Did you know that a physical therapist in Torrington, WY can help you treat various women’s health issues? In addition to working with your doctor, physical therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve the way you feel. Learn about the top three issues, osteoporosis, pelvic floor pain, and incontinence, and how a physical therapist can help.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones become porous and denser, increasing the possibility for fractures. While this disease can occur in men, it is most common in women. It is often noticed in women going through menopause, or post-menopausal, but can happen for some even in their 20s. Estrogen often keeps bones strong, so when the amount of estrogen declines, so can bone production. Osteoporosis can be a condition on its own, or it can be a symptom of another disease. It is common amongst smaller women, who do not exercise, and may have poor nutrition. It’s also linked to smoking and alcohol consumption. A physical therapist can assist by using a variety of treatments, such as spine exercises, helping you learn exercises you can do on your own, or manual therapy. They may also use myofascial release techniques, which is when a physical therapist applies pressure to connective tissue.

Pelvic Floor Pain

Women may experience pain in their pelvic floor for a variety of reasons. It can be from a variety of areas, such as your reproductive system, as well as urinary or digestive. You may notice an issue after experiencing incontinence, issues making it to the bathroom, an overactive bladder, or other accidental symptoms. Other women experience a heavy feeling in their pelvic area, while others may also feel pain during sex. It happens when there is a change in the pelvic muscles—typically when they tighten. A key way to work on this is by strengthening them. A physical therapist can use manual therapy and myofascial release techniques. They will also teach you exercises to do on your own to help you strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Incontinence

Each year, millions of women experience urinary and fecal incontinence. This can occur from a normal, every day action, such as walking, coughing, or sneezing, that leads you to have a leak. Similar to pelvic floor pain, this occurs when the muscles in the urinary track become weak. It’s common in women that have given birth, but can happen in other instances too. For example, certain food and beverages can lead to a stimulated bladder, as well as urinary tract infections, aging, menopause, hysterectomy, obstruction, or disease. Since the causes are so vast, you can learn more about urinary incontinence from the Mayo Clinic. Treatments are similar to pelvic floor pain—all to help you improve your symptoms and regain strength in the area.

To help you with any of your women’s health issues, North Platte Physical Therapy has a team of experts ready to help. Through very specialized techniques, our staff will help you improve and possible alleviate symptoms and provide you relief. It is important to know you aren’t alone and there are things you can do. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.