We offer individualized treatment for the pregnant or postpartum woman. Treatments include exercise, manual therapy, body mechanics training, bracing, and education designed to reduce pain and improve function. In certain situations, women may be candidates for trigger point injections or other therapeutic procedures. Cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback can also be very helpful in managing pain. These treatments can also provide support for managing hormone related depression (post-partum depression or "baby blues"), anxiety, and other emotions that often accompany pregnancy and new motherhood. (More about Pregnancy Related Pain)

Pain in the pelvic region can limit normal function, including sexual intercourse. Assessment of the cause of the pain will be done by a physical therapist; Treatment may then consist of manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, neuromuscular biofeedback and education on lifestyle changes. Our physicians can offer several treatment options to patients with pelvic pain, including medications, counseling regarding hormonal treatments, trigger point injections and alternative therapies. Psychological treatments including psychotherapy, relaxation training, and stress management training are also available.

Women experience most types of headache, including migraine, more commonly and often more severely than men. The most common type of headache is a tension or muscle contraction headache, which most women experience at least once a year. Some women may experience tension type headache every day. About 18% of women suffer from migraine headache, a throbbing or pulsating headache, usually felt on one side of the head. All types of headache are caused by a complex combination of biology, hormones, diet, lifestyle, sleep, and stress. The best treatment is a comprehensive approach, which may include: prescription medications; cognitive behavioral therapy; education and lifestyle modification; biofeedback training; the elimination of certain trigger foods from the diet; regular exercise; and relaxation.

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine significant enough to cause a problem in daily activities. Treatment begins with a referral from your physician to rule out reversible causes, such as urinary tract infection, stool impaction or the use of certain medications. Exercise and lifestyle management are the least invasive of treatments offered for urinary incontinence. Most women are able to reduce symptoms and decrease frequency with this least invasive behavioral approach. We evaluate and retrain muscle strength and length through biofeedback and other techniques, and provide assessment and education regarding contributing lifestyle factors.

Perimenopause, the time when a woman's body begins to decline its production of estrogen and progesterone, is marked by several physical changes. One common result is osteoporosis or weakening of the bones. Women diagnosed with osteoporosis may have related pain or functional difficulties. A regular exercise program can reduce bone loss, decrease the risk of falls, and improve quality of life. Our program provides specifically designed exercises and activity training to improve strength, balance, and overall function in a safe manner. Education on nutrition and lifestyle changes to help prevent and treat osteoporosis is also provided.

In addition to osteoporosis, the changes in a woman's hormone levels during these years can result in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty with attention, concentration, or memory, and fatigue. Cognitive behavioral therapy can provide support and teach coping skills for managing these symptoms and helping a woman regain her quality of life.