Women’s Health

Our Women’s Health Program offers assistance to clients within a caring and private setting. Jane K. O’Brien, MSPT, member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Women’s Health, will create a treatment program tailored specifically for the individual needs of the client.

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)
• Overactive Bladder ( OAB)
• post Breast Surgery Care
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis
• Pre and Post partum Care
• Lymph edema/breast cancer
• Pre natal Fitness
• Abdominal Rehab ( post surgical/ diastasis)

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

PFD includes a myriad of diagnoses which affect both men and women. Symptoms may limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, cause one to change exercise habits and create embarrassment.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness

• Urinary and fecal incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Post prostatectomy

Pelvic Pain

• Levator Ani Syndrome
• Penetration Pain
• Hips, Abdomen, Low Back, buttocks
• Sacroiliac ( SIJ) pain
• Painful intercourse
• Dysmenorrhea ( painful periods)
• Vulvodynia
• Endometriosis, Abdominal Adhesions

Both men and women can benefit from our services for PFD. We have answers and solutions. PFD is common but not normal. You can take control of your symptoms and often relieve them completely.

Incontinence Helpful Hints

1. Allow no more than 2-4 hours between voiding.
2. Avoid bladder irritant of tea, fruit juices, acids
3. Consume adequate water and fiber
4. Squeeze before you sneeze
5. Avoid liquids 2-3 hours before bedtime
6. Avoid tendency to go “Just In Case” ( JIC pees)
7. Do your Kegels 10 seconds each 30-80 times per day.

Physical Therapy

More than just Physical Therapy At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, we offer a unique combination of Myofascial Release, Hands-on soft tissue mobilization, skeletal mobilizations, Pilates- based exercises, Education and Self Management. Our therapists are highly trained, experienced professionals. We provide a strong interaction between you, your doctor and your physical therapist.  North Tahoe Physical Therapy uses a 1-on-1 approach to Physical therapy with exceptional customer service. We treat you as a whole person, not just your injury. Each client obtains a thorough explanation of their condition. Your physician receives timely reports regarding your progress. We empower you to become active partners in your recovery and health maintenance. Our personalized approach results in your wellness and satisfaction. Click here for client testimonials. The cornerstone of our approach is Myofascial Release. Find out more about Myofascial Release

Our Treatment Philosophy Our treatment philosophy is based on the pelvis, the base of the spine.  We believe the pelvis is the foundation of the body.  This foundation must be level for the head and neck to sit properly and for the legs to hit the ground evenly.  When a client comes to us with “low back pain”, we begin by assessing the pelvis for symmetry.  If the pelvis is rotated or if the trunk is shortened on one side, the surrounding soft tissues will attempt to stabilize the system.  This may lead to muscle spasms, pain, or tension of the nerves and the discs which sit atop the pelvis. Additionally, the spine may rotate and side bend in response to the un-level base below.  Consequently, the head which sits atop the spine will be un-level. Our bodies are smart.  If our spine is rotated, we naturally adjust our head to have our eyes level. This may lead to issues of muscle spasms, muscle tension, TMJ/jaw disorders and headaches. So, for a person who comes to NTPT complaining of TMJ, headache or neck pain, our treatment starts at the pelvis. Like a house if the foundation is not level, the roof will crack and the windows won’t easily slide open or close. Therefore, it only makes sense to balance the pelvis, which is the foundation of the body. Self empowerment A maintenance program of Home exercises, education about how to avoid aggravating your condition, and awareness of how you can help yourself are important components of your care. North Tahoe Physical therapy, we empower you to be an active participant in your health and wellness. You may spend 1-3 hours a week with our team of therapists at North Tahoe Physical Therapy. There are 168 hours in a week. What are you doing the other 165 hours? Get well • Orthopedics • Sports Injury Care • Back and Neck care • Incontinence/Pelvic Floor Dysfunction • TMJ/Migraines/Headaches Stay Well • Myofascial Release therapy • Massage • Personal training • Medically Supervised gym • PILATES • Classes and workshops Address the Symptoms, look elsewhere for the Cause At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, we treat the cause of your problems. Our evaluation is a full body assessment. We look for Pelvic imbalances, fascial pulls, and postural abnormalities. We then determine how these deficits may have created your symptoms. For example, neck or jaw problems may arise from an unlevel pelvis. Knee issues may be due to a pelvis imbalance. If we only treated the symptomatic jaw without leveling the pelvis, the issues will return because the problem has not been corrected. By treating the cause, we are able to address and decrease the symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Physical Therapy

North Tahoe Physical Therapy June 11, 2008

The term pelvic floor refers to the sling of muscles, ligaments, and fascia which spans from the front of the pelvis at the pubic bone to the posterior pelvis at the tail bone. The purpose of the musculature is to support the pelvic organs (uterus, colon, and bladder), allow for control of the outlets (urethra and rectum) and provide tone for sensation for the sexual functions. It is important for this area to have proper muscle tone. Excess tone of the muscles can cause difficulty sitting, pain during intercourse, hip and low back pain or retention. Diminished tone may lead to incontinence, organ prolapse and possibly decreased sexual response.
Commonly, people associate pelvic floor dysfunction with incontinence. However, there are a myriad of diagnoses that fall under this category such as overactive bladder, pelvic pain, prolapsed uterus, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), interstitial cystitis, coccyx pain, painful intercourse, and many others. Symptoms may limit a man or woman’s ability to perform daily activities, cause a change in exercise habits and create embarrassment. Problems in this area are often not discussed with medical professionals and therefore, go untreated.

Many physical therapists have specialized training that can benefit men and women with issues of the pelvic floor. These therapists utilize every aspect of their physical therapy training to evaluate patients and to provide intervention to overcome these dysfunctions. Treatments may consist of a combination of many techniques. Exercises such as “Kegels,” which are geared for this area, greatly enhance muscle function when performed properly. Relaxation techniques may be utilized to assist with decreasing tone and pain. Manual techniques, such as Myofascial Release and soft tissue massage are often used to relieve tension. Biofeedback is used to increase awareness of proper muscle recruitment or to quiet overactive muscles. Electrical stimulation may be used to recruit and train pelvic floor musculature or to relieve pain. Joint mobilizations are often utilized to restore pelvic alignment and motion. In addition, patient education can assist with prevention of dysfunction.

Physical therapy for the pelvic floor dysfunction is relatively new and not widely known by many medical professionals in the USA. There are only a handful of Physical Therapists who are trained in Pelvic Floor therapy in Northern Nevada. But, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is common. Just consider the number of commercials from the pharmaceutical industry promoting drugs aimed at treatment of these issues. Numerous surgeries are advocated as an answer for many pelvic floor issues. Many are unsuccessful. Physical Therapy can provide tremendous relief for Healthcare consumers who want to take control of their symptoms and overcome them without the use of longterm drugs or surgeries.

When choosing a physical therapist for treatment of a pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to inquire of their training, experience and outcomes with this area to ascertain if they are qualified to treat this area. The Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association offers training and mentoring leading to a certificate program called the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP). Approximately 150 PT’s have received the CAPP to date. To find a Physical Therapist who is trained to work with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, one can contact the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association. The web site is http://www.womenshealthapta.org/. The website provides articles and resources for consumers to learn more. One can also log onto www.northtahoept.com for further information and treatment options.
Jane O’Brien, MSPT is a physical therapist at North Tahoe Physical Therapy who provides services for the pelvic floor, orthopedics and pain. She is a candidate for the CAPP expecting to complete her certificate in summer 2008.

-Jane O’Brien, MSPT

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Commonly, people associate pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) with incontinence. However, there are a myriad of diagnoses that fall under this category such as overactive bladder, pelvic pain, prolapsed uterus, interstitial cystitis, coccyx pain, painful intercourse, and many others. Symptoms may limit a woman’s ability to perform her daily activities, change or limit her exercise habits, and create embarrassment. Problems in this area are often not discussed with medical professionals, and therefore, go untreated.

Physical therapy can greatly benefit the pelvic floor. Exercises geared for this area greatly enhance muscle function. Relaxation techniques may be utilized to assist with decreasing tone and pain. Manual techniques, such as Myofascial Release and soft tissue massage are often used to relieve tension. Biofeedback is used to increase awareness of proper muscle recruitment or to quiet overactive muscles. Electrical simulation may be used to recruit and train pelvic floor musculature. In addition, patient education can assist with prevention of dysfunction.

When choosing a physical therapist for treatment of a pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to ascertain if she is qualified to treat this area. Be sure she has taken coursework specifically for PFD. Ask her how many clients she has treated for your issue. Ask outcomes of treatments. Ask if she can help you gain relief of your symptoms and improve your lifestyle.

PFD is common, but not normal. You do not need to simply accept your symptoms as a process of growing old or due to childbirth. You can take control of your symptoms and often relieve them completely.

Jane O’Brien, MSPT works with clients ( male and female) who have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction at North Tahoe Physical Therapy.

The Certification of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy

The Certification of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy is offered by the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association. The Section on Women’s Health offers three levels of Pelvic Physical Therapy courses. These courses provide evidence-based education for the learner to acquire skills and knowledge to provide Physical Therapy interventions for male and female clients of all ages with pelvic floor dysfunctions, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, endometriosis, and many other conditions. This certification prepares the learner for the Women’s Health specialization Exam.

The requirements are attendance at the SOWH Pelvic Physical Therapy classes level 1,2,3, pass the competency skills tests for each level, pass didactics tests for each level, and submit a case report. Experienced therapists who have completed previous training in pelvic physical therapy can apply for the transitional CAPP. I qualify for the tCAPP.

I have nearly completed the requirements for the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy. I just received my certificate of completion for the Level 3 class I took in March 2008 in Portland. I received a 94% on my post test. All that is left to do is to complete my Case Study and submit it. This could take some time as it involves both evaluating and following a client through their pelvic floor therapy, writing the requirements for the case study, and having it accepted. I expect to complete this process in the next 6 months. I’ll keep you posted!

-Jane

Personalized Hands-On Physical Therapy

More than just Physical Therapy

At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, we offer a unique combination of Myofascial Release, Hands-on soft tissue mobilization, skeletal mobilizations, Pilates- based exercises, Education and Self Management.
Our therapists are highly trained, experienced professionals. We provide a strong interaction between you, your doctor and your physical therapist.  North Tahoe Physical Therapy uses a 1-on-1 approach to Physical therapy with exceptional customer service. We treat you as a whole person, not just your injury.

Each client obtains a thorough explanation of their condition. Your physician receives timely reports regarding your progress. We empower you to become active partners in your recovery and health maintenance. Our personalized approach results in your wellness and satisfaction. Click here for client testimonials.

The cornerstone of our approach is Myofascial Release.

Our Treatment Philosophy

At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, our treatment philosophy is based on the pelvis, the base of the spine.  We believe the pelvis is the foundation of the body.  This foundation must be level for the head and neck to sit properly and for the legs to hit the ground evenly.  When a client comes to us with “low back pain”, we begin by assessing the pelvis for symmetry.  If the pelvis is rotated or if the trunk is shortened on one side, the surrounding soft tissues will attempt to stabilize the system.  This may lead to muscle spasms, pain, or tension of the nerves and the discs which sit atop the pelvis. Additionally, the spine may rotate and side bend in response to the un-level base below.  Consequently, the head which sits atop the spine will be un-level.

Our bodies are smart.  If our spine is rotated, we naturally adjust our head to have our eyes level. This may lead to issues of muscle spasms, muscle tension, TMJ/jaw disorders and headaches. So, for a person who comes to NTPT complaining of TMJ, headache or neck pain, our treatment starts at the pelvis.

Like a house if the foundation is not level, the roof will crack and the windows won’t easily slide open or close. Therefore, it only makes sense to balance the pelvis, which is the foundation of the body.

Self empowerment
You may spend 1-3 hours a week with our team of therapists at North Tahoe Physical Therapy. There are 168 hours in a week. What are you doing the other 165 hours? A maintenance program of Home exercises, education about how to avoid aggravating your condition, and awareness of how you can help yourself are important components of your care. North Tahoe Physical therapy, we empower you to be an active participant in your health and wellness.

Get well
• Orthopedics
• Sports Injury Care
• Back and Neck care
• Incontinence/Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• TMJ/Migraines/Headaches

Stay Well
• Myofascial Release therapy
• Massage
• Personal training
• Medically Supervised gym
• PILATES
• Classes and workshops

Address the Symptoms, look elsewhere for the Cause
At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, we treat the cause of your problems. Our evaluation is a full body assessment. We look for Pelvic imbalances, fascial pulls, and postural abnormalities. We then determine how these deficits may have created your symptoms. For example, neck or jaw problems may arise from an unlevel pelvis. Knee issues may be due to a pelvis imbalance. If we only treated the symptomatic jaw without leveling the pelvis, the issues will return because the problem has not been corrected. By treating the cause, we are able to address and decrease the symptoms.

Women’s Health and Wellness

Our Women’s Health Program offers assistance to clients within a caring and private setting. Jane K. O’Brien, MSPT, member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Women’s Health, will create a treatment program tailored specifically for the individual needs of the client.

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)
• Overactive Bladder ( OAB)
• post Breast Surgery Care
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis
• Pre and Post partum Care
• Lymph edema/breast cancer
• Pre natal Fitness
• Abdominal Rehab ( post surgical/ diastasis)

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

PFD includes a myriad of diagnoses which affect both men and women. Symptoms may limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, cause one to change exercise habits and create embarrassment.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness

• Urinary and fecal incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Post prostatectomy

Pelvic Pain

• Levator Ani Syndrome
• Penetration Pain
• Hips, Abdomen, Low Back, buttocks
• Sacroiliac ( SIJ) pain
• Painful intercourse
• Dysmenorrhea ( painful periods)
• Vulvodynia
• Endometriosis, Abdominal Adhesions

Both men and women can benefit from our services for PFD. We have answers and solutions. PFD is common but not normal. You can take control of your symptoms and often relieve them completely.

Incontinence Helpful Hints

1. Allow no more than 2-4 hours between voiding.
2. Avoid bladder irritant of tea, fruit juices, acids
3. Consume adequate water and fiber
4. Squeeze before you sneeze
5. Avoid liquids 2-3 hours before bedtime
6. Avoid tendency to go “Just In Case” ( JIC pees)
7. Do your Kegels 10 seconds each 30-80 times per day.