Physical Therapy for Women's Health

Welcome to Women's Health Hub

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is a vital yet often overlooked part of the body, playing a crucial role in providing stability and support to organs and the trunk during movement and at rest. As a key component of the core complex, it contributes significantly to overall strength and functionality. Pelvic floor health is essential for women of all ages, as it directly impacts overall well-being and quality of life.

Who Could Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Women of all ages with conditions that can be addressed through pelvic floor physical therapy, including:

• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, pubis symphysis
• Sciatica during pregnancy
• Diastasis recti postpartum
• C-section recovery
• Urinary frequency/urgency or leakage with exercise
• Pain with intercourse

What Solutions does Physical Therapy offer?

Prenatal and Postpartum Treatments

Preconception

• Pelvic floor health education
• Pregnancy preparation exercise prescription
• Biomechanics training

Pregnancy

• Safe exercise prescription
• Pain mitigation interventions
• Positioning education
• Postural retraining
• Birthing preparation
• Breastfeeding preparation
• Functional biomechanics training

Postpartum (6 weeks or more)

• Reconditioning and Diabetes Type II risk management
• Pain mitigation interventions
• Postural retraining
• Scar and visceral mobilization
• Functional biomechanics training
• Diastasis recti treatments
• Pelvic floor treatments:
  • Pain with intercourse, defecation, and/or urination
  • Prolapse/heaviness
  • Urinary/fecal incontinence

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists's Exercise Benefits During Pregnancy

• Reduces pain and swelling
• Eases constipation
• May decrease the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and a cesarean delivery (if desired)
• Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy
• Improves overall general fitness
• Strengthens your heart and blood vessels
• Helps with return to pre-pregnancy weight postpartum

Why Women of Any Age Should Prioritize Pelvic Floor Health

Pelvic floor health is essential for women of all ages, as it directly impacts overall well-being and quality of life. Here's why staying on top of pelvic floor health matters:

• Prevention is Key: Prevent various issues such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse before they occur.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: A strong and well-functioning pelvic floor promotes comfort and confidence in everyday activities, including exercise, intimacy, and childbirth.
• Long-term Wellness: Investing in pelvic floor health early on can contribute to better long-term health outcomes, reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Supports Life Transitions: From puberty to pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, the pelvic floor undergoes significant changes throughout a woman's life. Prioritizing pelvic floor health ensures adequate support during these transitions.
• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding the importance of pelvic floor health empowers women to take control of their bodies and advocate for their well-being, fostering a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
• Improved Sexual Health: A healthy pelvic floor enhances sexual function and satisfaction, promoting intimacy and overall relationship well-being.
• Preparation for Pregnancy and Childbirth: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help prepare the body for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, reducing the risk of complications and facilitating postpartum recovery.
• Optimized Athletic Performance: Athletes and active individuals can benefit from pelvic floor strength and stability, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury during physical activity.

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

Our therapy sessions are designed to provide comprehensive care, incorporating various treatments such as:

• Soft tissue mobilization to release tension and improve flexibility
• Trigger point release techniques to alleviate discomfort
• Scar mobilization for enhanced healing post-surgery or childbirth
• Targeted stretching exercises to improve muscle function and reduce tightness

Our Women's Health program prioritizes your comfort and well-being, ensuring that each session is private and tailored to your specific needs and goals. The initial evaluation consists of a movement assessment and if indicated, an internal exam session would follow.

Our expert therapists are dedicated to empowering you on your journey to pelvic floor wellness.

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you—schedule your consultation today!

Meet Your Physical Therapist: Tara McKeon

Tara's interest in optimizing movement and performance started as an injury prone athlete. Several and repeated injuries inspired her to take an active role in her health through the exploration of various healing and injury prevention methods. Tara found that Physical Therapy with a focus on mobility and strength training is essential in treating both localized injury and the body as a whole.

She has certifications in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), spinal manipulation, dry needling, and advanced education in pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation and pelvic floor physical therapy. She enjoys working with patients who want to get back to their sport, gym class, exercise routine, or who are just looking to become more active in general.

Tara received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) from Sacred Heart University in 2019, graduating with honors. Prior to this she received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from The University of Delaware.

During her free time Tara enjoys strength training, hiking, traveling, and exploring new neighborhoods, eclectic restaurants and unique recipes.