Our rehabilitation team has special expertise in treating a variety of women’s health issues including osteoporosis, lymphedema, incontinence, and post-partum concerns.
Osteoporosis Physical Therapy
Our osteoporosis physical therapy program combines flexibility and strengthening exercises, risk evaluation, and education to provide you with tools to improve balance and prevent falls, and restore posture and strength.
Lymphedema Physical Therapy
Lymphedema, a collection of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling (edema) in the arms and legs, can lead to a range of problems. Therapists with specialized training in lymphedema, provide non-invasive, gentle and effective treatment designed to reduce and maintain the size of the swollen extremity. The program includes:
- Manual lymphatic drainage: gentle massage technique to reroute the lymph fluid and encourage drainage
- Compression: short stretch bandaging and/or garments to increase pressure to reduce swelling and maintain the size of the limb
- Skin care: hygiene to decrease the possibility of infections
- Exercise: specific movements performed with wearing compression bandages to increase muscle tone and lymph return
Most importantly, our therapists educate you about all aspects of lymphedema management, so you can continue to improve at home and keep your lymphedema under control.
What to Expect
The initial evaluation and subsequent treatments may take up to one hour. A typical course of treatment includes three to five weekly sessions for four to six weeks. In general, the earlier the treatment is started, the shorter its duration.
A physician referral is required. Check with your insurance carrier to be certain your treatments will be covered. In many cases HMOs will require some form of pre-certification.
Prenatal/Postpartum Physical Therapy
Although pain in pregnancy is common, some women continue to have long-lasting effects, like muscle and joint pain, after childbirth. Studies show that 60 to 70 percent of pregnant women experience low back pain, and up to 20 percent report carpal tunnel syndrome. A physical therapist with specialized training in women’s health issues can help you manage musculoskeletal conditions during and after pregnancy.
Urinary Incontinence
Our incontinence program is a behavioral therapy program designed to help individuals overcome incontinence through physical therapy techniques.
Program Components:
- Kegel Exercises: specially designed movements to strengthen or retrain pelvic floor and sphincter muscles.
- Education on bladder and pelvic floor function
- Biofeedback: electrodes on the pelvic floor muscles stomach help therapists determine if the right muscles are contracting during Kegel exercises.
- Electrical stimulation to the muscles in the lower pelvis can strengthen the muscles that control bladder emptying