Monday, September 01, 2014

David Roberts, President
North Shore Physical Therapy Associates
781-631-8250
Contact our Office
Marblehead/Swampscott
Marblehead Medical Building
1 Widger Rd
Marblehead, MA 01945
Telephone 781-631-8250
Facsimile 781-639-2060
 
Salem
Salem Fitness Center
38 Swampscott Rd
Salem, MA 01970
Telephone 978-910-0486
Facsimile 978-910-0485
 
 
 

Testimonials

Front Desk was very efficient.  Adam (bless him!) was very patient and good at explaining all therapy.  He was skillful in pin pointing areas of pain. I can’t think of any negative thoughts towards NSPT, always helpful and on time. Janet S.

Everyone here is terrific- Friendly, capable, knowledgeable and experienced, Particularly Stephen and Chelsi.  I have improved significantly and with the knowledge imparted by Stephen that should keep me in good health as I go forwardon my own.  Anonymous

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Don't have insurance? NSPT offers FREE Injury Screens.  We also have a private pay rate if Physical Therapy is needed beyond your screening. Our private pay rate is $100 per 1/2 hour of treatment.  Call today and we will reduce your fee to JUST $65!

 

 


 

 

The Role of Physical Therapy in Women's Health

Ever since the #1 New York Times bestseller entitled "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" by John Gray was published, more and more people have asked the question "What makes men and women so different?". Gray's use of analogies and metaphors to highlight key differences between genders has made the book a modern classic.

Although Gray's work was focused on relationships between spouses, it is important to understand that there are several physical and physiological attributes that are unique to women, and physical therapy plays an important role in women's health.

Three functions in particular, are unique to women. These include menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. These functions are intricately tied to complex hormonal patterns in women, which also influence behavior.

Some of the fundamental physical differences between men and women include:

  • Men have more muscle mass than women.
  • Women tend to have a higher proportion of body fat than men. This fat is generally stored in the breasts, hips and buttocks.
  • Men tend to have more body hair (especially facial hair)

Physical therapists understand the physical differences (and unique needs) of the female population and are uniquely qualified to assist women to live healthy, pain-free lives.

Healthy Aging for Older Women

Specific actions need to be taken to ensure healthy aging for older women. Physical therapy can help identify (and eliminate) risk factors for falls and fractures. Regular strengthening and weight bearing exercise can slow down the reduction in bone density as women age. You may be asked to visit your physician to learn about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Screening for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency is also recommended. Pelvic floor dysfunction and  incontinence can also be treated with physical therapy.

Here are some of the conditions (some of which tend to be more common among women) in which physical therapy can play an important role: 

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Breast and other cancers
  • Rehabilitation following breast surgery
  • Lymphedema
  • Post-menopausal heart disease
  • Chronic myofascial pain     
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Hypermobility syndrome     
  • Multiple sclerosis     
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Ailments unique to female athletes

Physical therapy helps reduce discomfort and recovery before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy related issues include heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and associated aches and pains.

Physical Therapy and Women's Health

Exercises and techniques to treat issues specific to women include:

  • Muscle retraining – This creates body awareness (how you get in and out of your car, how you bend to pick things up, how you sit, overall posture, etc.) and improves movement patterns. Kegel exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles in addition to Pilates can be very beneficial.
  • Exercise Therapy – helps improve mobility, strength, and endurance. This also strengthens bones and joints.
  • Modalities – Application of heat and/or ice, electrical stimulation therapy, and massage therapy to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling.
  • Manual therapy – helps improve joint and soft tissue flexibility and mobility by using repetitive and specific hands-on movements and motions.

Every physical therapy program is different and is customized to the patient's needs. Women have unique physical and physiological attributes that physical therapists take into consideration. In fact, a section of the American Physical Therapy Association is dedicated to specialization in women's health.

Physical therapy can make a difference to every member in your family at some point. Give us a call today, and ask us about what we can do for you.

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North Shore Physical Therapy Associates 1 Widger Rd suite 105 Marblehead Ma 01945 Phone: 781-631-8250