Women's Health


The Women’s Health and Rehabilitation Program at Accelerated offers a specialized treatment approach to the unique healthcare needs of women. Accelerated’s physical therapists with advanced training and years of experience in women’s health issues assists our female patients to reduce pain and restore function caused by a variety of conditions including: pregnancy, incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunctions and post surgical conditions.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:

Muscular disorder of the pelvic floor may cause loss of strength or increased tension. Improper use or restriction of the pelvic floor muscles may cause symptoms such as:
  • Painful intercourse
  • Pain with tampon insertion
  • Deep buttock pain
  • Low back pain
Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction:
  • Childbirth
  • Trauma
  • Musculoskeletal imbalances
  • Pelvic fractures
  • Post surgical complications
  • Infection/inflammation
  • Poor posture
  • Visceral dysfunctions
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • Endometriosis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory disease

Incontinence

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most cases of urinary incontinence (involuntary loss of urine) can be successfully treated to assure a better quality of life.

Incontinence can be caused by:
  • Childbirth/pregnancy
  • Abdominal/pelvic muscle weakness
  • Estrogen depletion
  • Medications
  • Infections
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • High-impact activities
  • Obesity
  • Surgery

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnancy may impose anatomical and physiological challenges which increase stress on the musculoskeletal system. Elevated hormonal levels may cause ligament laxity.

These changes may include:
  • Postural alterations
  • Weight gain
  • Fluid retention
  • Abdominal/pelvic muscle weakness

Muskuloskeletal Disorders

With the hormonal changes during pregnancy, musculoskeletal changes may develop.

Common symptoms are:
  • Sacroiliac pain
  • Sciatica
  • Coccyodynia (tail bone pain)
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Pubic symphysis pain

Post-Partum Conditions

Procedures performed during the birthing process may result in various disorders:

Episiotomy:
  • Low back pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Difficulty inserting a tampon
  • Soreness between the vagina and rectum
  • Painful bowel movements
Cesarean Section:
  • Abdominal and pelvic floor weakness
  • Urinary stress incontinence
  • Painful incision
  • Lumbosacral pain

Post-Surgical Conditions

Rehabilitation is often required for post-operative conditions unrelated to childbearing such as:

  • Laparoscopic procedures
  • Abdominal muscle repairs
  • Mastectomy/Lymphedema

Rehabilitation Treatment

The rehabilitation program will begin with an initial evaluation and diagnostic testing to assess strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination and the integrity of the musculoskeletal system. Pain patterns will be assessed. Based on these results, a customized program is designed for each patient to return to normal daily activities and independent function.

Treatment interventions may include:

  • Internal soft tissue mobilization
  • Muscle re-education
  • Postural alignment
  • Biofeedback/Surface Electromyography
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Bladder retraining and diet education
  • Muscle energy technique
  • Myofascial release
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Joint mobilization