Back Injuries Arthritis Osteoporosis Fibromyalgia Women's Health Incontinence Pre & Perinatal Massage Therapy
 

Women's health problems

Although women and men suffer similarly from most diseases and medical problems, some health concerns are strictly feminine. Menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are normal aspects of a woman's reproductive life, but they can sometimes contribute to health problems such as:

  • menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
  • back pain during pregnancy
  • pain after Cesarean or other surgery
  • pelvic weakness

Some health problems affect women in far greater numbers than men, including:

  • incontinence (loss of bladder control)
  • osteoporosis (weakened bones)
  • TMJ
  • fibromyalgia
Our grandmothers had few remedies for what they called "female trouble", but advances in medicine mean that today's women can find relief and often cures for their feminine health problems. Talk to your family doctor, obstetrician, gynecologist or physical therapist about your health concerns.

Pregnancy-related problems often helped by physical therapy

Pregnancy and delivery places great demands on a woman's body. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent or relieve many of the problems that pregnant women face.
 

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means porous bones. People with osteoporosis have such fragile bones that even a minor fall can cause a fracture. By age 70, a woman may have lost up to 30% of her bone mass. Aphysical therapist can help a person already diagnosed with osteoporosis continue an active, independent life-style through an exercise program to build strength and maintain a normal range of motion. A specially designed exercise program can increase bone density. Aphysical therapist can also teach ways to handle daily activities with less risk of injury to fragile bones.

Incontinence

Pregnancy and delivery or the reduction of estrogen after menopause sometimes causes a weakness in pelvic muscles, which leads to incontinence, the involuntary release of urine. Many people find relief through physical therapy, including exercises to strengthen the muscles, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, dietary changes and behavioral training.

TMJ & Fibromyalgia

Although neither of these conditions are strictly female health problems, more women than men are diagnosed with fibromyalgia and TMJ. Aphysical therapist can help with stress and pain relief programs that may include exercises, heat, ice, biofeedback, TENS, and ultrasound.

What about the cost?

Your health insurance may cover many or all of our services. Call us so we can confirm your insurance coverage before your first ap­pointment. O'Neill Physical Therapy Services works with many insurance companies including:

  • MDIPA (Mamsi, Optimum Choice, Alliance)
  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Carefirst
  • PHCS
  • PCS
  • Potomac Physicians
  • Medicare
  • Travelers
  • Primary Select
  • Conservicare
  • Aetna
  • Choice Care
  • Beech Street
  • One Health Plan
  • CCN
  • Multiplan
  • Affordable

Back pain

With instruction in proper posture, safe movement and appropriate exercise, a woman can keep her back strong, healthy and pain-free, both during and after pregnancy. A side benefit is that the increased strength gained from exercise often improves a woman's stamina and ability to push during labor. Exercise can also make it easier for a woman to regain her muscle tone after delivery.

A physical therapist can help relieve back pain by teaching good body mechanics (such as proper lifting, pushing and pulling), relaxation techniques, and safe exercises to increase the strength and flexibility of supporting muscles. The physical therapist may also use heat, ice, massage, and joint mobilization. Exercises, joint supports and proper positioning can also relieve the arm and leg tingling related to swelling by strengthening muscles and promoting better circulation.

Pain after Cesarean, episiotomy, or hysterectomy

A physical therapist can teach more comfortable resting positions; better ways to change positions and to carry and care for your newborn; and ways to relieve discomfort from gas distension. Moist heat packs, massage and TENS may also provide pain relief. Scar massage may prevent painful adhesions after a Cesarean. Some women develop painful adhesions in the episiotomy scar. Heat, ultrasound and perineal massage can effectively treat these adhesions.

Menstrual Cramps and Pelvic Pain

Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) is a leading cause of absenteeism from work and school. Women whose menstrual pain is not relieved by over-the-counter medicines are often helped by physical therapy, such as exercise, biofeedback, and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Pelvic pain can also be caused by scar tissue or muscle spasms. Heat, ultrasound and perineal massage can relieve the pain of scar adhesions. Biofeedback, electrical stimulation, myofascial release, and exercises are effective in treating pain caused by muscle spasms.