Women’s Health

Truly Unique.
Solutions for each phase of life

As a woman, you know that your body is very complex, changing to reflect each new phase of your life. With these changes may come unexpected and unwanted problems-- physical discomfort, localized pain and even some very embarrassing issues, all of which can have strong effects on your lifestyle.

Many of the undesirable issues that affect women are often left untreated because women are reluctant to talk about them. They think they are just a natural part of aging or too embarrassing to face. The truth is that pain and physical dysfunction are not normal. It's the body’s way of telling you something is not working properly. It’s important to listen to your body and seek out ways to correct the problem.

Answers Abound at Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation

In the past, women suffering from pelvic pain, incontinence, pregnancy related pain, osteoporosis and sexual dysfunction had to rely only on medication and surgery as treatment options. With advancements in treatment modalities, women have many more options. And now some of the advanced treatment options that once were available only in larger metropolitan areas are available right here in Abilene at Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation. Today, your physician can refer you to a specialized physical therapist with extensive training in women’s health. Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation has the knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art equipment to make it a premier Women’s Heath facility. And all you need is a referral from your physician to receive care!

Common Treatable Issues

Pelvic Pain
Women often overlook pelvic pain because they assume it is just normal, an unfortunate side effect of being female. It is not normal! Pain is nature’s way of telling you that something in your body is not functioning properly; pelvic pain is no different. The pain may be associated with sitting for a period of time, intercourse, low back pain, walking or with urination. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, a burning sensation or sharp stabbing pain. Whatever your level of pain, your symptoms can often be minimized or eliminated by treatment from our specialized therapists who have the knowledge, skills and technology to address your individual needs.

Loss of Bladder and/or Bowel Control
This is a serious and often embarrassing problem for millions of women. Incontinence affects the young active woman as well as the more mature. Incontinence has many causes, one of which is weakened pelvic muscles, possibly resulting from surgery, childbearing or injury. Like other muscles in your body, pelvic muscles can be strengthened, thus reducing or even overcoming your original concerns. Studies show that up to 80% of patients show signs of improvement with specialized physical therapy treatment.

Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care
Pregnancy can be physically demanding, even for the fittest mother to be. During the pregnancy and for sometime after, the body undergoes significant postural, physical and hormonal changes, all of which can cause musculoskeletal problems, excessive leg and back pain, pelvic pain and even neck pain. Pregnancy discomfort does not have to be unbearable. You can get relief by seeing one of our physical therapists trained in pre-natal and post-partum conditions. Even tenderness from C-section scarring and painful episiotomy pain can be addressed through physical therapy.

Osteoporosis
Research has proven that with regular and safe weight bearing exercises you can avoid or slow initial bone loss. It is very important to know what exercises you can do without injury and how to do them properly. That’s why a trained physical therapist associated with our Comprehensive Osteoporosis Treatment Program is a great resource to help you take action against osteoporosis.

The Next Step
Now that you know help is available, and at a local premier facility, it’s time to talk to your physician. Don’t be reluctant to express your concerns about any of these issues. Voicing your concerns and getting a proper diagnosis is the key to getting proper treatment. And don’t be afraid to ask your physician to refer you to Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation. It will make a world of difference in your life!