You may find it comforting to know that one in four women, 20 years or
older, suffer from a variety of symptoms and conditions that affect the
pelvis, bladder and uterus region. Most commonly referred to as pelvic
floor dysfunction, these conditions negatively impact the lives of women
in many uncomfortable and, sometimes embarrassing ways.
“The group of muscles in the pelvic floor help to support our organs,
allowing us to properly perform bladder and bowel functions,” explains
Kimberly Haas, pelvic floor physical therapist of the Catawba Valley Medical
Center (CVMC)
Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Program. “Aging, childbirth, posture and injury can all result in dysfunction
and painful symptoms that impact a woman’s quality of life physically
and emotionally.”
The good news is that
CVMC Pelvic Health Rehabilitation, offers successful relief of many distressing and painful symptoms associated
with pelvic floor muscles including:
- A strong urge to urinate
- Not making it to the bathroom in time
- Urine leakage when sneezing, coughing or engaging in physical activity
- Using pads or adult diapers for urine or bowel leakage
- Prolonging the urge to defecate
- Getting up more than once a night to go to the bathroom
- Painful intercourse
- Lower abdominal region pain
- A feeling of “heaviness” in the vaginal area
- Straining when having bowel movements
“With this specialized area of physical therapy, your privacy and
comfort are of paramount importance,” says Haas. “Our program
is based on the compassionate support of a female provider with extensive
training and experience in pelvic floor anatomy and dysfunction. No question
or concern is too small.”
COMMON QUESTIONS PROSPECTIVE PATIENTS HAVE ABOUT PELVIC REHAB:
Do I need a referral?
Yes, first discuss your symptoms with your OB/GYN or primary care provider
to rule out any underlying health conditions. Then ask for a referral
to CVMC Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Program where we can help determine
if you’re a good candidate for therapy.
What can I expect at my first visit?
We begin with a comprehensive review of yourmedical history and discuss your symptoms in detail. Then
you’ll have an internal and external exam to evaluate the structure,
position and function of your pelvic muscles. From there, we establish
an individualized therapy plan that incorporates education and therapeutic
modalities such as exercises, biofeedback, relaxation and manual therapy.
How long does pelvic floor therapy take?
While no patient’s therapy is alike, many women find successful symptom
relief within six to eight one-hour sessions.
Why CVMC?
Our patients value a therapeutic approach that fosters open, woman-to-woman
communication with sensitivity given to the emotional aspects of pelvic
floor dysfunction. Our services are provided in a professional, private,
clinical setting in the CVMC Outpatient Rehabilitation facility on the
hospital campus in Hickory.
What conditions can pelvic floor physical therapy help?
Urinary and/or fecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder pain)
- Vaginitis
-
Pregnancyand post-partum pelvicpain
- Diastasis recti (post-baby "pooch")
- Endometriosis
- Coccyx (disorders of the tailbone)
- Uterus or bladder prolapse
- Chronic pelvic pain
-
Adhesions of scar tissue
- Vulvar pain
- Post-hysterectomy pelvic pain
HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE– You don’t have to live with pelvic pain or incontinence issues.
Talk with your healthcare provider about a referral to CVMC Pelvic Health
Rehabilitation. For additional information, or to schedule an appointment,
contact us at 828.326.2131 or visit our
website.