My First Women’s Health Visit is Today

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May 8th through the 13th is Women’s Health Week and the goal is to empower women to make their health a top priority and educate on the steps women can take to improve their health.  During the week, you can get the answers to top questions that are asked about Women’s Health. Let’s continue the conversation…

WH waitingWhat would I expect on my first visit?

In the first visit, a lot of history taking is done! The more history on the issues that the patient has, the more information can be gathered to work on the best plan of care.

You will be taken to a private treatment room where all you will receive one on one treatment. An extensive personal medical history will be taken as well as a thorough physical assessment of both external structures and internal structures.  From there, your plan of care will be discussed and patient centered goals will established.

How long would my physical therapy treatment last?

The initial evaluation will be approximately an hour.  Follow up visits will vary depending on your need and pain level.  As the pain begins to subside, frequency of visits will be gradually decreased.

What will happen during therapy?

This depends on the diagnosis. During the first couple of follow up visits, you will receive a lot of patient education surrounding your anatomy so you may visualize and understand what area of the body and which muscles specifically we will be targeting.  Your treatment plan might also consist of biofeedback, manuals therapy, and a home exercise program.

You will always be in a private room due to the sensitivity of the situation. Even if no internal work needs to be done, a private setting will allow you the freedom to discuss everything openly with your therapist.

Tx:Team Women’s Health Physical Therapy programs can be found at FMH Rehabilitation in Frederick, MD, St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital in Frankfort, IN, and St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon, IN. Ladies, it’s time to take the steps to improve your health and Women’s Health Week is the perfect time to start!

Empower Yourself…Break the Silence on Women’s Health

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May 8th through the 13th is Women’s Health Week and the goal is to empower women to make their health a top priority and educate on the steps women can take to improve their health.  During the week, you can get the answers to top questions that are asked about Women’s Health. Let’s continue the conversation…

 

How can Women’s Health therapy help?

This type of therapy is a conservative treatment approach which is an alternative to taking medications or even having surgery. Women’s health therapy can help you decrease pain, urinary or fecal leakage, and strength deficits.  Often being educated about lifestyle changes, addressing musculoskeletal factors, identifying and treating weakness or tightness in the pelvic floor muscles can have a big impact on a patient’s symptoms.

What if I feel embarrassed about my condition and it’s hard to talk about?SLP flyer web

It’s completely normal to feel embarrassed when talking about sensitive issues. Just remember, many women feel the same way.  Your therapist has a lot of experience in treating pelvic floor conditions and she will put you at ease about your evaluation and treatment.  The problem you are having is not uncommon, it’s just that people don’t talk about it.  It’s time to get the conversation started!

We don’t have to discuss everything the first day. If you need time to really get to know your therapist that is fine!  Sometimes, we just start with measurements until you become comfortable with your therapist. Being open and honest with your therapist will better help her to help you achieve your goals.

 

Tx:Team Women’s Health Physical Therapy programs can be found at FMH Rehabilitation in Frederick, MD, St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital in Frankfort, IN, and St. Vincent Jennings Hospital in North Vernon, IN. Ladies, it’s time to take the steps to improve your health and Women’s Health Week is the perfect time to start!

Get Your Family Moving: Rake Leaves!

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Family raking leaves

Family raking leaves

Autumn is a beautiful season with the changing of the leaves but it also brings about some hefty yard work in removing them. Raking leaves is actually very hard work and good physical exercise at the same time. Your equipment needs are simple: your body and a rake.  Raking burns about 300 calories an hour while toning your arms and strengthening your back and legs.  Just be sure to stretch first and, to avoid muscle pulls, don’t try to do the whole yard at once.

Regular exercise no matter what type can boost energy, build strength & stamina, improve balance and even help to reduce some signs of aging.

Tips for Safe Raking:

Do a pre-rake warm-up:

It may not seem like a workout, but you can burn nearly 300 calories during an hour of raking!

  • Walk around a bit before you start so your blood gets flowing.
  • Do a couple of stretches to prevent straining the muscles of your shoulders, neck, and back.
  • Side bends and knee-to-chest lifts help open you up and ready you for all of the raking, bending, and lifting you’ll be doing.

Practice proper raking posture:

  • To keep your neck and back happy, stand upright and rake leaves to the side of you, alternating your dominant hand now and then.
  • Bend at the knees – not the waist – when picking up piles of gathered leaves.
  • Keep the rake mostly perpendicular to the ground (i.e. between 65 to 85 degrees.) That will give your body easy leverage on the rake, making it easy to move, and easy on your body.
  • Avoid twisting to toss leaves. Instead, step to the side so your whole body switches position, not just your shoulders and back.
  • Switch sides now and then and take breaks, especially if you haven’t raked since last fall.
  • Take it easy on your back. Move your whole body and not just your spine.

Take rake breaks:

The repetitiveness of raking can become painful after a while.

  • Only rake small sections at a time as this will save energy. Take breaks when you get tired every 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Sip on water to stay hydrated.
  • Stretch to release tension you may have built up.

Using the proper techniques is essential. If part of your body is sore, it is probably telling you that you have overdone it or you are using the wrong technique. Rake so it’s natural and comfortable with the power of your movements coming from your legs.

So, get your family or even some of your friends involved and get your bodies moving! Also, don’t forget to look out for your pets or small children who may jump into your pile of leaves!

 

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds-Wellness Style

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Therapists have a unique relationship with their itself, therapists also stress the importance of wellness throughout the year.  Our clinicians not only have strong beliefs in achieving goals of physical, mental and emotional wellness for their patients but also for themselves!  Lucy, PT, shares a piece that achieves all three: a call for exercise but delivered with some laughter.  Boost your goal to wellness with this awesome playlist!

Elite AthleteI LOVE to exercise! I equally LOVE music. When you put the two together, “What a Feeling!” as Irene Cara would sing. Music and exercise, exercise and music are certainly as great as Simon and Garfunkel or Sonny and Cher. Can there be a better duet than your favorite exercise with your favorite song?

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