Offering Help in these Areas

INCONTINENCE Women of all ages may experience incontinence, or an

involuntary loss of urine. Aging, childbirth, pregnancy, chronic constipation, chronic coughing or high impact athletics can lead

to weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. Weakness of the pelvic floor is a key factor in many cases of incontinence. If you leak urine

when laughing, coughing, lifting or sneezing, your condition may be alleviated through a few sessions of physical therapy.

DYSPAREUNIA Characterized by pain with sexual intercourse, dyspareunia may

be secondary to vaginismus, pelvic floor hypertonus, vestibulitis, or vulvadynia. Symptoms can improve significantly or even resolve completely through physical therapy intervention. Interventions may include manual techniques (myofascial release and perineal massage), biofeedback, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and exercise.

PROLAPSE Patients with pelvic floor laxity may present with cystocele, rectocele,

enterocele or uterine prolapsed. 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.

PROREHAB IS PROUD TO OFFER A PHYSICAL THERAPY APPROACH TO WOMEN’S HEALTH AT THESE LOCATIONS:

O’FALLON 951 Waterbury Falls Dr. O’Fallon, MO 63368 Ph: 636-336-0300 Kristi Johnson, PT, CKTP

CHESTERFIELD 14825 N. Outer 40 Rd., #300 Chesterfield, MO 63017 Ph: 636-812-1211 Megan O’Mahony, MPT

SOUTH COUNTY 107 Concord Plaza St. Louis, MO 63128 Ph: 314-842-2990 Emily Wilson, DPT

Womens Health through Physical Therapy

MUSKULOSKELETAL PAIN IN PREGNANCY AND POST PARTUM Physical Therapists with training in Women’s Health are uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat clients with back pain, joint dysfunction, 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.

CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN Chronic pelvic pain is a common complaint for many women. This pain might prevent sitting through an entire movie,

cause difficulty going to the bathroom, or pain during sexual intercourse. Sufferers of chronic pelvic pain may be unable to

use tampons or tolerate an internal gynecological exam.

Chronic pelvic pain may be associated with numbness and tingling in the groin area, low back pain, hip pain, or a feeling of “sliding” in the

low back region. This pain may be caused by scarring from childbirth or surgery, weakness or tightness in muscles, or joint and ligamentous

instability.

Chronic pelvic pain is not a normal side effect of having children, and does not have to be a condition that you must accept. Physical therapy can help relieve some of the pain associated with this condition.

Is Therapy Right for Me?�Pelvic pain and incontinence are likely due to muscle imbalances,

weakness and joint management. Physical therapists have extensive training in these areas and are well qualified to assess and treat

these problems. Please contact your health care provider for a referral to one of our Women’s Health Therapists.

WHY PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH? ��Women��of��all��ages��are��benefiting��from��specialized��Physical��Therapy��services��for��a��variety��of��problems.

A Women’s Health Physical Therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the pelvic girdle including:

• Strength evaluation of the low back, abdominals, hips and pelvic floor muscles

• Postural assessment of the back and hips

• Assessment of the presence and location of related trigger points, if applicable

• Muscle flexibility evaluation

• Assessment of personal bladder habits, if applicable

• A physical therapy plan of care will be established and discussed in detail based on the objective findings from the initial evaluation