Physical Therapy

There is a specialized area of physical therapy, women’s health, that addresses the lifelong health of a woman’s musculoskeletal system, including the pelvic floor. Our comprehensive Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Incontinence Treatment program is an integral part of MultiCare Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery. This physical therapy program addresses the underlying musculoskeletal origin of pelvic floor dysfunction. Many patients can benefit from this non-surgical approach.

Physical therapy can address many pelvic disorders, including:

• Stress Incontinence: Leakage of small amounts of urine during physical movement (coughing, sneezing, and exercising).
• Urge Incontinence: Leakage of large amounts of urine at unexpected times, including during sleep
• Overflow Incontinence: Unexpected leakage of small amounts of urine because of a full bladder
• Overactive Bladder: Urinary frequency and urgency, with or without urge incontinence
• Functional Incontinence: Untimely urination because of physical disability, external obstacles, or problems in thinking or communicating that prevent a person from reaching a toilet.
• Vulvodynia: Chronic vulvar pain
• Low Back Pain
• Pregnancy/Postpartum Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Menstrual Pain
• Painful Intercourse
• Endometriosis

Treatment is specialized and focused on each patient’s particular needs and can include various specialized techniques:

• Behavioral remedies to include bladder retraining and kegel exercises
• Exercise instruction to address pelvic floor, hip and abdominal weakness
• Biofeedback to improve patient awareness of correct muscle use – using measuring devices to help a person become more aware of body function.
• Education in relaxation and proper breathing
• Pain management techniques

Call 253-301-5120 to schedule an evaluation.