What is a Woman’s Health Physical Therapist?
Woman’s Health Physical Therapists are musculoskeletal experts that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the pelvic region including the pelvis, sacrum, sacroiliac joints, coccyx, as well as, the vulva, vagina and colorectal regions. At One Accord Physical Therapy, our resident expert is also a highly sought out spine expert, and with a high percentage of pelvic floor pain and dysfunction linked to the spine, this means you will receive the most comprehensive approach to care available in Arizona.
What does a Woman’s Health Physical Therapist Treat?
A Woman’s Health Physical Therapist has advanced post-graduate training in the management of a wide array of pelvic floor dysfunctions and pelvic pain conditions as they pertain to females.
The following conditions can be successfully managed by our One Accord Woman’s Health Specialist:
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: This may include pelvic organ prolapse and bladder dysfunctions including frequency, urgency, retention and/or incomplete emptying issues.
- Incontinence: Including urinary stress, urge, mixed, or overflow incontinence.
- Pelvic Pain: Including vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, dyspareunia, vaginismus, coccydynia, levator ani syndrome, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and painful defecation.
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Care: Including obstetrical low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, pubis symphysis, sciatica, and diastasis recti.
- Pre-Post Surgical Care: Including care related to hysterectomy, cesarean, episiotomy, sling procedure, prolapse repair, and radiation therapy.
- Low back and/or hip pain secondary to pelvic floor dysfunction or pain.
What are the different types of treatments a Woman’s Health Physical Therapist may use?
These are a few examples of the specialized interventions that may be part of your comprehensive treatment plan:
- Patient education: You'll learn exactly what’s wrong, how long it is going to take to get better, and what you can do at home to help your recovery.
- Prescriptive exercises: These are designed for your specific presentation so your relief is long-lasting and self-managed.
- Functional training: Programs designed and tailored specifically so you can enjoy the activities that are important to you and your quality of life.
- Soft tissue mobilization: Used to relieve muscle tension and treat adhesions caused by scar tissue, swelling, trauma, and spasms.
- Joint mobilization: Utilized to loosen restricted joints and increase the range of motion.
- Spinal manipulation techniques: Utilized to restore joint motion, relax muscles, and relieve pain.
- Breathing/relaxation training: Prescribed to restore optimal coordination and activation of the pelvic floor musculature.
- Dry needling: An advanced therapeutic modality that is effective in treating soft-tissue injuries and aiding in the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
- Biofeedback training: Used to help bring body awareness and control to help speed up your recovery.
What can you expect during your initial evaluation with a Woman’s Health Physical Therapist?
Your first visit with our pelvic floor specialist begins with a thorough initial examination designed to uncover the specific causes of your symptoms. During your initial evaluation, your therapist will answer all of your questions, as well as, ask you questions regarding your symptoms and how they have affected your quality of life. Your expert will utilize special tests to assess the mobility, strength, and control of your low back, hips, pelvis and pelvic floor to uncover exactly what is wrong, and what will help your recovery. After your evaluation, together you and your therapist will come up with a plan of care that will meet your needs and put you on the road to recovery.
Do I need to have my pelvic floor muscles examined internally?
We get it, the thought of having a stranger performing an internal pelvic floor exam can be a little worrisome and uncomfortable. We guarantee that your therapist will professionally educate you thoroughly and help you answer all your questions so that you feel comfortable pursuing the best care possible. Internal pelvic floor examinations give your therapist the specific information needed so your treatment and prescribed exercises are specific to your unique needs and situation. We will always honor your personal level of comfort and you may decline or defer any therapeutic or evaluative interventions at any time.
Will a pelvic floor assessment hurt?
It depends, this muscle check might cause a little discomfort (both mentally AND physically), but we can assure you, our examination is MUCH more gentle than your annual OB-GYN visit. The exam will be performed in a comfortable quiet room and doesn’t require the use of instruments or stirrups. You will be fully educated on the purpose and procedures of the exam, and all of your questions will be answered. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please share them with your physical therapist.
Our goal is to get you out of pain, to get you active and to keep you active and back to enjoying your life WITHOUT drugs or surgery.
What makes One Accord Woman’s Health Physical Therapist different
Our resident expert Dr. Britnie Horsnby’s post-graduate education and training in advanced spine care and women’s health makes for one of the most comprehensive care approaches available in Arizona. Furthermore, because consistency is key you will see her, one-on-one, for all of your women’s health visits. Dr. Hornsby will partner with you in the recovery process, so you'll always have a plan, you always have answers, and you won’t get lost in the medical system.
Dr. Hornsby is a mom herself and can identify with the limitations and frustrations that come with pelvic floor dysfunction and pain, and with a history of being a collegiate athlete, she also understands the desire to be a physically active mom and wife. Dr. Hornsby uses her past experiences, expertise, and passion to help women become active and stay active without fear of being limited by women's health issues.
Pelvic floor dysfunctions, although often not talked about, are very common and are very treatable. You are not alone, and we would be honored to be a part of your story and recovery.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Britnie Hornsby, call One Accord Physical Therapy now at 855-331-7522.
