Women's Health
Due to the increased emphasis on issues specific to women's health, women of today pay much closer attention to their bodies during recreation, work, and daily activities throughout their life. Our Women's Health Physical Therapist have specialized training that will benefit women with a variety of medical conditions were every facet oftraining is used to evaluate and provide intervention for female clients, promoting and enhancing health through theyears. All treatments are designed for each individual client after a thorough evaluation.
Pregnancy & Post-Partum Care
Pregnant women may suffer from pain due to changes in posture, weight, or hormonal factors. These conditions may make the pregnant woman more susceptible to injuries during pregnancy and related orthopedic problems may persist or begin after pregnancy as well.
How can Physical Therapy help?
Techniques used and known to assist in pain and discomfort include:
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization
- Exercise
- Education
- Bracing/support
- Biofeedback
- Modalities (post-partum)
A referral to a Physical Therapist would be appropriate for women with:
- Low back pain
- Pelvic/Hip pain
- Upper Back and Neck pain/Headaches
- Shoulder/arm pain and tingling
- Incontinence
- Pain associated with scars (episiotomy or Cesarean section)
- Leg/foot pain, weakness, and/or swelling
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Thoracic Outlet syndrome
- Pain with intercourse
- Musculoskeletal issues related to bed rest
- Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)
- Prolapse
- Coccydynia
Physical Therapists can also help assist women who may not be experiencing pain in pregnancy or post-partum. These services may include:
- Prenatal and post-partum exercise
- Posture and body mechanics
- Pelvic floor exercises/education
Make an appointment today - start feeling better tomorrow!
Ask your physician for a referral and call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Pelvic Floor tension/pain
Pain the in the muscles of the bladder, uterus, and rectum cam be caused by several factors that can include muscle, joint, and nerve problems. Women with this condition may have pain with sitting, during intercourse, hips or lower abdomen. Pelvic pain can occur at any time in a woman's life significantly causing distress and affecting quality of life.
Conditions appropriate for referral includes
Pain with:
- Intercourse or other sexual activities
- Tampon use
- Pelvic exams
- In the groin/buttock, low back, hip or sacroiliac, abdomen
- In the lower extremity that include shooting, burning, or tingling
Difficulty with:
- Normal activities such as sitting, standing, or walking
- Recreational activities
- Urinary urgency, frequency, or retention
- Chronic constipation or difficulty passing a bowel movement
Physical therapy treatment may include pelvic floor relaxation training, manual therapy, and biofeedback.
Incontinence
Incontinence is involuntary loss of urine or stool resulting from loss of pelvic muscular support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum. This condition includes stress, urgency, or mixed incontinence. Physical therapy treatment involves the rehabilitation of the pelvic muscles and education on lifestyle changes to empower the client and return to activities of daily living.
Causes of Incontinence include:
- Injury or trauma
- Surgery in the vagina or rectum
- Lack of exercise and use
Other conditions that our Women's Health Specialist can assist with:
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Dysmenorrhea
- Other musculoskeletal dysfunctions due to sport or recreational activities
Directors of Women's Health
Felicity Rice
Doctor Of Physical Therapy, USC 2003
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS), (APTA)
Dr. Rice is a 2003 University of Southern California graduate from the Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, Board Licensed and is an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist. She has also finished Level 1 and 2 of the Section on Women's Health of the APTA's CAPP-Pelvic Program.
