Don’t Suffer From Pain Incontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, & Physical Therapy Inside: • Incontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain & Physical Therapy • Get Your Life Back Pain Free • Key Lime Chicken Recipe • Patient Success Spotlight • Staff Spotlight A physical therapist is highly skilled in evaluating and treating various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions affecting the body. This profession focuses on assessing any underlying factors, such as strength, neuromuscular control, balance, coordination, skeletal alignment, and endurance, which may be contributing to impaired functional mobility, activity participation, and quality of life. Of course, most people only seek physical therapy when they’re suffering from a common injury or condition such as whiplash, tendonitis, low back pain, ligament sprains, and plantar fasciitis. Perhaps lesser known is that chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction, including incontinence, can also respond positively to physical therapy intervention. (continued inside) Health & Physical Therapy The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
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Transcript
Don’t Suffer From PainIncontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, & Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is highly skilled in evaluating and treating various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions affecting the body. This profession focuses on assessing any underlying factors, such as strength, neuromuscular control, balance, coordination, skeletal alignment, and endurance, which may be contributing to impaired functional mobility, activity participation, and quality of life.
Of course, most people only seek physical therapy when they’re suffering from a common injury or condition such as whiplash, tendonitis, low back pain, ligament sprains, and plantar fasciitis. Perhaps lesser known is that chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction, including incontinence, can also respond positively to physical therapy intervention.
(continued inside)
Our P
hysi
cal T
hera
pist
s Are
Tra
ined
To F
ind
& Tr
eat
The
Sour
ce O
f Pai
n!
WE
STRI
VE T
O PR
OVID
E TH
E BE
ST S
ERVI
CE T
O OU
R PA
TIEN
TS
Unde
rsta
ndin
g In
cont
inen
ce In
W
omen
Urin
ary
inco
ntin
ence
has
a r
eput
atio
n of
bei
ng
som
ethi
ng o
nly
little
old
ladi
es h
ave.
But
man
y yo
ung
peop
le g
et u
rinar
y in
cont
inen
ce. A
nd w
hile
mor
e wo
men
than
men
are
affe
cted
, men
can
hav
e ur
inary
prob
lems t
oo, e
spec
ially
afte
r pro
stat
e sur
gery.
Fo
rtuna
tely,
ther
e ar
e m
any
treat
men
ts fo
r urin
ary
inco
ntin
ence
.
Beha
vior
al tr
eatm
ent.
Som
e pe
ople
with
urin
ary
inco
ntin
ence
may
get r
elief
by m
akin
g sim
ple l
ifest
yle
chan
ges.
If yo
u hav
e stre
ss in
cont
inenc
e, fo
r inst
ance
, in
whi
ch yo
u lea
k ur
ine
when
you
coug
h, sn
eeze
, or
laug
h, yo
ur p
hysic
al th
erap
ist m
ay te
ll yo
u to
lim
it ho
w m
uch
you
drin
k. If
you
have
urg
e in
cont
inen
ce,
in w
hich
you g
et th
e sud
den u
rge t
o urin
ate a
nd ca
n’t
alway
s mak
e it t
o the
bath
room
in tim
e, yo
ur ph
ysica
l th
erap
ist m
ay te
ll you
to av
oid
spicy
food
s, ca
ffein
e, an
d ca
rbon
ated
drin
ks, b
ecau
se th
ey ca
n irr
itate
the
blad
der a
nd m
ake
the
prob
lem w
orse
. Exe
rcise
s to
st
reng
then
the p
elvic
floor
mus
cles,
know
n as K
egels
,
can s
omet
imes
help
peop
le wi
th st
ress
inco
ntin
ence
. Ke
gels
can
also
help
peo
ple w
ith u
rge i
ncon
tinen
ce.
Som
etim
es, K
egels
are
com
bine
d wi
th b
iofe
edba
ck
tech
niqu
es to
hel
p yo
u kn
ow if
you
are
doi
ng th
e ex
erci
ses
prop
erly.
For
urg
e in
cont
inen
ce, b
ladd
er
traini
ng, s
omet
imes
calle
d blad
der r
etra
ining
, can
also
he
lp. T
his
invo
lves
grad
ually
incr
easin
g th
e in
terv
al
time
betw
een
trips
to th
e ba
thro
om, w
orkin
g up
to
long
er an
d lon
ger in
terv
als be
twee
n bat
hroo
m st
ops.
Devic
es an
d abs
orbe
nt pr
oduc
ts. P
rote
ctive
pads
and
pant
y line
rs ca
n help
avoid
emba
rrass
ing si
tuat
ions.
A pe
ssar
y, a p
lastic
devic
e ins
erte
d int
o the
vagi
na, m
ay
help
prev
ent u
rine l
eaka
ge by
supp
ortin
g the
neck
of
the b
ladd
er; it
is m
ost u
sefu
l for
stre
ss in
cont
inen
ce.
Mild
to
mod
erat
e ca
ses
of c
omm
on t
ypes
of
inco
ntin
ence
can
be
cure
d or
gre
atly
impr
oved
by
beha
viora
l or e
xerc
ise th
erap
y. W
e ca
n al
so te
ach
you
habi
ts a
nd te
chni
ques
to re
duce
urg
ency
and
ur
ge in
cont
inen
ce (o
r lea
king
with
a s
trong
urg
e on
th
e way
to th
e bat
hroo
m). E
ven p
erio
dic i
ncon
tinen
ce
is no
t som
ethi
ng yo
u hav
e to d
eal w
ith. W
e can
help
!
“We P
rovide
Perso
nal Ca
re Fo
r Pers
onal
Issue
s.”
Health & Physical TherapyThe Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
orth
oped
icpt
inc.
com
Don’t Suffer From PainIncontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, & Physical Therapy
orthopedicptinc.com
orthopedicptinc.com
Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. is a unique physical therapy facility in Richmond, VA. Our physical therapists provide care to people with musculoskeletal injuries who strive to return to work, sports, and/or an active, full lifestyle. Our physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat the source of pain rather than simply treat symptoms. We look at your muscles, joints and entire body as a whole unit. Our clinicians work in tandem with patients to set and reach goals by using innovative strategies, such as dry needling in order to help them attain their highest level of wellness.
Each of our clinicians has undergone extensive training in treating musculoskeletal problems. Our physical therapists also have their own specialties. We work as a team to optimize your treatments and progress.
- Tracey Adler, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
Health & Physical Therapy The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
“Why Are You Waiting Until Your Pain Worsens Before Seeking Treatment?”Incontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, & Physical Therapy
Causes Of Incontinence And Chronic Pelvic PainIf you have pain in your pelvis, it may not always be fully clear what’s causing it. Some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain include, but are not limited to:• Pregnancy• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction• Coccydynia• Irritation of the pudendal nerve (which originates near the bottom of your spine)• Irritable bowel syndrome• Levator ani syndrome (increased tension in pelvic floor muscles)• Post-surgical complications (e.g., pain following a hysterectomy, hernia repair, cesarean section, and/or prostatectomy)
Any of these conditions may lead to inadequate support of the organs contained with your pelvic cavity, increased pressure or inflammation of nerves, muscles, and other connective tissues (including your bladder), and impaired pelvic bone alignment. These symptoms can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing, and may limit your tolerance to daily participation in desired
activities, including exercise.Other symptoms frequently appear with pelvic pain, including incontinence, bloating, abdominal pressure, reluctance to strain while defecating, and pain in the low back, buttocks, and hips. You may also have decreased tolerance to a variety of activities including sitting or standing, walking, exercise, and sexual intercourse.
How A Physical Therapist Can Treat Pelvic Pain Every patient presenting with chronic pelvic pain is unique. If you come to see a physical therapist for your pelvic dysfunction, you’ll be taken through a thorough physical examination and patient history questionnaire. He or she will ask you specific questions about your pain, what makes it worse and better, and whether you have a history of any related issues. Based on the results of the examination, your physical therapist can then develop a customized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and address the suspected underlying causes to prevent recurring dysfunction.
Common physical therapy treatments may include:
• Soft tissue mobilization and massage of internal and external pelvic musculature, to relieve muscle tension and provide pain relief• Spinal and sacroiliac joint manipulations to reset the neurological pathway, relieve pain, and restore normal spinal alignment.• Electrical stimulation modalities, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation to provide pain relief and restore normal neuromuscular activation of pelvic floor muscles and nerves.• Therapeutic exercises to restore the normal strength, flexibility, and endurance of stabilizing postural muscles in the low back and hips.
Struggling with pelvic pain? Frustrated and concerned about incontinence? For both short-term and long-lasting relief without the need from invasive interventions or medications, consider consulting with a physical therapist today.
obility, activity participation, and quality of life.
Of course, most people only seek physical therapy when
they’re suffering from a com
mon injury or condition such
as whiplash, tendonitis, low back pain, ligament sprains,
and plantar fasciitis. Perhaps lesser known is that chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction, including incontinence, can also respond positively to physical therapy intervention.
(continued inside)
Our Physical Therapists Are Trained To Find & Treat The Source Of Pain!
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE TO OUR PATIENTS
Understanding Incontinence In WomenUrinary incontinence has a reputation of being something only little old ladies have. But many young people get urinary incontinence. And while more women than men are affected, men can have urinary problems too, especially after prostate surgery. Fortunately, there are many treatments for urinary incontinence.
Behavioral treatment. Some people with urinary incontinence may get relief by making simple lifestyle changes. If you have stress incontinence, for instance, in which you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, your physical therapist may tell you to limit how much you drink. If you have urge incontinence, in which you get the sudden urge to urinate and can’t always make it to the bathroom in time, your physical therapist may tell you to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and carbonated drinks, because they can irritate the bladder and make the problem worse. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, known as Kegels,
can sometimes help people with stress incontinence. Kegels can also help people with urge incontinence. Sometimes, Kegels are combined with biofeedback techniques to help you know if you are doing the exercises properly. For urge incontinence, bladder training, sometimes called bladder retraining, can also help. This involves gradually increasing the interval time between trips to the bathroom, working up to longer and longer intervals between bathroom stops.
Devices and absorbent products. Protective pads and panty liners can help avoid embarrassing situations. A pessary, a plastic device inserted into the vagina, may help prevent urine leakage by supporting the neck of the bladder; it is most useful for stress incontinence.
Mild to moderate cases of common types of incontinence can be cured or greatly improved by behavioral or exercise therapy. We can also teach you habits and techniques to reduce urgency and urge incontinence (or leaking with a strong urge on the way to the bathroom). Even periodic incontinence is not something you have to deal with. We can help!
“We Provide Personal Care For Personal Issues.”
Health & Physical TherapyThe Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
orthopedicptinc.com
Eating Right Never Tasted So Good!
Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. Staff Spotlight
Did you know our clinic has its own Facebook & LinkedIn page? Like and follow the pages for the clinic, to see fun photos of clinic activities, stay up-to-date on our happenings and events, and find helpful articles on conditions we treat! We love staying in touch and connected with our patients!
It’s improved my MS gait!
“I’ve had treatment at OPT, Inc. to relieve myofascial pain from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and for an unrelated rare condition that makes it extremely painful to sit. The trigger point dry needling and hands on manual therapy OPT, Inc. utilized were pivotal in relieving the MS pain and the pain while sitting. As an added bonus it’s improved my MS gait. I have no doubt the friendly OPT, Inc staff have expertise in pain relief.” - Sharon K.
Patient Success S P O T L I G H T
• Trigger Point Dry Needling
• Chronic Pain
• Neck & Back Pain
• TMJ/TMD
• Headache Relief
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial & Referred Pain
• Women’s Pelvic Pain
• Men’s Health Issues
• Posture & Orthotics
• Hypermobility & EDS
• Sports Injuries
orthopedicptinc.com
orthopedicptinc.com
Our Specialties
Lydia Morris, PT, CMTPT received a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1979. Ms. Morris specializes in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction, TMJ/TMD, pelvic floor dysfunctions including bowel/bladder incontinence, pudendal neuralgia, post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence and levator ani syndrome. Ms. Morris has advanced training in women and men’s health, manual therapy, exercise physiology and medical Pilates. Ms. Morris received international post-graduate certification in Dry Needling by Myopain Seminars and Janet G. Travell, MD Seminar Series in June 2007. Ms. Morris performed clinical research and published the article “Effectiveness of High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation on Levator Ani Syndrome” in The Journal of American Physical Therapy Association, October 1987. Lydia Morris is Direct Access Certified.
Find Us OnSOCIAL MEDIA
Think PT FIRSTWhy You Need To Come In For A Check-Up:� Move without pain� Bend and move freely� Balanceconfidently&
securely
� Sit for long periods comfortably
� Walk for long distances� Live an active & healthy
lifestyle
Orthopedic PT, Inc. Is A Direct Access Facility!
In the state of Virginia, patients have the right to see a physical therapist without a physician referral. You may be evaluated and treated for no more than 30 consecutive days, at which time a referral will benecessary.Thisallowsyouasthepatienttoseeaphysicaltherapistfirst.
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat, as well as refer to an appropriate medical professional for issues that are outside of our scope of practice. If you would like to schedule an evaluation with one ofourphysicaltherapistspleasecallourofficeforadditionaldetails(804)285-0148.
You are the most important member of you own health care team, and you are entitled to choose the most appropriate health care professional to meet your goals.
Take Care Of Your Aches & Pains Before It’s Too Late!
Key Lime Chicken
Lydia MorrisPT, CMTPT
Directions1. In a shallow container, blend soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and garlic. Place chicken breast halves into the mixture, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard marinade, and grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear. Garnish with lime slices.
Many experience chronic pelvic pain but have no known cause, causing frustration and even depression. Chronic pelvic pain may be associated with other pelvic conditions including:
• Interstitial cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome• Endometriosis• Chronic bladder infections• Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue from a prior abdominal surgery• Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps• Levator Ani Syndrome which causes increased tension of the pelvic floor
Working with your urologist, a specially trained physical therapist can perform soft tissue mobilization of pelvic floor muscles as well as relaxation techniques, pelvic floor muscle exercises and suggest exercises to improve poor posture. We can teach you how to correctly do a Kegel, which will help strengthen the pelvic muscles and help to prevent stress incontinence, or leakage with coughing, laughing, sneezing, etc.
“Get Your Life Back Pain Free!”Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain
orthopedicptinc.com
Contact Us Today!
Eating Right Never Tasted So Good!
Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. Staff Spotlight
Did you know our clinic has its own Facebook & LinkedIn page? Like and follow the pages for the clinic, to see fun photos of clinic activities, stay up-to-date on our happenings and events, and find helpful articles on conditions we treat! We love staying in touch and connected with our patients!
It’s improved my MS gait!
“I’ve had treatment at OPT, Inc. to relieve myofascial pain from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and for an unrelated rare condition that makes it extremely painful to sit. The trigger point dry needling and hands on manual therapy OPT, Inc. utilized were pivotal in relieving the MS pain and the pain while sitting. As an added bonus it’s improved my MS gait. I have no doubt the friendly OPT, Inc staff have expertise in pain relief.” - Sharon K.
Patient Success S P O T L I G H T
• Trigger Point Dry Needling
• Chronic Pain
• Neck & Back Pain
• TMJ/TMD
• Headache Relief
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial & Referred Pain
• Women’s Pelvic Pain
• Men’s Health Issues
• Posture & Orthotics
• Hypermobility & EDS
• Sports Injuries
orthopedicptinc.com
orthopedicptinc.com
Our Specialties
Lydia Morris, PT, CMTPT received a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1979. Ms. Morris specializes in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction, TMJ/TMD, pelvic floor dysfunctions including bowel/bladder incontinence, pudendal neuralgia, post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence and levator ani syndrome. Ms. Morris has advanced training in women and men’s health, manual therapy, exercise physiology and medical Pilates. Ms. Morris received international post-graduate certification in Dry Needling by Myopain Seminars and Janet G. Travell, MD Seminar Series in June 2007. Ms. Morris performed clinical research and published the article “Effectiveness of High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation on Levator Ani Syndrome” in The Journal of American Physical Therapy Association, October 1987. Lydia Morris is Direct Access Certified.
Find Us OnSOCIAL MEDIA
Think PT FIRSTWhy You Need To Come In For A Check-Up:� Move without pain� Bend and move freely� Balanceconfidently&
securely
� Sit for long periods comfortably
� Walk for long distances� Live an active & healthy
lifestyle
Orthopedic PT, Inc. Is A Direct Access Facility!
In the state of Virginia, patients have the right to see a physical therapist without a physician referral. You may be evaluated and treated for no more than 30 consecutive days, at which time a referral will benecessary.Thisallowsyouasthepatienttoseeaphysicaltherapistfirst.
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat, as well as refer to an appropriate medical professional for issues that are outside of our scope of practice. If you would like to schedule an evaluation with one ofourphysicaltherapistspleasecallourofficeforadditionaldetails(804)285-0148.
You are the most important member of you own health care team, and you are entitled to choose the most appropriate health care professional to meet your goals.
Take Care Of Your Aches & Pains Before It’s Too Late!
Key Lime Chicken
Lydia MorrisPT, CMTPT
Directions1. In a shallow container, blend soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and garlic. Place chicken breast halves into the mixture, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard marinade, and grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear. Garnish with lime slices.
Many experience chronic pelvic pain but have no known cause, causing frustration and even depression. Chronic pelvic pain may be associated with other pelvic conditions including:
• Interstitial cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome• Endometriosis• Chronic bladder infections• Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue from a prior abdominal surgery• Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps• Levator Ani Syndrome which causes increased tension of the pelvic floor
Working with your urologist, a specially trained physical therapist can perform soft tissue mobilization of pelvic floor muscles as well as relaxation techniques, pelvic floor muscle exercises and suggest exercises to improve poor posture. We can teach you how to correctly do a Kegel, which will help strengthen the pelvic muscles and help to prevent stress incontinence, or leakage with coughing, laughing, sneezing, etc.
“Get Your Life Back Pain Free!”Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain
orthopedicptinc.com
Contact Us Today!
Eating Right Never Tasted So Good!
Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. Staff Spotlight
Did you know our clinic has its own Facebook & LinkedIn page? Like and follow the pages for the clinic, to see fun photos of clinic activities, stay up-to-date on our happenings and events, and find helpful articles on conditions we treat! We love staying in touch and connected with our patients!
It’s improved my MS gait!
“I’ve had treatment at OPT, Inc. to relieve myofascial pain from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and for an unrelated rare condition that makes it extremely painful to sit. The trigger point dry needling and hands on manual therapy OPT, Inc. utilized were pivotal in relieving the MS pain and the pain while sitting. As an added bonus it’s improved my MS gait. I have no doubt the friendly OPT, Inc staff have expertise in pain relief.” - Sharon K.
Patient Success S P O T L I G H T
• Trigger Point Dry Needling
• Chronic Pain
• Neck & Back Pain
• TMJ/TMD
• Headache Relief
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial & Referred Pain
• Women’s Pelvic Pain
• Men’s Health Issues
• Posture & Orthotics
• Hypermobility & EDS
• Sports Injuries
orthopedicptinc.com
orthopedicptinc.com
Our Specialties
Lydia Morris, PT, CMTPT received a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1979. Ms. Morris specializes in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal dysfunction, TMJ/TMD, pelvic floor dysfunctions including bowel/bladder incontinence, pudendal neuralgia, post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence and levator ani syndrome. Ms. Morris has advanced training in women and men’s health, manual therapy, exercise physiology and medical Pilates. Ms. Morris received international post-graduate certification in Dry Needling by Myopain Seminars and Janet G. Travell, MD Seminar Series in June 2007. Ms. Morris performed clinical research and published the article “Effectiveness of High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation on Levator Ani Syndrome” in The Journal of American Physical Therapy Association, October 1987. Lydia Morris is Direct Access Certified.
Find Us OnSOCIAL MEDIA
Think PT FIRSTWhy You Need To Come In For A Check-Up:� Move without pain� Bend and move freely� Balanceconfidently&
securely
� Sit for long periods comfortably
� Walk for long distances� Live an active & healthy
lifestyle
Orthopedic PT, Inc. Is A Direct Access Facility!
In the state of Virginia, patients have the right to see a physical therapist without a physician referral. You may be evaluated and treated for no more than 30 consecutive days, at which time a referral will benecessary.Thisallowsyouasthepatienttoseeaphysicaltherapistfirst.
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat, as well as refer to an appropriate medical professional for issues that are outside of our scope of practice. If you would like to schedule an evaluation with one ofourphysicaltherapistspleasecallourofficeforadditionaldetails(804)285-0148.
You are the most important member of you own health care team, and you are entitled to choose the most appropriate health care professional to meet your goals.
Take Care Of Your Aches & Pains Before It’s Too Late!
Key Lime Chicken
Lydia MorrisPT, CMTPT
Directions1. In a shallow container, blend soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and garlic. Place chicken breast halves into the mixture, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Discard marinade, and grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until juices run clear. Garnish with lime slices.
Many experience chronic pelvic pain but have no known cause, causing frustration and even depression. Chronic pelvic pain may be associated with other pelvic conditions including:
• Interstitial cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome• Endometriosis• Chronic bladder infections• Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue from a prior abdominal surgery• Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps• Levator Ani Syndrome which causes increased tension of the pelvic floor
Working with your urologist, a specially trained physical therapist can perform soft tissue mobilization of pelvic floor muscles as well as relaxation techniques, pelvic floor muscle exercises and suggest exercises to improve poor posture. We can teach you how to correctly do a Kegel, which will help strengthen the pelvic muscles and help to prevent stress incontinence, or leakage with coughing, laughing, sneezing, etc.
“Get Your Life Back Pain Free!”Understanding Chronic Pelvic Pain
orthopedicptinc.com
Contact Us Today!
Don’t Suffer From PainIncontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, & Physical Therapy
orthopedicptinc.com
orthopedicptinc.com
Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Inc. is a unique physical therapy facility in Richmond, VA. Our physical therapists provide care to people with musculoskeletal injuries who strive to return to work, sports, and/or an active, full lifestyle. Our physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat the source of pain rather than simply treat symptoms. We look at your muscles, joints and entire body as a whole unit. Our clinicians work in tandem with patients to set and reach goals by using innovative strategies, such as dry needling in order to help them attain their highest level of wellness.
Each of our clinicians has undergone extensive training in treating musculoskeletal problems. Our physical therapists also have their own specialties. We work as a team to optimize your treatments and progress.
- Tracey Adler, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
Health & Physical Therapy The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
“Why Are You Waiting Until Your Pain Worsens Before Seeking Treatment?”Incontinence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, & Physical Therapy
Causes Of Incontinence And Chronic Pelvic PainIf you have pain in your pelvis, it may not always be fully clear what’s causing it. Some common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain include, but are not limited to:• Pregnancy• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction• Coccydynia• Irritation of the pudendal nerve (which originates near the bottom of your spine)• Irritable bowel syndrome• Levator ani syndrome (increased tension in pelvic floor muscles)• Post-surgical complications (e.g., pain following a hysterectomy, hernia repair, cesarean section, and/or prostatectomy)
Any of these conditions may lead to inadequate support of the organs contained with your pelvic cavity, increased pressure or inflammation of nerves, muscles, and other connective tissues (including your bladder), and impaired pelvic bone alignment. These symptoms can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing, and may limit your tolerance to daily participation in desired
activities, including exercise.Other symptoms frequently appear with pelvic pain, including incontinence, bloating, abdominal pressure, reluctance to strain while defecating, and pain in the low back, buttocks, and hips. You may also have decreased tolerance to a variety of activities including sitting or standing, walking, exercise, and sexual intercourse.
How A Physical Therapist Can Treat Pelvic Pain Every patient presenting with chronic pelvic pain is unique. If you come to see a physical therapist for your pelvic dysfunction, you’ll be taken through a thorough physical examination and patient history questionnaire. He or she will ask you specific questions about your pain, what makes it worse and better, and whether you have a history of any related issues. Based on the results of the examination, your physical therapist can then develop a customized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and address the suspected underlying causes to prevent recurring dysfunction.
Common physical therapy treatments may include:
• Soft tissue mobilization and massage of internal and external pelvic musculature, to relieve muscle tension and provide pain relief• Spinal and sacroiliac joint manipulations to reset the neurological pathway, relieve pain, and restore normal spinal alignment.• Electrical stimulation modalities, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation to provide pain relief and restore normal neuromuscular activation of pelvic floor muscles and nerves.• Therapeutic exercises to restore the normal strength, flexibility, and endurance of stabilizing postural muscles in the low back and hips.
Struggling with pelvic pain? Frustrated and concerned about incontinence? For both short-term and long-lasting relief without the need from invasive interventions or medications, consider consulting with a physical therapist today.
obility, activity participation, and quality of life.
Of course, most people only seek physical therapy when
they’re suffering from a com
mon injury or condition such
as whiplash, tendonitis, low back pain, ligament sprains,
and plantar fasciitis. Perhaps lesser known is that chronic pelvic pain and dysfunction, including incontinence, can also respond positively to physical therapy intervention.
(continued inside)
Our Physical Therapists Are Trained To Find & Treat The Source Of Pain!
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE TO OUR PATIENTS
Understanding Incontinence In WomenUrinary incontinence has a reputation of being something only little old ladies have. But many young people get urinary incontinence. And while more women than men are affected, men can have urinary problems too, especially after prostate surgery. Fortunately, there are many treatments for urinary incontinence.
Behavioral treatment. Some people with urinary incontinence may get relief by making simple lifestyle changes. If you have stress incontinence, for instance, in which you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, your physical therapist may tell you to limit how much you drink. If you have urge incontinence, in which you get the sudden urge to urinate and can’t always make it to the bathroom in time, your physical therapist may tell you to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and carbonated drinks, because they can irritate the bladder and make the problem worse. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, known as Kegels,
can sometimes help people with stress incontinence. Kegels can also help people with urge incontinence. Sometimes, Kegels are combined with biofeedback techniques to help you know if you are doing the exercises properly. For urge incontinence, bladder training, sometimes called bladder retraining, can also help. This involves gradually increasing the interval time between trips to the bathroom, working up to longer and longer intervals between bathroom stops.
Devices and absorbent products. Protective pads and panty liners can help avoid embarrassing situations. A pessary, a plastic device inserted into the vagina, may help prevent urine leakage by supporting the neck of the bladder; it is most useful for stress incontinence.
Mild to moderate cases of common types of incontinence can be cured or greatly improved by behavioral or exercise therapy. We can also teach you habits and techniques to reduce urgency and urge incontinence (or leaking with a strong urge on the way to the bathroom). Even periodic incontinence is not something you have to deal with. We can help!
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