Women’s Health

Women’s Health Physical Therapy at Saunders Therapy Centers

Are you struggling with a leaky bladder, bloating, painful intercourse, or other pain in the abdomen or pelvis that is limiting your life? Many people don’t realize that physical therapy is an option. The pelvic floor is made of muscles and tendons, and is an integral part of the musculoskeletal system, providing support to your vital organs as well as your back and hips. Too often, issues here go unrecognized during a traditional pelvic exam. Pelvic floor physical therapy involves a full musculoskeletal evaluation to facilitate findings such as internal trigger points, muscular spasm, or weakness. Patients often find a major improvement in quality of life following women’s health PT. At Saunders Therapy Centers, we have trained pelvic health specialists in Bloomington, Saint Paul, and Maple Grove who can help.

A variety of women’s health issues are treated at Saunders Therapy Centers including:

  • Pain during pregnancy
  • Post-partum pain
  • Diastasis Recti
  • Urinary incontinence, urgency or frequency
  • Bowel incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Low back and mid back pain
  • Sacroiliac (SI) pain
  • Sciatica (leg pain)
  • Pain with penetration or intercourse
  • Painful scars or adhesions
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Prolapse
  • Coccyx (tailbone) pain
  • Vestibulitis
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Pain from endometriosis
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Sexual health

What To Expect At Physical Therapy

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: Our therapist will complete a thorough exam in order to establish a plan of care that both you and your therapist agree will help you reach your goals.Your exam will include an assessment of your posture, muscle flexibility and strength, pelvic and lumbar symmetry, and a pelvic floor muscle exam if appropriate.

Treatment:  Your individual plan of care may include hands-on techniques to restore pelvic and lumbar symmetry, reduce muscle tension, increase flexibility, improve joint mobility, and address scar tissue. Functional re-training assists with restoring posture and body mechanics, correct faulty movement patterns, and train coordination of abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Exercises build strength, improve flexibility, improve relaxation for the pelvic floor muscles, and improve bowel and bladder habits. Some modalities may be incorporated including biofeedback to assist with exercises or relaxation training.