Men’s & Women’s Pelvic Health

At Hands-On Physical Therapy we provide specialized physical therapy treatments for conditions such as incontinence, urgency/frequency, pelvic pain, osteoporosis, pre/post-op prostatectomy and musculoskeletal dysfunctions during and after pregnancy.

All care is provided one-on-one for 60 minutes by a highly qualified, licensed physical therapist. Our priority is to ensure that our patients feel comfortable while getting the best possible evidence-based treatment in order to understand their conditions and reduce symptoms.

Incontinence

• 25% of adults have experienced leaking at some time
• 35-40% of individuals over 65 have leaking problems
• >50% of nursing home residents are incontinent

Incontinence should NOT be accepted as normal after childbirth, menopause or prostatectomy. Medical treatment models suggest that pelvic floor exercise and habit changes can improve incontinence in 80% of cases (male and female). Pelvic floor strengthening with computerized biofeedback provides visual and auditory feedback, electrical stimulation, bladder retraining and behavioral modifications are conservative and proven treatments for incontinence. Physical therapists need to be specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation and have experience in this field to provide these services. We work closely with gynecologists, urogynecologists, urologists and family practitioners to find the best solution to reduce and eliminate symptoms.

Overactive Bladder

This is urgency / frequency with more than 9 visits to the toilet in 24 hours with or without leaking. Pelvic floor muscle weakness can be a cause and responds well to computerized biofeedback training, electrical stimulation and bladder retraining. Myofascial spasms of the pelvic, hip or lower back muscles can also contribute to an abnormal urge sensation. We, therefore, do a detailed musculoskeletal evaluation to determine contributing factors. Treatment may include computerized biofeedback, bladder retraining, electrical stimulation, myofascial release, stretching and specific strengthening exercises.

Pelvic Pain Conditions

We treat conditions such as: vulvodynia, vaginismus, testicular or penile pain, prostatitis, levator ani syndrome, pelvic floor tension myalgia, interstitial cystitis, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), sacro-iliac (SI) joint dysfunction and coccydynia (tailbone pain). These diagnoses often have musculoskeletal components that can be successfully treated by a skilled and specialized physical therapist. After a thorough examination, treatment may include trigger point release, soft tissue work and stretches, Maitland/ McKenzie / Mulligan specific joint mobilizations, biofeedback, dilators, specific strengthening / stretching exercises and self-treatment techniques.

Musculoskeletal dysfunctions during and after pregnancy

The childbearing year brings dramatic changes to the body. Physical Therapy can assist with the management of these musculoskeletal changes. Conditions we often see during pregnancy are SI joint dysfunctions, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, lower back, neck or thoracic pain and headaches. Postpartum we treat weak pelvic floor muscles with or without incontinence, rehabilitation of lower abdominals or “core” muscles which assist in preventing lower back / pelvic pain, painful episiotomy scars and other common orthopedic dysfunctions.

Osteoporosis

Women at risk for, or with, osteoporosis need to increase weight-bearing exercise, improve balance and decrease postural strain. At Hands-On Physical Therapy we do a thorough evaluation and develop a customized exercise program to address these issues.