Pelvic

Endometriosis is a disease that occurs during menstruation. It develops when the endometrium tissue (a similar tissue to the lining of the uterus) migrates outside of the womb, where it is not supposed to be. This results in inflammation, pain, and abnormal menstrual cycles.

If you are suffering from endometriosis, don’t wait any longer to contact Beyond Therapy and Wellness. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started on your path toward relief.

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial Cystitis is a medical condition that affects the bladder. The cause is unknown; however, it does appear to run in families. There are a number of common signs and symptoms that affect people with this disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• urinary urgency (the feeling of needing to urinate urgently)
• urinary frequency (having to urinate more often)
• pain with sexual intercourse 

Because of these symptoms, individuals with this condition are often told that they have a urinary tract infection (UTI); however, a urine culture will return as negative. Often, individuals with this condition will develop complications, such as depression, which lead to an overall lower quality of life. Individuals with Interstitial Cystitis might experience other conditions including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia, which can further worsen quality of life.

How does physical therapy help?

Sadly, this condition does not have a cure, but the good news is that physical therapy can help! There are a series of corrective exercises that can be performed with the help of a Bedford, TX physical therapist to strengthen the muscles in and around the bladder. With extra muscle strength, this area of the body will be able to support the bladder to a greater degree, relieving stress in this area. This can lead to pain reduction and an overall improved quality of life. For this reason, it is critical to work with a trained Bedford, TX physical therapist. Rely on Beyond Physical Therapy to help return you to a healthy and active lifestyle by requesting an appointment today!

One in four women who give birth in the United States will have a Cesarean Section (c-section), however, of these surgeries; at least 50 percent will develop adhesions related to the scar. When a laboring mom has a c-section, there is already a flood of hormones. Heightened emotions, possible adrenal, cortisol and other bio-chemical factors contribute to post-surgery scar formation. Physical therapy should be an important part of recovery for your c-section recovery. If you are feeling pulling from your scar 6 weeks or more after your c-section or if you are taking a long time to get to the point where you can move without pain, you need to request an appointment with Beyond Physical Therapy. 

How does physical therapy help?

Our highly skilled Bedford, TX physical therapists can treat adhesions and scars and help you move like you used to through scar mobilization therapy. Manual therapy and gentle stretching will start to untangle the mechanical stress, relieve the systems most burdened, and feed the tissues to allow cellular repair. Connective tissues will reorganize with the right technique. Gently releasing the tension allows the body to self-correct. These adhesions impact multiple systems and create symptoms that may be very far from the original trauma, but the damage can be corrected with consistent physical therapy treatments over time.

Receiving physical therapy for a cesarean section has many benefits. Here are a few:

• Restores joint and back function
• Relieves pain
• Improves posture and balance
• Restores normal motion and movement
• Conservative, non-invasive
• No “side effects”
• Most cost-effective form of complete musculoskeletal treatment

The professionals at Beyond Physical Therapy are manual physical therapy experts trained to help you properly regain your joint mobility, decrease pain, increase their strength, and improve your functional mobility. Our Bedford, TX physical therapists have the training, skills, experience and credentials to get your patients out of pain and back to enjoying the activities you love! Request your appointment today!

Curvature of the penis (an abnormal bend) or narrowing of the penis that occurs during erection resulting in pain and problems with penetration during intercourse.

What is Chronic Prostatitis?

Inflammation of the prostate that is characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, burning, frequent night time urination, genital pain, anal and rectal pain, pain in the perineum, suprapubic (above pubic bone) pain, pain in bladder area, tail bone pain, low back pain, pain with sitting (often feels like a golf ball), post bowel movement pain, sexual pain including orgasm and post orgasm discomfort (often the next day), anxiety, depression, and helplessness regarding symptoms.

What is Coccygodynia? 

Coccygodynia or tailbone pain can be an extremely painful condition that can be disabling or cause difficulty walking and performing other normal activities. Often, it is while seated when the pain of coccygodynia is most significant. It is described as a localized and painful, pulling sensation that can also radiate to the buttocks, lumbar, thighs, and the sacrum as it supports the weight of the upper body.

How does physical therapy help?

Many patients seek help from medications that relieve pain until the tailbone area has healed. Most often, NSAIDs are prescribed along with the application of hot and cold packs to reduce pain and swelling. A combination of treatments are the best way to return to a healthy and active lifestyle. Choose Beyond Physical Therapy for you coccygodynia recovery, as we have experience in multiple treatments for tailbone injury and pain. These include:

• Massage therapy
• Targeted exercises
• Stretching routines

These physical therapies are recommended before seeking surgery to manipulate the tailbone. Our Bedford, TX physical therapist can also help you use better body mechanics to assist in the healing process. This includes reducing repetitive motions that strain the tailbone, and improving posture while sitting, standing, and bending over.

To learn more about pelvic floor exercises and other treatments to deal with a painful tailbone, contact Beyond Physical Therapy to reduce the symptoms that prevent a return to a healthy and active lifestyle. Our team of professionals are experienced in working with women who are pregnant or who have recently had a vaginal or c-section delivery.

It is no secret that pregnancy takes quite the toll on your body. While, not necessarily normal, it is common for expecting mothers to experience musculoskeletal aches and pains, as well as a common condition that occurs called diastasis recti. 

As your uterus continues to expand throughout your pregnancy, stress is put on your “rectus abdominis” muscles. This muscle constitutes two muscles that run parallel from the rib cage to the pubic bone connected down the middle with connective tissue. Without specific muscle training and with continued expansion of the uterus, it is possible for these muscles to separate along the center seam, causing diastasis recti. 

How can physical therapy help?

At Beyond Physical Therapy, we offer and excel in prenatal and perinatal physical therapy treatments for pregnancy-related conditions, such as those of diastasis recti. At your initial appointment, one of our experienced and dedicated physical therapists will perform a physical evaluation in order to assess the nature of your symptoms. 

Your medical history and any health risks will also be discussed and taken into account prior to creating a treatment plan. After your evaluation, our physical therapist will put together an individualized treatment plan for you, aimed at reducing your diastasis, providing relief for your symptoms, training for the marathon of delivery and allowing for a smoother pregnancy and delivery. 

For cases of diastasis recti, condition-specific treatments will be designed to correct the condition and symptoms. Diastasis recti can interfere with the strengthening of the abdomen muscles and cause the belly to “pooch” (aka mommy pooch). Our highly-trained physical therapists use their unique skills to identify and treat this condition, based on its severity and your personal needs.

If you have been diagnosed with diastasis recti, or you think you may be experiencing symptoms from it, contact Beyond Physical Therapy today to request an appointment with one of our experienced Bedford physical therapists. We’ll create the best treatment plan for your needs, so you can provide the best care for your baby and for yourself.

If you’ve never experienced anything different, it might be hard to realize that pelvic pain during intercourse is not normal. Sex can be many things but it isn’t something you should ever have to suffer through!

Medically referred to as dyspareunia, pelvic pain can have a variety of causes that are treatable with physical therapy at Beyond Physical Therapy. Much of the time, this pain has to do with the position and/or tension of the pelvic muscles, fascia, scar tissue, nerves, and bones. The input of nerves into the muscles and skin within the pelvis, vagina, introitus, and perineum can also be a contributing factor.

Dyspareunia can sound like a vague and daunting diagnosis, but if you break it down into disruption of your efficient alignment, tight muscles, and weak muscles, it sounds much more manageable (because it is!). As physical therapists, we call these “mechanical” and “neuromuscular” issues.

Imagine you have a sore neck and shoulders. You can probably assume that you were overusing your upper traps, using a compensatory motion to make up for the weakness of a nearby muscle, or you were just sitting at your desk with poor posture… or all of the above! Now it makes sense why getting a massage on your neck and shoulders would be so painful. This idea is similar to what happens within the pelvis, but without the option of anyone being able to notice and cue you to “Relax, you look so tense!”

If it’s your pelvic floor muscles that are over activating, using a compensatory motion to make up for a weak core, or have inefficient alignment from the pelvic bones they attach to…or all of the above, then there’s a chance you will have pain during intercourse. Pelvic floor muscles are just like all the other muscles, except you can’t see them from the outside and people don’t often talk about them. So let’s keep talking about them!

Another big thing to keep in mind are the nerves that run within the muscles, fascia and joints we just talked about, and remembering that they originate in the spine. As nerves exit the spine and continue to innervate the organs, muscles and skin of the pelvis, it is imperative that they have a path clear of restrictions. If these pathways are restricted by issues such as tight sections of the spine, a crooked tailbone, or tight muscles and fascia surrounding the nerves, this can contribute to pain and/or weakness within the area these nerves are intended to innervate.

How can physical therapy help?

Our Bedford, TX physical therapists are experienced in creating a safe and supportive environment for improving your soft tissue and joint mobility that will maximize your comfort and overall wellbeing. We can help to ensure optimal function within the pelvis, helping you to overcome the frustrating pain of dyspareunia. If infection, vaginal dryness, skin irritation, or inflammation turns out to be the biggest contributor to your pain, we also work closely with other health professionals and can help you to assemble the best team to address your pain.

Request an appointment with Beyond Physical Therapy to find out if you’d benefit from our brand of therapy.

Approximately 13 million Americans are incontinent. Oftentimes, the cause of incontinence is aging. The body’s muscles just don’t work as well as they used to. However, it is possible for anyone to experience incontinence for various reasons.

Fortunately, physical therapy treatment can improve specific organ and pelvic-floor muscle function. Incontinence is a common condition that may be caused by an underlying condition, but the most common reason it goes untreated is due to embarrassment.

For the prevention of bowel incontinence, one of the most important things you can do is attend your yearly physicals and seek help. Attending yearly physicals or reaching out to a pelvic health physical therapist and being honest with your doctor/therapist, no matter how embarrassed you may feel, is the best way to treat or avoid this condition worsening. With our physical therapists, you can work together to create a treatment plan that will correct this condition right in the comfort of your home. Many of our Bedford physical therapists will perform pelvic floor therapy to treat bowel incontinence and the results are resoundingly successful with most patients. 

How can physical therapy help?

Visceral manipulation (hands-on therapy for your organs), specialized core exercise training and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, known as pelvic floor rehabilitation, can help people who are living with bowel incontinence. 

Mild to moderate cases of common types of incontinence can be greatly improved or even cured by manual, behavioral or exercise therapy. We can also teach you habits and techniques to control your incontinence. Even periodic incontinence is not something you have to live with – we can help! Request an appointment with Beyond Physical Therapy today and get started on reclaiming your life.

What is Pelvic Girdle Pain?

This is an umbrella term used for all pelvic pain and includes pain from the lumbar spine all the way down to the front or back of the thighs. This pain is very common during pregnancy and it can range from a mild ache to a severe pain that interferes with daily activities. This pain can happen during any time of pregnancy, during labor, or even after delivery.

How can physical therapy help?

So how is this type of pain treated? While some treatment options include more resting and avoiding certain activities, physical therapy has been seen to provide many lasting benefits. And luckily, we’re a leading physical therapy practice that specializes in treating this condition. A Prenatal and Postpartum Rehabilitation Program aims to help those who are pregnant or those who have recently had a vaginal or c-section delivery. Our goals of the program include:

• Reducing pain
• Improving musculoskeletal function
• Creating personalized exercise programs
• Promoting strength and endurance for delivery
• Addressing infant-care body mechanics
• Educating mothers on recovery after delivery
• Educating mothers on breastfeeding tips

Beyond Physical Therapy helps mothers make it through these painful and stressful times and return to a healthy and active lifestyle. Our skilled and experienced Bedford, TX team can help you find a solution to pain, discomfort, and issues that occur while you are pregnant or just delivered your baby. Request an appointment today to learn more about our services!

“Urinary incontinence” is a technical term for leaking urine by accident. It is a common condition in more elderly demographics, especially elderly women, although it can happen to anyone for a number of reasons. Fortunately, urinary incontinence can be controlled and/or cured with the help of physical therapy. If you have been struggling with urinary incontinence and you are looking for help, contact Beyond Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated Bedford, TX physical therapists. 

How can physical therapy help?

At Beyond Physical Therapy, we know that living with urinary incontinence can be limiting – and even embarrassing at times, especially when it occurs during a social setting. Our Bedford, TX physical therapists are dedicated to improving your pelvic health, quality of life, and socialization, so you can get back to living your very best life.

When you arrive for your initial appointment, one of our physical therapists will perform a physical examination to determine the strength of your pelvic floor. Your physical exam, along with an evaluation of your medical history and discussion of your symptoms, will help in determining the best route for your treatment plan. Typical treatments for those struggling with urinary incontinence typically includes:

• Increasing strength, stability, and endurance of the core, transverse abdominals, hip muscles, and pelvic floor.
• Increasing synergy and pattern of muscle firing between the pelvic floor and core.
• The use of biofeedback for pelvic floor training and re-education.
• Performing strengthening exercises in functional and dynamic positions.
• Improving posture/positions.
• Modifying diet.
• Keeping a bladder diary and log.
• Participating in an exercising/walking/mobility program.
• Participating in functional activities.
• Participating in a home exercise program and instruction.

For Alzheimer’s patients struggling with urinary incontinence, there are training programs that their caregivers can partake in, in order to try and make urinary incontinence less likely and life much easier. It is common for those suffering from Alzheimer’s to also struggle with urinary incontinence for several reasons. For example, urinary incontinence may result from a lack of realization that urination is occurring, forgetting that one needs to urinate, or not being able to find the bathroom. These programs provide helpful tips for caregivers, such as:

• Avoiding giving out caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and sodas, as these increase urination. However, do not limit water.
• Keeping pathways to the bathroom clear and the bathroom itself clutter-free to allow for easy access. Make sure to keep the bathroom light on at all times to make it easier to find.
• Making sure you provide regular bathroom breaks. Giving gentle reminders to use the bathroom may also be helpful, as Alzheimer’s patients may not realize how long it has been since their last urination.
• Supplying underwear that is easy to get on and off.
• Supplying absorbent underclothes for trips away from home, in case an accident occurs.

If you, or someone you are caring for, are struggling with urinary incontinence and you are looking for help, contact us at Beyond Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment. One of our Bedford, TX physical therapists will get you started on the path toward urinary control and relief. 

Pelvic pain can occur for a number of reasons. This type of pain can be limiting and, for some people, even a bit embarrassing. It can hinder your daily life and prevent you from doing some of the daily tasks or activities you love.

Physical therapy treatments, such as pelvic floor rehabilitation and accompanying methods, have been proven to treat a variety of conditions resulting in pelvic pain.

Our Bedford, TX physical therapy clinic is equipped with the resources necessary for treating all forms of pelvic pain. In many cases, our treatment methods can help provide relief and recovery for problems that patients have been facing for years. If your pelvic pain is limiting you, contact Beyond Physical Therapy today to begin your path toward long-lasting relief!

What is Pudendal Neuralgia?

Pudendal neuralgia is long-term pelvic pain that originates from damage or irritation of the pudendal nerve – a main nerve in the pelvis. The pudendal nerve supplies areas including the: lower buttocks. area between the buttocks and genitals (perineum) area around the anus and rectum.

The pudendal nerve supplies areas including the:

• lower buttocks
• area between the buttocks and genitals (perineum)
• area around the anus and rectum
• vulva, labia and clitoris in women
• scrotum and penis in men

Pudendal neuralgia can be very uncomfortable and distressing, but help is available.

How physical therapy can help

Our Bedford, TX physical therapists can teach you exercises to relax your pelvic floor muscles (muscles that you use to control urination) and other muscles that can irritate the pudendal nerve. If you think you have pudendal neuralgia and are ready to find relief, request an appointment with Beyond Physical Therapy today.