Pelvic Floor Therapy/Women’s HealthIn Rhode Island
Pappas OPT provides Pelvic Floor Therapy at our Smithfield, Bristol, Middletown, Wakefield, and Warren locations.
For too long, men and women experiencing urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency, bowel urgency, constipation, vaginismus, generalized chronic pelvic pain and painful bladder syndrome – especially after pregnancy – have been told, “You just have to live with it.” But pelvic floor therapy has been proven to alleviate many of these symptoms, and Pappas OPT delivers this therapy with the discretion, care and respect patients deserve.
Treated issues include:
Pelvic Pain
Pappas OPT's physical therapists are experts in treating the musculoskeletal system and can treat the following issues associated with pelvic pain:
- Painful intercourse
- Pain associated with tampon use or pelvic exams
- Difficulty with normal activities such as, sitting, rising from a chair, standing or walking
- Difficulty with recreational activities
Chronic constipation or difficulties passing a bowel movement - Pain in the groin, buttock, low back, hip, sacroiliac or abdomen
Obstetrical Dysfunction
Pregnant or post-partum women often suffer from pain in the back, shoulder blades, wrists, groin area, and postural changes that may arise during pregnancy or after delivery. High-risk pregnancies often require bed rest. Physical therapy treatments are individually prescribed and may include gentle exercise, position and relaxation training, Manual Therapy, and postural retraining. Education for strengthening and endurance are included for after delivery.
Pappas OPT offers outpatient care for women that is designed to reduce uncomfortable symptoms related to pregnancy such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Tingling in the arms or hands
- Back and neck pain
- Hip, groin or leg pain and numbness
- Painful intercourse
- Post-delivery abdominal or vaginal pain
- Painful menses as a result of C-section surgery
- Diastasis recti (tearing of the connections between the abdominal muscles)
Incontinence
Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel control resulting in the leakage of urine or stool. One cause may be pelvic floor weakness with subsequent loss of the muscular support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum. Types of urine incontinence may be called stress, urge, or frequency. Typical treatments include electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and exercise with or without vaginal weights.
Symptoms may include:
- Leaking small amounts of urine with laughing, sneezing, running, etc.
- Constant desire to urinate
- Pain or discomfort with urination
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Using the bathroom more than 6 to 8 times a day
Evaluation includes:
- Complete review of your related medical history and current symptoms
- Physical exam of your pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination
- Bladder diary assessment.
- Screening for postural and lower extremity flexibility deficits that may contribute to incontinence
How does Pappas OPT help?
Pappas OPT provides a very soothing and private environment for all pelvic health patients. Initially, your physical therapist will examine abdominal muscles, neck, back, hip, SI join and pubic symphasis to look for issues brought on by surgery, pregnancy, or deconditioning. Each patient will begin a unique treatment plan; some common interventions include:
- Gentle exercise
- Stretching and strengthening
- Education on proper posture
- Manipulation and Manual Therapy
- Specific exercises to improve pelvic floor function
