Women First Rehabilitation No More Silent Suffering Improve Pelvic Health By Cyndi Braun For weeks, months, sometimes years, many people suffer silently with something they are embarrassed to talk about pelvic floor dysfunction, or PFD. With PFD, some people have problems controlling their bladder and/or bowels. They might have pain in the pelvic muscles, low back, reproductive organs, intestines and/or urinary tract. PFD is common, but should not be considered normal. In fact, research shows that nearly half of all women experience some type of PFD in the form of incontinence, organ prolapse or chronic pelvic pain. Although more common in women, men and children can have PFD as well. Established in Woodstock over 10 years ago, Women First Rehabilitation helps patients with PFD through conservative, evidence-based treatments that are so unique that only 30 practitioners in Georgia are trained to provide this sort of specialized physical therapy. In fact, clinic owner Dr. Sara Bolden is one of five specialists in GA with a board-certification as a womens health clinical specialist in this field. Gynecologists look at reproductive function. Urologists look at the urinary tract. We look at the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to the individuals complaints, said Dr. Bolden. Womens health physical therapists have advanced training to help patients suffering with pelvic pain/vulvodynia/vaginismus, interstitial cystitis, urinary and fecal incontinence, organ prolapse, overactive bladder, constipation/IBS, pregnancy/post-partum issues, pain during intercourse and more. At Women First Rehabilitation, we take a more holistic approach than traditionally-trained therapists. We utilize our expertise in the musculoskeletal system and womens health, and combine it with our advanced knowledge in functional medicine to offer patients a comprehensive, wellness treatment plan, so patients can achieve lasting results, said Dr. Bolden. The providers at Women First Rehabilitation block off one full hour in their schedule for each new patient. During the evaluation, the specialist carefully captures symptoms, pain location(s), medical history, diet and/or specific lifestyles. A detailed examination, which often includes an internal pelvic muscle exam, helps determine an individualized treatment plan for every patient. Treatments vary based on the patients unique needs, Dr. Bolden explained. Some patients may require manual therapy to release muscular trigger points, myofascial tension or adhesions from scars. Others may need biofeedback, which helps re-educate muscles to support or release at the appropriate times. She added, We also use certain exercises, diet plans and non-pharmaceutical techniques to help individuals reach their optimal health goals. In addition to in-office treatments, the specialists at Women First Rehabilitation teach patients how to continue care at home by way of home exercise programs, which may include certain stretching exercises, a diet plan, specific breathing techniques, pain management interventions, yoga, etc. At Women First Rehabilitation, providers always stay in contact with referring physicians to ensure continuity of care between the different medical specialties as well as work in unity with other healthcare providers, so patients maximize their overall health potential. Most people want a quick fix and pop a pill, but thats not always a viable option or the right solution, said Dr. Bolden. Surgery might seem like a quick fix, too, but be careful to understand all the facts before making a decision. Many individuals benefit greatly from trying conservative measures, like pelvic rehabilitation, prior to surgery. Dr. Bolden added that some surgeries are necessary. Even in those cases, pelvic physical therapy can significantly improve surgical outcome and shorten post-op recovery time. Pelvic physical therapy is complementary, not competitive, to the care patients receive from their medical doctors, stated Dr. Bolden. Its important that patients receive a multi-disciplinary approach with their medical problems throughout their entire life. Women can be very complex and sometimes get overlooked medically. Many suffer silently with PFD symptoms. Some try medications and surgery then come to us as their last resort when things dont go as desired, said Dr. Bolden. Some have suffered so long that theyre emotionally distressed. But we can still help! There are many tools, treatments and strategies we can utilize to improve a patients situation and their quality of life. Women First Rehabilition280 Heritage WalkWoodstock, GA 30188770-485-7411WomenFirstRehab.comOffice hours are 8:00 am-2:00 pm,Monday through Friday, with evening hours on Mondays.
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