Increasing Awareness About Physical Therapy Specifically for Women
When you think of physical therapy, you probably think about how it helps knees, backs, hips, ankles and shoulders.
But do the words bladder, pregnancy or painful intercourse come to mind?
Probably not . . . but they should.
In honor of National Women’s Health Week, we’re answering some common questions about ATI Women’s Health– a specialty division of ATI Physical Therapy. Our women’s health therapists take an innovative approach toward the comprehensive treatment of health care needs unique to the female population, with an emphasis on pelvic health.
“All too often, women are not aware that physical therapy can be an option to help address pelvic pain, pain during pregnancy, or bowel and bladder concerns,” says Kari Ziemba, Midwest Director of ATI Women’s Health Services. “We get to be a resource for women to help address those very needs. It is imperative that women are advocates for their own health.”
What does a Women’s Health Physical Therapist actually do differently than a traditional PT?
Women’s Health Physical Therapists have completed coursework specific to pelvic floor rehabilitation, which enables them to treat a variety of issues that an orthopedic physical therapist cannot address on the same level.
“Just as one would think physical therapy is important for a knee or shoulder injury, therapy for the pelvic floor muscles is just as important to help someone return to daily functions,” explains Ziemba. “Believe it or not, laughing or jumping without leaking urine, having pain-free intercourse, and enjoying a comfortable pregnancy are all functional activities that should not be compromised.”
Will women’s health therapy be a comfortable experience?
Women appreciate privacy, and they need to know they’re not alone when dealing with health concerns. With stand-alone clinics dedicated specifically to women’s health, patients can be comforted by the fact that the therapists at ATI Women’s Health Centers treat these ailments all day, every day.
What are the common reasons a doctor would send a patient to ATI Women’s Health?
During Pregnancy or After Baby
- Back pain or abdominal pain
- Pain in buttocks, hip, groin or inner thigh
- Leg pain / weakness
- Scar pain (cesarean or episiotomy)
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
- Organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, rectum)
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Pain during/after sexual intercours
- Lower abdominal pain (bloating, cramping)
- Difficulty tolerating a gynecological exam or tampon insertion
- Tailbone pain / difficulty sitting
- Pain during bowel movements
Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction
- Frequent or strong/sudden urge to use restroom
- Urinary or fecal leakage
- Use of restroom during the night
- Chronic constipation
Would you benefit from women’s health physical therapy? Find out!
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned, you may benefit from pelvic floor rehabilitation. Call today to make an appointment for your Complimentary Screening and find out if ATI Women’s Health can help you. You will spend 15 minutes with a specialty-trained therapist to discuss your symptoms and treatment option.
ATI Women’s Health offers Complimentary Screenings at the following locations: