Occupational Therapy for Women's Health

Occupational therapist treat the mental as well as the physical health component to heal the pelvic floor dysfunction.

Our Occupational Therapists, Baylee Clifton OT/R, Dominique Light OT/R, and Molly Schantz OT/R have been trained in the Herman and Wallace pelvic health program to treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Included in their training is trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, manual therapy, yoga therapy, and stress relieving techniques to help those who have pelvic floor dysfunction. Dominique Light OT/R also has additional certifications to work with women who are pregnant and post partum. Together, they make a great team.

During pelvic floor therapy, we use modalities such as biofeedback, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, yoga, myofascial release techniques, manual joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises for overall pain control, bladder retraining, and pelvic girdle strengthening.

What Happens During the Evaluation?

The therapist will take a detailed medical history including pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and labor and delivery.
You will be asked questions about bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Your body as a whole will be assessed for issues with posture, flexibility, strength, and movement patterns.
Abdominal muscles will be checked for separation (diastasis recti).
Internal pelvic floor muscles may be checked for pain, muscle tone, strength, and coordination.
A biofeedback test to the pelvic floor muscles will be done to give visual feedback to the function of the pelvic floor.

How is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treated?

Manual therapy to relax tight muscles, release trigger points, break down scar tissue and reduce muscular pain.
Exercises to strenthen the leg, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles.
Stretching and relaxation exercises for tight or painful muscles to improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Exercises to improve postural alignment and body balance.
Biofeedback reeducation of the pelvic floor muscles.
Behavior modification and patient education regarding diet, bladder, and bowel habits.
Modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.

Dominique Light OT/R

“The OT at Patterson Physical Therapy is absolutely amazing! I was a nervous wreck about starting therapy for pelvic floor, but as soon as I met her she put all my worries to res. It has been a tremendous blessing having her and all the wonderful staff at Patterson's apart of my healthcare team!, if your having pelvic floor issues Molly Jean Schantz OT/R is the one to see!! She goes above and beyond for her patients, and truly takes the time to understand not just professionally but physically, mentally and emotionally. She listens to what one is going through and helps to find the right path for recovering an healing. She's a 10* outa 10!!”

Kayla C.