WOMEN’S HEALTH

(Pelvic HeaWomen’s Health, or Pelvic Health, refers to therapy specific to addressing concerns in the pelvic region. Our trained clinicians can address:

• Pelvic pain (including painful intercourse)
• Weakness
• Incontinence
• Sensation impairments
• Functional limitations from the above

How do I know if this is right for me?

• If you have concerns with any of the items listed above, talk to your gynecologist, obstetrician, or primary care provider about the possible benefits of Pelvic Health therapy.
• Call our office and ask to speak with one of the occupational therapy staff members regarding the Women’s Health program.

What do I expect?

• The therapist will maintain your comfort levels, always. 
• The therapist will first discuss your concerns and what you may have already done to address those concerns. 
• Open dialogue is important—this includes sensitive topics such as urination, bowel movements, continence, intercourse, and sensation. Being open with your occupational therapist is important, and ensures that you will get a customized treatment to help you.
• Hands-on: to tailor your therapy to your specific concerns, the therapist may need to feel the areas of concern. This allows the clinician to identify muscle limitations, scarring, and adhesions. The therapist will request permission to perform an external assessment, and if needed and comfortable may require an internal assessment as well. 

How do I prepare for my first visit?

• If possible, write down your concerns prior to having your first visit. This reduces the stress on you, and helps to make all your needs known quickly. You may choose to provide a copy to the clinician.
• If possible, write down what makes your symptoms occur or worsen. 
• As best as possible, take note of exactly where any pain is located and if/where any sensation impairments are. This may be helpful, especially in the case of limited hands-on assessment.

What if I don’t feel comfortable with an internal exam?

• Be honest, and let your therapist know. The clinician can still help, but you may be required to provide additional insight to the therapist regarding those aspects of your body that they aren’t assessing.

What do I wear?

• We want you comfortable—wear light clothing that can allow the therapist to perform an adequate external assessment. 
• Try to avoid items with zippers, as they may prevent the identification of scarring/adhesions directly under that area.

Where will this occur?

• Our therapists come to your home. With this model of therapy, you are in control of where your therapy occurs.
• Most individuals choose their bedroom or living room, depending on their situation and their needs.
• Depending on your case, you may be asked to lay down on a portable therapy table or on your couch/bed. 

My c-section was years ago, but my scar still hurts—could this help?

• Yes! Many women develop deep scars after their surgical deliveries. This can be worsened by repeated surgeries using the same incision site, as when correcting a hernia through the same scar. The occupational therapist is trained on relieving the painful restrictions and will train you to continue the process.