Urinary Incontinence/Bowel Incontinence
Incontinence is described as any loss of bladder or bowel control which affects the ability to control when and where urination or bowel movements occur.  The most common contributing factor to incontinence is weakness of the pelvic floor muscles.  This may result in a loss of muscular support for the bladder, uterus or rectum. 

Freedom Physical Therapy offers several interventions proven to successfully treat urinary incontinence without drugs or surgery.  Treatment is private, confidential and covered by Medicare and most private insurances with a doctor’s referral.

• Stress Incontinence – A small amount of urine leaked by every day activities like coughing, sneezing and laughing
• Urge Incontinence – The urge to urinate comes on so suddenly that it is often impossible to reach a toilet in time impossible to reach a toilet in time
• Overflow Incontinence – The bladder is over stretched, causing it to release small amounts of urine frequently
• Reflex Incontinence – The absence of bladder control due to impaired nerve function

• Infections
• Pregnancy/Childbirth
• Pelvic area surgery
• Obesity
• Chronic conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s and Diabetes
• Certain foods and beverages
• Medications

• Pelvic Muscle Exercise
• Bladder training
• Electrical stimulation
• Biofeedback
• Vaginal weights
• Diet and behavior modification

Pregnancy,  High Risk Conditions, Post–Partum Health and Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a time of significant change in a woman’s body.  Not only are women more susceptible to injury during pregnancy, but also, related orthopedic problems may persist or begin following pregnancy.  Freedom Physical Therapy offers prenatal massage therapy, prenatal and post–partum exercise classes and treatment for many of the common orthopedic problems that can occur during pregnancy as well as post–partum.  Maternity supports, manual therapy, strengthening / retraining techniques, and preparatory exercise for labor and delivery are typical treatments.

High Risk Conditions
For a woman in a high–risk pregnancy, bed rest is often necessary.  After considering medical restrictions, our physical therapists will design an individual program of exercises and positioning as well as relaxation training. 

Post–Partum Health
Freedom Physical Therapy Services is proud to offer specialized care for new mothers.  Our services include two post–partum classes directed at recovery and retraining of the core.  “Restore the Core” is a class for women who are at least 6 weeks post partum.  Exercises isolate core muscles to help a mother return to normal movement patterns.  “Postpartum Pilates” is a great follow–up class to “Restore the Core” and aims to improve pelvic floor and transverse abdominal strength through the Pilates Method.

Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is bodywork which focuses on the dramatic changes of your childbearing experience from gestation, birth and postpartum care.  A woman who receives massage therapy during her pregnancy often reports feeling more emotionally balanced, and completely ready to deliver her baby.  She also experiences a heightened sense of body awareness which enables her to detect the subtle and dramatic changes that occur at each trimester.  This awareness gives a woman a powerful sense of control which is very comforting during this time of great change.

• Reduced possibility of swelling and varicose veins
• Alleviate neck and back pain
• Provide tranquil relaxation
• Relieve stress on weight–bearing joints (ankles, low back, pelvis)
• Provide emotional support through nurturing touch
• Relieve muscles spasms, cramps and myofascial pain
• Increase blood and lymph circulation
• Deeper and easier breathing
• Teach nurturing touch for you to use on your baby

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor muscle tension or pain in the pelvic floor region (the supporting hammock for the bladder, uterus, and rectum) can be caused by muscle, joint, or nerve problems.  This may result in pain during intercourse, difficulty sitting or hip and lower abdominal pain.  Treatment includes pelvic floor muscle training, manual therapy, and biofeedback.

Commonly Treated Pelvic Floor Diagnoses

• Pelvic/Abdominal Pain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Vulvodynia
• Vaginismus
• Pudendal Neuralgia
• Coccygodynia
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Female Sexual Dysfunction/Pain
• Endometriosis Pain
• Pre–natal/Post–partum Conditions

• Prostatitis/Post Prostatectomy
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Urinary/Fecal Incontinence
• Overactive Bladder
• Pudendal Neuralgia
• Coccygodynia
• Pelvic/Abdominal Pain

• Bedwetting
• Pelvic/Abdominal Pain
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Urinary/Fecal Incontinence
• Chronic Constipation

Women’s Health Class Schedule

Womens Health Monthly Educational Courses
Wednesdays 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Taught by Nina Olson, DPT, Lisa VanderBloomer, PT or Diane Ping, MPT

Classes are taught on 6 or 8 week cycles.  Please call our Fox Point location at
414–352–2082 for the next start date!

*All classes need to have at least 3 people registered for class.