treatment, or it may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Physical therapy uses exercises to increase the strength and endurance of certain muscles. These pelvic floor muscle exercises, better known as Kegels, effectively improve bladder control.
Biofeedback is another part of the physical therapy program. This tool measures the tiny electrical signals that muscles produce when they contract. During a biofeedback session, muscle contractions are displayed on a computer screen. By watching the computer screen, a woman can see when she is contracting the right muscles. Biofeedback also measures muscle strength, showing the woman how much progress she has made.
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is a serious problem for many women, particularly those of childbearing age. It may be caused by childbirth, poor posture, surgery, infections and other conditions. Common problems include:
Painful sexual intercourse
Pain in the low back, tailbone, rectum, vagina, abdomen or hips
Heaviness in the pelvic area (feeling that your insides are about to fall out)
Physical therapy can relieve many forms of pelvic pain. Special exercises can be done to relax tight muscles and to strengthen weak ones.
Other conditions
Physical therapy experts can bring relief for a variety of pelvic conditions, including incontinence in men and problems related to pregnancy and childbirth. Treatments may include education, exercises, a home program, training in body mechanics, and environmental changes.
Don’t be embarrassed
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these conditions, please contact us. There is no need to suffer in silence. We can help.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call the Providence Continence Center at 503-216-6225 or locate a Providence physical therapy clinic near you.
