By Jovie Murtha, Physical Therapist, Women’s Health, Accelerated Rehabilitation
As women, we do it all and leave little time to take care of our own discomfort. But consider how important it is to take care of yourself: If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you really be at your best to help others? Every woman should be aware of the concerns that can be treated by a physical therapist that is specially trained in women’s issues. Do any of these statements sound familiar?
- Every time I cough, sneeze, or laugh, I leak.
- I have struggled with interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and IBS all my life. I can’t find relief.
- I am always going to the bathroom. I know where every store bathroom is located.
- As soon as I get home from work or shopping, I rush to the bathroom and I leak as I run.
- I have always been constipated, even as a child. I strain to have a bowel movement.
- My bladder has fallen and it can’t get up.
- I’m pregnant. My back hurts, my lower abdomen hurts, my head hurts, and I can’t sleep.
- I used to enjoy intercourse and now pain makes me avoid it. Help.
Physical therapists who are trained in women’s issues can possibly fix your leaky plumbing and pelvic pain. They acquire additional training and certification in the treatment of problems such as bowel or bladder incontinence (leaking), pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, constipation, pelvic pain, issues related to pregnancy, tailbone pain, interstitial cysts, painful intercourse, endometriosis, nerve pain, sacroiliac dysfunction, and scar tissue issues.
It is actually never normal to leak urine, not even a few drops. Yet more than a quarter of women suffer through incontinence. Also, pain in the perineal area is not normal and approximately 1 out of 7 women keep dealing with pelvic pain.
Does this sound like old people problems? They are not. Even teenagers can suffer these symptoms, not only the elderly. They both can find help through therapy. The success stories of women achieving relief through therapy are startling. One woman dealt with incontinence for 30 years before being helped with therapy. Another woman was avoiding intercourse until therapy finally prevented it from being painful.
The pelvic floor needs to function correctly. It should be able to contract to keep things in — like your pelvic organs, urine, and stool. It should be able to fully relax to allow for easy passage of stool and urine, as well as pain-free intercourse. A weak or under-active pelvic floor can result in prolapse, back pain, bad balance, and incontinence.
The pelvic floor is under a great amount of strain when you hold your breath, bear down during a bowel movement, run, jump, lift something heavy, and throughout pregnancy. Conditions like interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome also greatly affect and stress the pelvic floor.
How does therapy possibly help with these issues? Think of your pelvis as a bowl. The bottom of the bowl is a sling-like group of muscles called the pelvic floor. These muscles support and lift the bladder, uterus, and rectum. The openings to the urethra, bowel, and bladder pass through these muscles. Kegel exercises, when done correctly, will improve this area. A physical therapist can provide a thorough evaluation, then prepare and guide you through a plan that will greatly improve your activity level. Women have a lot to accomplish; nothing should get in the way.
Physical therapy for women’s health issues is available at Accelerated Rehabilitation. Physical Therapist Jovie Murtha is relentless in her mission to help women conquer pain and discomfort so they can be more active. More information can be found at acceleratedrehab.com or call 309-683-6900.