You already know that physical therapy can be a life saver when you’ve recently undergone surgery or after an injury. However, these aren’t the only times when you can benefit from seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapists can provide relief for women who suffer from common women’s health disorders. Here are some of the common conditions women face with which physical therapy can help, as well as what new clients can expect.
Incontinence
Incontinence happens when you lose control of your bladder, often at the worst times. A sneeze, a laugh, or an unexpected visitor can be enough stimulation to lose control. Instead of using an uncomfortable pad to manage incontinence, you can go to physical therapy to help regain the strength and control you need to overcome incontinence.
In physical therapy, your physical therapist will give you specific exercises that you can practice anywhere to improve control. Some of these exercises can be used long after you finish physical therapy, to help maintain muscle control. For many cases of incontinence, physical therapy might be enough on its own to provide some much needed relief.
Pelvic Pain
There are many different causes of pelvic pain, such as endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and scarring. Many women see a physical therapist to help treat the pelvic pain associated with a variety of conditions that negatively impact women’s health.
While not every pelvic pain issue can be resolved by going to a physical therapist, many cases of pelvic pain can be lessened through physical therapy appointments. Discuss this option with your doctor or a qualified physical therapist to see if you’re a candidate for this type of therapy and what kind of pain relief you can realistically expect.
Postpartum Support
If you’ve given birth before, you know that your body doesn’t always go back to functioning the way it did. Perhaps you’ve lost some muscle tone, you now experience incontinence, or you feel that your posture has been negatively impacted by giving birth. The great news is that physical therapy can help remedy many common postpartum issues that women face.
First, physical therapists can provide you with basic educational information and materials on what you can do to improve pelvic floor strength, reduce incontinence, and improve your posture. These are often things that you can work on at home and not just in the physical therapist’s office. Second, your physical therapist may use other treatment methods, such as applying heat or improving alignment, to give you additional relief.
What to Expect
When you attend your first physical therapy appointment for a women’s health disorder, you can expect a thorough consultation and assessment of your current condition. Your physical therapist will want to know what kind of symptoms you’re experiencing and how long they’ve gone on. Depending on your specific needs, your physical therapist may communicate with your doctor to ensure that the treatment works holistically with your other treatment plans.
Physical therapy is a great option for treating women’s disorders. It is a relatively painless and cost-effective treatment option that doesn’t involve medication or surgery. Call Manhattan Physical Therapy today at (212) 213-3480 to make an appointment.