Pelvic Health

In Sheridan, Wyoming

Did you know physical therapy can reduce or eliminate pain, prevent surgery, and eliminate the need for medication in patients with pelvic pain, incontinence, and pregnancy or post-partum issues?

Our PTs are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of all persons suffering from pelvic pain or dysfunction. Symptoms can include:

• Pain during or after intercourse, tampon use, or speculum exam
• Genital, abdominal, or rectal pain
• Burning, itching, or irritation through the vagina or perineum
• Feeling of "heaviness" or "fullness" through the pelvis
• Tailbone pain
• Urinary or fecal urgency, frequency,
• hesitancy, or leakage
• Unusual urinary stream
• Pain with sitting, standing or exercise

• Pelvic organ prolapse

There is often a struggle in the standard medical field to find the cause of the problems, as a patient's pelvic pain may be related to neural or musculoskeletal issues. Our physical therapists can identify these issues and work with you to build an individual rehabilitation program to help you overcome pelvic pain.

We address these symptoms with a physical therapy program designed exactly for you in a comforting, judgment-free environment. No person of any age should continue suffering from pelvic pain when relief is available. Don't suffer when you don't have to.

Obstetrical Dysfunction

Pregnant or post-partum women often suffer from pain in the back, shoulder blades, wrists, groin area, and postural changes that may arise during pregnancy or after delivery. High Risk pregnancies often require bed rest. Physical therapy treatments are individually prescribed and may include gentle exercise, position and relaxation training, manual therapy, and postural retraining. Education for strengthening and endurance are included for after delivery.

Bighorn Therapy offers outpatient care for women that is designed to reduce uncomfortable symptoms related to pregnancy such as:

• Headaches and migraines
• Tingling in the arms or hands
• Back and neck pain
• Hip, groin or leg pain and numbness
• "Stretched out” abdominal muscles that cause belly fat
• Painful intercourse
• Post-delivery abdominal or vaginal pain
• Painful menses as a result of C-section surgery
• Diastasis recti (tearing of the connections between the abdominal muscles)

Incontinence

Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel control resulting in the leakage of urine or stool. One cause may be pelvic floor weakness with subsequent loss of the muscular support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum. Types of urine incontinence may be called stress, urge, or frequency. Typical treatments include electrical stimulation. biofeedback, and exercise with or without vaginal weights.

Symptoms may include:

• Leaking small amounts of urine with laughing, sneezing, running, etc.
• Constant desire to urinate.
• Pain or discomfort with urination.
• Inability to fully empty the bladder.
• Using the bathroom more than 6 to 8 times a day.

Evaluation Includes:

• Complete review of your related medical history and current symptoms.
• Physical exam of your pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination.
• Bladder diary assessment.
• Screening for postural and lower extremity flexibility deficits that may contribute to incontinence.

Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction

Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction is defined as the difficulty with the evacuation, or retention of stool or urine and is often caused by nerve or muscle issues. Our clinicians have the advanced training and skills to evaluate and treat all persons of all ages with concerns of:

• Stress incontinence
• Urge incontinence
• Post void dribble
• Urinary urgency
• Frequency of urination
• Constipation
• Slow bowel motility
• Fecal urgency
• Fecal incontinence
• Fecal smearing
• Incomplete bowel movements
• Pediatric bowel and bladder concern

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual Health is an important part of life and difficulties in this area can lead to feelings of a decreased quality of life. We understand that sexual health may not be a topic that is often brought up in medical care, but we are here to help.

If you are experiencing issues with any of the following we have a team of skilled clinicians that are able to look into the underlying causes of these concerns and We address these symptoms with a physical therapy program designed exactly for you in a comforting, judgment-free environment.

• Pain with penetration
• Pain or difficulty with orgasm

• Pain or difficulty with stimulation
• Mobility deficits

How Does Bighorn Therapy Help?

Bighorn Therapy provides a very soothing and private environment for all pelvic health patients. Initially, your physio will examine abdominal muscles, neck, back, hip, SI join and pubic symphasis to look for issues brought on by surgery, pregnancy, or deconditioning. Each patient will begin a unique treatment plan; some common interventions include:

• Gentle exercise
• Stretching and strengthening
• Education on proper posture
• Manipulation and manual therapy
• Specific exercises to improve pelvic floor function