Did you know some obstetric and gynecologic problems may benefit from physical therapy? After we’ve ruled out all medical causes for pain and discomfort from various conditions and tried traditional therapies and treatments, we may refer you to a certified physical therapist at Covenant Health, like Joy Friley Hendricks, PT, PRPC, for alternative examination and care.
Joy explains how physical therapy can help bring relief for women experiencing discomfort and how she works closely with us to ensure our patients receive excellent care.
Conditions Treated
Once all medical causes are ruled out , a physical therapist can provide alternative examination to detect other potential causes for dysfunction. We treat gynecologic and pregnancy-related problems, including:
- Chronic abdominal, bladder, pelvic, and vaginal pain
- Core weakness
- Abdominal separation (rectus diastasis)
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic function disorders, including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse
- Fecal incontinence and constipation
- Pain during or after pregnancy
- Discomfort after an epidural during pregnancy
“The goal of physical therapy is to always improve function and prevent long-term problems. It’s a conservative alternative with relatively no side effects. My goal is to offer strategies for patients to help themselves stay healthy and pain free.”
Physical Therapy Treatments
Physical therapy can help relieve or control symptoms of gynecologic and pregnancy-related problems, and may include:
- Core muscle strength training for abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and hips
- Stretching for restricted motion in the lower back, hips, and pelvic floor
- Biofeedback therapy to help visualize how the pelvic floor is working to properly hold and control muscles
- Manual treatments for muscular training and myofascial release (relaxing contracted muscles, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles)
- Electric stimulation to help sensory and motor revitalization of pelvic floor muscles
- Kegal exercises
- Patient education and counseling on normal verses abnormal function and mobility
Collaborative Care
If you’re referred to a physical therapist for additional care, we will work closely with the therapist to remain updated on your progress. If any medications are indicated for your treatment, we will discuss the need with the therapist before anything is prescribed.
For more information about physical therapy services at Covenant Health, please click here.
Learn More
For more information about physical therapy services at Covenant Health, please call (865) 331-1300 or click here.
Disclaimer: please note that this information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you have a specific medical question or issue, we encourage you to call our office at (865) 331-1122 and schedule an appointment.
Tags for this post:
Abdominal Pain, Bladder Pain, Fort Sanders Women's Specialists, Gynecologic physical therapy, Gynecology, Obstetrics, overactive bladder, Pelvic Floor, Pelvic Pain, Pregnancy, urinary incontinence, Vaginal Pain