Pelvic Health

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Allie Steinhoff | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Allie Steinhoff

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Elizabeth Annas | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Elizabeth Annas

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Amanda Cranston  | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Amanda Cranston

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Bekah Campbell | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Bekah Campbell

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Kristen Murphy | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Kristen Murphy

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Logan Bowling | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Logan Bowling

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Rebecca Duncan | Cornerstone Physical Therapy

Rebecca Duncan

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General Pelvic Support

It is our mission at Cornerstone Physical Therapy to improve awareness and availability of resources for pelvic conditions in our community. We know that most people have had little experience with physical therapy and many people are not aware that physical therapy is a conservative and successful treatment for many pelvic conditions. Pelvic physical therapy has been an area of specialization for more than 30 years and has been the topic of numerous research studies, which have demonstrated its effectiveness for a wide variety of conditions in both men and women. There are few contraindications for physical therapy treatment and virtually no side effects.

Treatable Conditions:

  • Post-Hysterectomy/Post-Surgical Pain
  • Stress, Urge and Mixed Urinary Incontinence
  • Urinary Urgency
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Coccyx Pain
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse Management
  • Dysapareunia (pain with intercourse)
  • Vulvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulodynia Syndrome
  • Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
  • Post-Partum Pain
  • Pregnancy-related Pain: hip, back, pelvic, etc.
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Genital Pain in Males and Females
  • Post-Prostate Surgery Pain/Incontinence

What You May Expect During Your Physical Therapy Session:

A pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation is very different from the evaluation you receive from your doctor. Physical therapists are experts in assessing muscular tone, strength, flexibility, and endurance, as well as the general health of the musculoskeletal system. Our evaluation of your pelvic floor is very detailed and comprehensive, and the exam often includes an assessment of your back, hips, and any other region of your body that may be involved.

Why Choose Cornerstone Physical Therapy:

  • Skilled services in a safe, comfortable and private environment
  • Excellent communication with your health care providers
  • Sound and knowledgeable advice and education about your condition
  • A comprehensive assessment and an individualized rehabilitation program

Some Pelvic Health Facts And Resources

Urinary Incontinence (UI), Urgency and Frequency

  • Affects over 200 million people worldwide, with 1 in 4 adult women experiencing UI of varying degrees.
  • Approximately 20% of men will experience urinary urgency and frequency during their lifetime
  • UI is often associated with aging, but it is NOT a normal/natural consequence of aging
  • According to the International Continence Society, pelvic physical therapy should be the first treatment option for urinary incontinence.
  • Pelvic physical therapy has been shown to produce an improvement in symptoms in over 85% of cases.
Sources:
  1. M.R. Knorst et al. 2013;17(5):442-449. doi: 10.1590/S1413-35552012005000117
  2. A.P. Kruger et al. 2011;15(5):351-356. Rev Bras Fisioter.

Pelvic Pain

 
  • Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) is frequently an unrecognized and untreated component of chronic pelvic pain.
  • As high as 85% of women with chronic pelvic pain have musculoskeletal dysfunction and postural changes that contribute to their pain.
  • Myofascial pelvic pain can be effectively treated with a variety of phyiscal therapy techniques.
Source:
  1. E.A Pastore and W.B. Katzman. 2012;41(5):680-691. doi.10.1111/j.1552-6909.2012.01404.x

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

  • It is estimated that up to 50% of women will experience differing degrees of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
  • Women with POP have reduced strength in their pelvic floor muscles
  • Guided pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to significantly improve prolapse symptoms with no adverse side effects
Source:
  1. I.H. Braekken, PhD, PT, et al. 2010;203:170e1-7. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2010.02.037

What are Kegels?

  • A Kegel is a contraction of your pelvic floor muscles and is more accurately called a “pelvic muscle contraction” or a “pelvic muscle exercise”.
  • Over 50% of women do not perform the Kegel exercises correctly and up to 25% of women perform them in a way that PROMOTES incontinence.
  • When performed properly, Kegel exercises will help you stay active and in control of your bladder and bowel. They will improve your pelvic support, which is especially important with prolapse, after gynecological surgery and childbearing.

Constipation/Dyssynergic Defecation

  • Dyssynergic defecation is defined as the inability of patients to relax the muscles required for successful defecation.
  • Biofeedback, as a part of pelvic physical therapy treatment, has been shown to be effective in treating this and many other conditions.
Source:
  1. M. Sherburn et al. 2011;30:317-324. doi:10.1002/nau.20968
For more information on pelvic health physical therapy, check out www.womenshealthapta.org. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You are more than welcome to speak with one of our specially trained therapists at both locations.
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