Conditions
Conditions treatable with individualized physical therapy: (scroll down for more information on each)
- Urinary incontinence (uncontrolled leakage of urine)
- Pelvic and vaginal pain/tension, sexual dysfunction/pain, painful menstruation
- Post gynecologic an post abdominal surgery rehab, prolapses (falling out feeling)
- Pregnancy and postpartum
Women of all ages may experience urinary incontinence. Aging, pregnancy, childbirth, chronic constipation, coughing and repetitive lifting can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. If you experience urine leaking when you cough, lift, sneeze or exercise you may have the common type of leakage called stress incontinence. If you feel a sudden and strong need to urinate and sometimes do not make it to the bathroom in time, you may have urge incontinence. While incontinence is common, it is not normal and can be successfully treated regardless of your age. A suggested program may include:
- Patient education on bladder functions, pelvic floor muscles, and their role in incontinence
- Instruction on appropriate strengthening exercises for the weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Gentle electrical stimulation to help tighten the muscles and to help the bladder be less irritable
- Biofeedback training to help you learn to correctly tighten and relax the pelvic floor muscles
Pelvic/vaginal pain may be associated with wearing restrictive clothing, sitting long periods of time such as through a movie or meeting, intercourse or urination. It may include lower abdominal pain or numbness and tingling in the pelvic area, inner thigh or buttocks. Pelvic pain may be closely connected to problems in muscles, joints or nerves. Scars from surgery or childbirth may contribute to this painful condition. If you have been in pain for several weeks, you may be unconsciously holding parts of your body in a tense or rigid position to protect yourself from more pain. These tense positions may cause weak and painful muscles, strained joints and compressed nerves. A suggested program may include:
- Exercises designed specifically for you to stretch or relax tight muscles and to strengthen weak ones.
- Manual therapy techniques for tight or tense muscles
- Improvement of joint mobility and joint stabilization
- Electrical stimulation, TENS, heat, cold or ultrasound for pain relief
Abdominal surgery, such as hysterectomy, removal of ovarian cysts or hernia repair, may weaken the abdominal muscles. Hospital stays following surgery have shortened. After surgery, you may be afraid to move. Amanda can help you strengthen weakened muscles that make moving more difficult and lead to poor posture. She can provide instruction on movement techniques that lessen the pulling of stitches, offer education on scar tissue massage techniques, and design strengthening exercises for back, abdominal and pelvic muscles. Your treatment may also include deep breathing and coughing techniques to decrease the risk of infection in your lungs, and leg exercises to maintain good blood circulation and prevent stiffness.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
During pregnancy, women may suffer from pain or aching in the back or shoulder blades, rib cage, feet, groin area or wrists due to changes in posture, weight or hormonal factors. Not only are these women more susceptible to injury during pregnancy, but related orthopedic problems may persist or begin following pregnancy. Maternity supports, manual therapy, strengthening or retraining techniques are typical treatments. For women in a high risk pregnancy, bed rest is often necessary. Amanda can teach you how bed rest and exercise can safely co-exist. She can design an individual program of exercises and positioning as well as incorporate relaxation training into the patient's overall program.
For labor and delivery, Amanda can teach you various birthing positions that provide a more comfortable delivery. Episiotomy and C-section care is also thoroughly addressed.
The postpartum female is a manual laborer: lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching. You should concentrate on restoring your body as quickly as possible to the pre-pregnancy state. Post delivery rehabilitation may include body mechanic training to eliminate poor movement habits, and strengthening and endurance training that can make a big difference in your comfortable recovery. Amanda evaluates your postural problems, weakness and pain to individualize a program specifically for you.
Amanda's comprehensive approach follows evidence-based research studies and the guidelines recommended by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists.
Request any of Amanda's brochures by calling (605) 326-5161 ext. 3009 or by emailing Amanda.