Women have unique challenges and symptoms when it comes to "female"
pain and discomfort. The staff of Infirmary Therapy Services has a special
interest in women's health, and many have advanced training, making them
experts in their field. A specially-trained therapist can address those
needs and help women restore their normal functions and ease pain and
discomfort. Infirmary Therapy Services includes specially designed therapies
to address the following women's health issues.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the accidental leakage of urine. It can happen
when you cough or sneeze or have a sudden urge to go to the bathroom but
can't get there in time. These bladder control problems are very common
in women and can occur at any time.
Urge Urinary Incontinence Urge urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control associated with
urgent, uncontrollable need to pee. Often resulting in increased frequency
to pee during day and night. People with urge incontinence leak on the
way to the bathroom. This can be associated with an overactive bladder.
Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Pelvic pain can be associated with prolonged sitting, painful intercourse,
urination, bowel movements or gynecological examinations. It may include
pain in the abdomen, lower back or buttocks. Causes may vary, but can
include spasms or weakness of muscles, scar tissue, joint dysfunction
or nerve infringement. A thorough assessment by your physician can help
determine if physical therapy is necessary. Some diagnosis associated
with pelvic pain syndrome are interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, dyspareunia,
vaginismus and pudendal neuralgia.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Physical therapy is a first-line treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. Physical
therapy will address muscle dysfunction, pain and difficulties with bladder
and bowel function.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the
arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes
are missing, impaired, damaged or removed.
In women, this is most common in the upper limbs after breast cancer surgery
and lymph node dissection. It may also occur in the lower limbs or groin
after surgery or radiation for ovarian or uterine cancer.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis refers to a decrease in bone density which is caused by a
loss of calcium from bones. This disorder causes the bones to become weak
and prone to fractures. Physical therapists are trained to help you control
pain, instruct you in ways to perform your activities of daily living
to prevent back injury and address posture and balance to help prevent
falls and fractures in the future.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain
in the muscles, poor sleep patterns and fatigue. This condition can affect
one's ability to perform normal daily activities. Fibromyalgia is more
common in women than men.
Musculoskeletal Dysfunctions
Musculoskeletal dysfunctions can occur at any age but can become more problematic
during and immediately after pregnancy. Symptoms may include lower back
or pelvic pain, thoracic and rib cage pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, sacroiliac
joint dysfunction and pelvic ring dysfunction.
Mastectomy Rehabilitation
Recovery from breast surgery can be difficult. We can help you recover
safely and quickly. We will provide you with a post-mastectomy rehabilitation
program with a focus on decreasing pain, increasing strength and endurance,
controlling lymphedema and increasing motion in your shoulder to help
you return to your normal daily activities.
Treatment Techniques
We provide treatment techniques tailored to meet each woman's individual
needs. Services include:
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is the use of electrical current to facilitate muscle
contractions. It can help control urinary incontinence and manage pain.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a training tool used to monitor muscle movements. This tool
allows our staff to utilize electrodes that pick up the electrical energy
that your muscles produce during a contraction.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a treatment option that uses sound waves to decrease pain
and muscle spasms and increase the circulation.
TENS uses an electric current to decrease pair This small unit can be worn
in public or at home and is generally used in chronic pain situations.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercises are specific individualized exercises prescribed
by your Physical Therapist after a thorough evaluation. These can improve
posture, balance, strength, functional deficits, spasms and pain.
Aquatics
The use of a pool to perform therapeutic exercises may be beneficial for
a variety of problems. The pool provides support and resistance to joints,
often allowing movements that might be difficult on land.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy consists of hands on techniques to address pelvic, spinal
extremity dysfunction or asymmetries, muscle spasms or trigger point sensitivity
and soft tissue mobilization.
To schedule an appointment, you must have a physician referral. Infirmary
Therapy Services is available at multiple locations in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us in Mobile County,
251-435-4876 or Baldwin County,
251-279-4872
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