Women's Health Services

Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc., has developed specialized treatment programs to address the physical issues of women associated with pregnancy (pre- and post- partum), osteoporosis, and mastectomy rehabilitation. These programs emphasize self-management by teaching patients specific strategies to reduce their symptoms and improve their functional abilities. The physical therapists who direct these programs have been specially trained in these areas and remain current with the latest treatment advances. Additionally, the skills of a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) are available at our offices.

Incontinence & Pelvic Pain Treatment Program
Aging, pregnancy, childbirth, chronic constipation or pelvic pain set the stage for a variety of problems affecting the quality of life for women of all ages. Women's health is a specialized area of physical therapy designed to benefit women with conditions like these.

Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to help individuals suffering from incontinence and pelvic pain disorders related to muscle dysfunction or imbalance.

Those benefiting include patients presenting with:

• Stress or urge incontinence
• Women with pregnancy or post-partum related problems
• Post surgical including hysterectomy, bladder, or abdominal surgery
• High impact sports athletes
• Post hysterectomy
• Pelvic pain

Strong pelvic floor muscles are the key to controlling incontinence and pelvic pain. The goal of our treatment program is to teach women to strengthen or relax the involved muscles to eliminate or control their dysfunction.

Obstetrical Therapy Services
During pregnancy, many women suffer from back pain as a result of the mechanical stress on the back from weight gain and the loosening of ligaments. Physical therapy effectively treats mid-back, low-back and sacroiliac pain occurring during pregnancy.

Treatments include:

Pre-Partum

• Positioning and postural instruction
• Pain relief by massage and heat/ice
• Individualized exercise programs
• Body mechanic techniques (lifting/carrying, etc.)
• Belts or supports
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction correction

Post-Partum

• Alleviation of muscle spasms/trigger points
• Diastases recti exercises to promote correction and avoid further separation
• Abdominal and lumbar reconditioning exercises
• Pelvic floor exercises to encourage return of muscles to their supportive role

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is treated with weight bearing, isotonic and aerobic exercises during and after menopause. Each patient will receive an individualized program to include:

• Education regarding activities of daily living, posture, positioning
• Exercise to prevent loss of range of motion and improve strength and endurance
• Weight bearing exercises to maintain/increase bone density

Post Mastectomy
Post mastectomy patients can benefit from physical therapy to treat conditions which may occur after surgery, including pain, edema, loss of range of motion, weakness of the arm muscles and peripheral nerve damage. Our program includes:

• Scar tissue desensitization and softening
• Range of motion exercises
• Strengthening exercises

Lymphedema Controls
Pain, parenthesis, weakness, decreased range of motion and loss of function can all result from untreated Lymphedema. Our Lymphedema treatment program includes:

• Manual Lymph drainage exercises and techniques
• Compression garment fittings
• Education including instructions in appropriate activities and "Do's & Don'ts"

Tidewater Physical Therapy, Inc. provides status reports to the referring physician to communicate the patient's progress throughout the treatment process.

Our programs emphasize self-management by teaching patients specific strategies to reduce their symptoms and improve their functional abilities.

Click here for a list of locations that offer the Women's Health Care Issues Treatment Program