WOMEN'S HEALTH SERVICES

Physical Therapy for a Woman’s Lifetime

Conditions Treated:

Incontinence

Incontinence is defined as the loss of bladder or bowel control. Our Physical Therapists are specially trained to treat stress, urge, or frequency incontinence with the use of pelvic floor exercise, biofeedback, electrical stimulation and patient education/behavioral therapy.

 

Organ Prolapse

Women with cystocele, rectocele, urethrocele, or uterine prolapse can benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor, either to avoid surgery or to maximize and maintain surgical results. Pelvic floor weakness is almost always present in these conditions, resulting in loss of muscular support for the bladder, uterus or rectum. Did you know that pelvic floor muscles respond to exercise 10 times faster than other skeletal muscle? Our therapists are trained to assess pelvic floor weakness and prescribe individualized exercise. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback may also be used.

 

Pelvic Floor Tension/Pain

A recent study estimated that 40 percent of ALL women suffer from painful intercourse, yet rarely is the source of their pain thoroughly assessed, much less treated. Pelvic floor tension or pain can be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint problems, and the patient may have difficulty sitting, pain during intercourse, or pain in the hips or lower abdomen. A thorough examination and evaluation by a trained, licensed physical therapist to identify the source of pain is the key.

Rehabilitation may include manual therapy for joint realignment or myofascial/trigger point release, modalities such as ultrasound, pelvic floor relaxation training, and biofeedback.

 

SI Joint/Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction

Low back, hip, and SI joint pain are common complaints in women of all ages. Chronic pain that is not associated with a recent injury is most often a biomechanical problem that requires careful assessment to treat successfully. Traditional back exercises often are not effective for these women, or give only temporary results.

Our skilled therapists will carefully assess each patient individually for musculoskeletal dysfunction in the lumbar spine, lumbosacral joint, the SI joint, and the pubic joint. Treatment may include manual therapy/joint mobilization, myofascial/trigger point release, and a carefully prescribed exercise program to correct muscle imbalances through stretching and strengthening the appropriate muscles.

 

Painful Menstruation

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is often associated with bloating or pain during intercourse, and can be relieved with specific postural and therapeutic exercises. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and biofeedback can also be helpful in reducing pain.

 

 

Pregnancy

Pregnant women often complain of pain in the back, shoulder blades, rib cage, groin area, or wrists due to changes in posture, weight, and hormonal factors. These problems are often severe enough to affect function and quality of life, or may persist after pregnancy.

Our therapists can help by providing maternity supports, manual therapy, gentle exercise, and education about posture, sleep positions, body mechanics, activity modification, adaptive equipment, and workplace ergonomics.

High risk obstetrical patients may be placed on bed rest. Our therapists can help by designing individualized exercise programs and positioning to reduce pain and deconditioning. A post-delivery rehab program for strengthening and endurance training is included.

 

Osteoporosis/Osteopenia

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become thin and brittle, increasing the chances of fractures. Osteopenia is loss of bone density and is a precursor to osteoporosis. Our therapy program includes instruction in proper body mechanics to reduce the chance of spinal fractures, progressive exercise with light weights, and treatment with pain-reducing modalities such as moist heat and electrical stimulation when needed.

 

Fibromyalgia

Women who complain of persistent and widespread musculoskeletal pain along with specific tender points may be suffering from fibromyalgia. Other symptoms may include generalized stiffness, fatigue, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating. Our treatment focuses on modalities such as moist heat, ultrasound, and massage to reduce pain, as well as an individualized exercise program including stretches, strengthening exercises to reduce postural pain and dysfunction, and a progressive endurance and conditioning program.

Healthcare Provider’s Referral to Denton Sports & Physical Therapy

Diagnosis (ICD-9)

625.0    Dyspareunia

617.0    Endometriosis

733.0    Osteoporosis

733.90  Osteopenia

Incontinence

788.2     Retention of Urine

788.31   Urge Incontinence

625.6     Stress Incontinence

788.33   Mixed Incontinence

788.41   Urinary Frequency

788.43   Nocturia

Musculoskeletal

724.2     Low Back Pain

724.6     S/I Dysfunction

724.7     Disorders of the Coccyx

728.8     Other Disorders of Muscles Ligaments, and Fascia

729.1      Myalgia/Myostis unspecified (fibromyalgia)

Organ Prolapse

 618.0     Cystocele/Rectocele

 618.1     Uterine Prolapse

 618.5     Vaginal Vault Prolapse after Hysterectomy

 618.8     Relaxation of Vaginal Outlet — Pelvic Floor Relaxation Syndrome

Our Commitment

To improve the quality of life of women and to educate healthcare providers about the many treatments available through physical therapy.

 

Our Therapists

Our women’s health therapist is a female licensed physical therapist who have received specialized continuing education in the areas of prenatal and postnatal exercise, pelvic girdle dysfunction, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She is committed to addressing the special needs of women and promoting the role of physical therapy in women’s health across the lifespan.

You may contact our therapist for further information or questions by calling us at  940-566-5714.