Women’s health is a generally new topic that focuses on women’s health concerns that stem from mental health, reproductive health, self-care and equal access to medical services. Physical Therapy and women’s health go hand in hand for many conditions. In the clinic we treat individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction, breast cancer, urinary leaking/bowel loss beyond control, prenatal and postnatal issues, diastasis recti, and post-mastectomy dysfunctions. It is believed that ¼ of all women experience urinary incontinence which is the loss of urine beyond control. Of the ¼ of women, only 20% seek out professional help. There is a higher prevalence in adolescent female athletes, during pregnancy, postpartum, and in menopause. Due to the intimacy of pelvic health, many women do not get the care that they deserve. Unfortunately, overlooking pelvic floor dysfunction interferes with physical, psychological, and social activities which reduces general health, well-being, and quality of life. There is a documented link between urinary incontinence to social isolation and psychological distress in older women, increased prevalence of major depressive disorder, increased instance of urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, and increases risk for admission into long-term residential care. At PT Plus, urinary incontinence is a condition that is treated daily by our therapists that have extra training in pelvic floor treatment. The most common symptoms that are seen is urinary leaking (including just a few drops) with couching, laughing, jumping, and sneezing as well as having a strong urge when trying to get to the bathroom. Our therapists take an individualized approach at assessing the coordination of the pelvic floor and supportive structures to create a care plan that helps address the root cause of the symptoms. Women deserve to live life longer, healthier, and without urinary incontinence. Reach out to your local women’s health/pelvic floor therapist if you have any concerns or questions. These PT Pro Tips are brought to you by our West Bend Therapist, Jordan Weyker, PT, DPT. Outside of treating individuals, Jordan enjoys watching her Chicago Cubs play the Brewers in her hometown of Chicago or Milwaukee. While at the games or relaxing at home, you might find her snacking on her favorite food: popcorn! She also enjoys traveling, camping, Kayaking, fishing, all in her Jeep Wrangler, which is the only type of vehicle she has ever owned!
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