Welcome to our newsletter.

This issue is especially important as many physical therapy places say they specialize in womens health and internal pelvic work.  However it does well to check if they are certified through the APTA which sets standards in specialization.  We at Lake County Physical Therapy LLC are very pleased to announce that two of our therapists are Certified Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists, having achieved CAPP (Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy).  They bring amazing results in patients with incontinence and with chronic pelvic pain.   For many patients having to deal with diapers or avoid social events for fear of having an accident, this therapy brings about amazing results and literally gives you your life back.   If you have, or you know of someone with this condition, please call us or refer them to get timely treatment for this condition. 

In addition we would love to hear from you about your comments and suggestions regarding this newsletter, please reply by email or if you prefer, call your favorite physical therapist at Lake County Physical Therapy LLC.  Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.

301 E Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach

100 N Atkinson Road, Ste 207, Grayslake

1047 E Lake Cook Road, Wheeling

351 S Greenleaf Street, Ste E, Park City (WOMENS HEALTH ONLY)

APPOINTMENT LINE: 847-229-0140

• Oncology Issues
• Fibromyalgia
• Lymphedema Therapy / MLD
• Anodyne / Neuropathy Program
• Women's Health (Urogynecological)
• Pelvic Floor Rehab (Male, Female & Pediatrics)
• Viceral Manipulation
• Balance and Fall Prevention
• Functional Capacity Evaluations
• Arthritis Program
• Sport Enhancement
• Ergonomic Training
• Vestibular Rehab
• Work Hardening
• Work Conditioning
• Manual Therapy
  

For more information visit us at Lake County Physical Therapy

Have you heard of the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor includes a group of muscles and ligaments that form a "floor like" structure that supports key organs. These include the bladder and bowels (and uterus for women).

A strong pelvic floor is important for preventing issues like urinary incontinence for men and women (the involuntary loss of control of urine) and pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the organs (i.e. the pelvic floor) weaken. This can be caused by various issues including childbirth, aging, chronic cough, hormonal changes such as menopause, excessive straining due to constipation, constant lifting of heavy objects, obesity and pregnancy.

How To Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscles

All men and women should regularly exercise the pelvic floor muscles. It is highly recommended that women do pelvic floor exercises daily to prevent weakness and, if needed, to improve the strength of the pelvic floor muscles.

As with any muscle, consistently performing the right exercises always helps. Gentle exercises (like walking regularly) can also help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Step one = Identify the right muscles

In order to identify where your pelvic floor muscles are, you want to tighten your muscles in that area. Identifying the muscles correctly is the first step towards muscle engagement and increased control.

Step two = Learn to engage (contract) the pelvic floor muscles properly

Contracting the muscles is not difficult, but you want to be sure you are doing it correctly.

Begin by contracting the muscle upward and inward. The best way to think about this is - imagine you are going to the bathroom. You want to stop yourself midway (or midstream) by actively contracting your pelvic floor muscles.

Step three = Pace yourself

You need to train your pelvic floor muscles just as you would any other muscle group, through repetition.  However the kind of exercises vary with individual daignosis and condition and are designed accordingly.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with one of our skilled physical therapists and we will be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Anyone who’s ever experienced pelvic pain or pelvic organ prolapse will tell you it's a frustrating and painful ordeal.

If you or a loved one suspect pelvic floor dysfunction, call your doctor or licensed physical therapist for an immediate check-up. 

Treatments customized to address your pelvic pain and/or pelvic organ prolapse are available and Kegels is not the only answer (for many patients with pelvic pain it most certainly is not the answer).

Experts agree that Kegel exercises are the most effective way to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. According to several studies, women after the age of 35 lose approximately 5% of their body’s muscle mass every 10 years. This loss of muscle mass affects every aspect of a woman’s body, including the pelvic region.

So how can physical therapy help women (and men) tone and strengthen muscles, especially in the pelvic area?

Physical therapists can design a full pelvic workout to address pelvic floor issues and strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region.

To find out how you can benefit from these and other exercises and treatments catered for your pelvic floor, please call our office today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you regain control of your pelvic floor muscles. Don't wait until you suffer the symptoms of pelvic floor pain or weakness to take action. Call us today and take preventive measures.

Note: Please do not start any exercise routine without the consent of your physician.