Courtesy Dr Raffaele Lagonigro, PT 

Many women suffer from pelvic pain, incontinence and other similar conditions. Women’s health issues can be detrimental to mental, physical and social health, interfering with one’s lifestyle and enjoyment. However, you are not alone, and the good news is that you can be helped with the right physiotherapy treatments.  AIM has recently brought on a women’s health expert, treating pelvic health, along with issues arising during pregnancy and post-partum. Here’s how we can help with the most common women’s health conditions:

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the technical term for leaking urine without meaning to. It is a common condition in the older population, but it can happen throughout the lifespan for several reasons. It is important to note that although it is common, it most definitely is not normal, and should not be accepted as such in your everyday routine. Typical symptoms of  urinary incontinence include increased urinary frequency, leaking with coughing/sneezing, lifting, exercise or from a strong urge. These symptoms may be a result of weak or tight pelvic floor 

muscles, poor muscle coordination, abdominal strength or bladder habits. 

There are several reasons why you might be experiencing urinary incontinence. Symptoms could be related to infections in the urinary tract, an upper respiratory illness that includes a cough, or even constipation. If this is the case, leaking tends to be a short-term problem you can manage at home, that eventually disappears on its own once the underlying issue is cleared up. 

Certain medications you are prescribed may even cause temporary bladder control problems. A few more common causes of urinary incontinence  are due to pregnancy, surgery, childbirth, or menopause. Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of urinary incontinence. Oftentimes, patients develop weak or strained muscles, and/or connective tissue damage in their pelvic floor after giving birth. 

Your pelvic floor muscles work to support your abdominal contents (specifically the rectum, bladder, and uterus), allow for urination and defecation, prevent leakage of urine or stool when not desired. These muscles also help to stabilize the pelvis, working with your abdominal muscles, back muscles, and diaphragm. When these muscles are too weak or too tight, urinary incontinence can be the result, and you may need pelvic floor rehabilitation. 

Typical treatments for those dealing with urinary incontinence typically include:

• Participating in functional activities
• Participating in a home exercise program and instruction
• Ultrasound therapy
• Increasing endurance of the core, strength, and stability in hip muscles and pelvic floor
• The use of biofeedback for pelvic floor training 
• Performing strengthening exercises
• Improving posture/positions 
• Keeping a bladder diary and log for review at future appointments
• Participating in an exercising/mobility program

Pelvic Pain

It is important to discover the root cause of pelvic pain. Our evaluations take into account the many symptoms associated with the pelvic area including abdominal pain, groin pain, pain with intercourse, difficulty with urination/defecation and bladder pain. 

Pelvic muscle tension, weakness and poor muscle coordination may cause pelvic pain and may be a result of scar tissue restriction due to surgeries, a history of poor bladder/bowel habits, spine and pelvic joint dysfunction and episiotomy or tears from deliveries. 

Treatments may include muscle re-education, strengthening and/or relaxation of pelvic floor muscles, postural education, soft tissue massage, lumbosacral alignment and biofeedback.

Pregnancy Musculoskeletal Dysfunction

Pregnancy demands a tremendous amount out of a women’s body. Changes in posture, muscle strength, ligament stability and pelvic alignment, can leave lasting, painful changes such as pelvic or back pain. However, having a child doesn’t mean that you have to live with the painful changes forever, and most women can have significant improvements in their pain and function with physiotherapy.

Our physical therapists address the musculoskeletal components of pregnancy and postpartum issues, including incontinence, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and prenatal joint/muscle dysfunction. Weakness, poor muscle coordination, abdominal strength or bladder habits may also contribute to musculoskeletal dysfunction.

After evaluating the muscles, joints and/or nerves contributing to pain, our therapists will recommend modifications of posture and review proper body mechanics/bowel/bladder habits. Other treatments include soft tissue massage, mobilization, stretching and core stabilization.

If you suffer with any of the issues above, know that AIM Orthopedics and our new women’s health expert is here to help you achieve results discreetly, and return you to the activities you love. Call us today to schedule a complimentary virtual or in-person assessment.  We look forward to helping you live your life pain-free.

AIM Orthopedics

44 Main St
Little Falls, NJ 07424

(973) 860-0550