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WHAT DO PELVIC DISORDERS REFER TO?
- Pelvic floor dysfunction in women and men
- Pelvic organ prolapse-conditions that affect the pelvis, the boney structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organ
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – not treated at Baltimore Holistic Physical Therapy
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN BALTIMORE HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY ADDRESS WITH PELVIC DISORDERS?
- Bladder dysfunction – Urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence
- Bowel dysfunction – rectal disorders, constipation
- Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Scar adhesions
WHAT IS PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION?
- Pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and connective tissues should all work together, automatically, to support the pelvic organs and assist in bladder and bowel control.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability of the internal and external muscles of the pelvis to coordinate contraction and relaxation correctly, resulting in bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PELVIC STRUCTURES?
- The tissues within the pelvic girdle are attached to the pelvis, sacrum and coccyx (tailbone).
- They help support and stabilize the urinary and reproductive tracts. This includes the vagina, uterus, prostate, bladder, urethra, and rectum.
- The relationship of internal pelvic organs to the boney structures promotes the proper function of pelvic organs, including sexual and voiding functions, together with posture and breathing.
- If pelvic muscles fail to work as they should, pain and other symptoms may interfere with normal functioning.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PELVIC STRUCTURES AND THE REST OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS (VISCERA)?
- The body’s internal organs are situated from the chest down to the pelvic girdle.
- Each cavity of the organs has a pressure which must be maintained in order for all of the organs to function properly – thoracic (-), abdominal (+) and pelvic (-).
- Abdominal pressure changes, including weak core muscles, may affect pelvic pressures, leading to dysfunction.
- Thoracic pressure changes, including coughing, sneezing, may change the pressure in the pelvic cavity and cause dysfunction.
- It’s all connected.
- In addition, each internal organ may affect the others in which they lie close to, having an eventual ripple effect throughout the systems.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT APPROACH AT BALTIMORE HOLISTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY?
- A thorough history and hands-on assessment will begin the process.
- To help manage your dysfunctions, manipulation of the organs and soft tissue (muscles, ligaments and fascia) are treated from outside the body with visceral manipulation techniques, and other manual therapies.
- The boney structure and other structures can be treated externally, to help manipulate the organs and the pelvic floor, promoting proper functioning.
- Instruction in a strengthening program will address any weakened core and lower extremity muscles.
- Instruction in pelvic floor exercises including stretching, strengthening the appropriate muscles and coordination of breathing.
What Our Patients Have To Say
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A: Firstly, I don’t believe in doing what didn’t work before. Many physical therapy practices approach a problem by going to the painful region. Oftentimes, this is a very temporary fix. By taking a holistic, hands-on approach, I understand that your pain may be coming from another part of the body, or even have multiple sources, including posture. By individualizing your treatment, I concentrate on healing and re-balancing the body, to manage your pain and lessen the chance of it returning. Then, I teach you how to manage your posture and movement.
A: Treatments for headaches or other pain from a recent problem will generally benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first 2 weeks, then 1 session per week. Older conditions will benefit from 2 treatment sessions for the first week and then 1 session per week. Wellness sessions to rebalance and optimize the body for healthy aging range from a single session every month to once every six months and will be recommended on an individual basis.
A: An initial evaluation will take 1 hour. (Scar adhesion or sinus treatments only require 45 minutes.) Most follow-up treatments will be done in 30 minute sessions; multiple body areas may require 45 minutes
A: Any heavy exercise or recreational program should be done prior to the physical therapy or wellness session and then not for 24 hours after, in order for the body to adjust itself to the changes in muscle balance.
A: I will teach you techniques to perform on yourself if there is a flare-up and instruct you on proper body mechanics and ergonomics.
A: It is a facial aesthetics program of wrinkle reduction and facial rejuvenation using hands-on physical therapy and osteopathic techniques which may reduce the signs of aging in the face and neck. A FREE HEALTHY AGING CONSULTATION is available. See Refacée®
A: Wellness programs for healthy aging are not covered by most insurances, but may be reimbursable through a Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). A written bill and receipt will be provided upon your request. Although I do not participate in or bill insurance directly, I will provide a bill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement, upon request. As there are many types of insurance plans with each provider, it is your responsibility to understand the terms of your insurance. *Those with Medicare Part B insurance from CMS will only be allowed to be part of the Healthy Aging program, NOT for physical therapy treatment. Please see Payment Terms and Policies.
A: Appointments may be made in the following ways: Please call 410-665-3223 Email: Dr.Susan@baltimoreholisticpt.com
