Women’s Health Service
Incontinence – If you have “accidents,” experience an uncontrollable loss of urine while
coughing or laughing, need to go to the bathroom frequently, or wear pads “just in case,” you
have urinary incontinence. This happens to many women after giving birth. The pelvic floor
muscles become weak because of being overstretched or torn and begin to drop. Over time, and
with hormonal changes, this causes the internal organs such as the bladder and uterus to fall.
The good news! It can be treated. After ruling out other potential causes, physical therapy offers a very
successful, non-surgical approach. We will perform a complete evaluation which includes a history, completion
of a urinary diary, assess scar tissue formation, examine the strength of your pelvic floor musculature, assess your
posture, body mechanics and abdominal strength.
Treatment options include education, biofeedback, toning and stretching exercises and myofascial massage techniques.
Many women have difficulty in finding the pelvic floor muscles because they lack awareness that these muscles exist, they
haven’t used these muscles in a long time, they have limited sensation due to scar tissue formation and because they are
embarrassed or modest. It is of the utmost importance that the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor and abdominal
muscles are taught to you. This will help you understand and follow through with your exercise program.
Biofeedback is used in the evaluation and treatment to help “locate” the pelvic floor muscles. It can measure even the smallest
changes to help relax or strengthen those muscles.
An individually designed program is instructed and tailored to your needs. You will be taught how to coordinate the use of the
abdominal muscles without causing strain to the pelvic floor.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pregnancy
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