Urogynecology
Beyond Reproductive Health
Urogynecology is a medical specialty focused on the pelvic floor. Problems with urinary or fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, and prolapsing of the uterus, vagina, bladder or rectum can be treated by a urogynecologist.
Pelvic floor problems generally include issues with muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves in the vagina, rectum, uterus and bladder. Treatments can be non-surgical or surgical.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
What Exactly is a Pelvic Floor Disorder?
Pelvic muscles, similar to a sling, support the uterus, bladder and rectum. Contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles controls bowel and bladder movements. When the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support pelvic organs don’t work as they should, this can lead to:
- Frequent urination or an urgent need to go to the bathroom
- Urinary leakage
- Constipation
- Bowel incontinence
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Tailbone, lower back or hip pain
How Can a Physical Therapist Help Me?
Pelvic floor disorders are common, but you don’t have to live with the symptoms. Our physical therapists are specially trained in pelvic floor disorders. They help patients strengthen their pelvic floor with a customized treatment plan.
Pelvic floor therapy is a non-surgical solution that includes:
- Exercises to identify and strengthen the pelvic floor
- Core-strengthening exercises
- Biofeedback techniques to improve muscle contraction and relaxation
- Electrical stimulation to improve awareness and strengthen muscles
- Soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release to address muscle imbalance
- Joint mobilization
- Relaxation techniques
- Self-care education, including diet and lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms
Pelvic Floor Therapy in Acadiana – FAQs
Contact us by calling (337) 470-5959.
Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital Pelvic Floor Therapy
(inside Lafayette Surgicare Building)
4630 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Suite 307
Lafayette, LA 70508
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Do I need a physician's order?
Have your family doctor or another provider managing your overall healthcare fax orders and patient contact information to (337) 521-9139. Your insurance may not allow you to receive rehabilitation services without a physician’s order.
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What can I expect?
Your first visit includes a review of your symptoms and history. We also will cover the different aspects of the initial exam before anything gets under way, so you can have any questions answered or concerns addressed.
Your exam may include general movement such as bending forward and backward and specific tests of your joints, muscles and nerves. If pelvic rehabilitation is necessary, an assessment of your pelvic muscles internally (through the rectum or vaginal canal) may be valuable. You will have the option to refuse any part of the examination or treatment that makes you feel uncomfortable.
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What can therapy do for me?
Our therapists can help you gain bladder control, decrease pain and increase activity tolerance, reduce medication use for incontinence and pain, and prevent the need for surgery.
We also can provide additional options if physical therapy does not improve your condition or relieve all symptoms.
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Is your quality of life affected?
Relief is available. Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral to the Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital Pelvic Floor Therapist.
Our services can benefit patients who need to use the restroom frequently, experience pain or pressure in the pelvic region, genitals or rectum, experience pain during intercourse, have a hard time reaching the restroom without leaking, experience bowel leakage, or strain or have constipation during a bowel movement.
You don’t have to live with these symptoms.
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How common are pelvic floor disorders?
An estimated one-third of women, nearly half of those over age 55, experience a pelvic floor disorder. However, not only older women are impacted. Pelvic floor disorders also occur in younger women, men and athletes. If you or someone you love is struggling with pelvic discomfort or other pelvic floor disorder symptoms, call us at (337) 470-5959.
More Women's Health Services
Across our system we offer a host of services just for women, including labor & delivery care, comprehensive breast health services, and more.