What we treat
​

Incontinence, Bladder Frequency and Urgency
The loss of bladder control is a common and often embarrassing problem. The severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having an urge to urinate that's so sudden and strong you don't get to a toilet in time. Many women have a combination of these symptoms.

  • Pelvic floor biofeedback:
Biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle retraining is a treatment to help patients learn to strengthen or relax their pelvic floor muscles in order to improve bowel or bladder function and decrease some types of pelvic floor pain.
  • Pelvic floor strengthening:
Pelvic floor muscle training exercises can help strengthen the muscles under the uterus, bladder, and bowel (large intestine. Many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, excessive straining from constipation or chronic coughing, and being overweight. Pelvic floor strengthening may assist with incontinence, prolapse, and pain symptoms.
  • Prolapse:
Prolapse refers to the prolapse or drooping of any of the pelvic floor organs, including: Bladder. Uterus. Vagina. Many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk for prolapse, including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, excessive straining from constipation or chronic coughing, and being overweight. Pelvic floor strengthening and biofeedback instruction through a trained physical therapist can reduce prolapse symptoms.
​Pregnancy Related Issues
  • Myofascial techniques specific to pregnant women
Myofascial release: Low back and pelvic pain is prevalent in women who are pregnant or postpartum, Myofascial release  is a massage technique that can provide relaxing, therapeutic care that relieves the painful area and reduces stress.
  • Exercise training during pregnancy
If you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal, it is safe to continue or start regular physical activity. Physical activity does not increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or early delivery. However, it is important to discuss exercise with your obstetrician or other member of your health care team during your early prenatal visits. If your health care professional gives you the OK to exercise a trained physical therapist can guild you through what activities you can do safely.
  • Exercise training after pregnancy
During the postpartum period, the woman gradually returns to her physiological pre-pregnancy state. The body in its post-pregnant state may be different than the pre-pregnancy state. The postpartum period is referred to as the time after giving birth up to 12 months. Active women who are postpartum want to resume an active lifestyle as soon the possible. There may be many barriers preventing them from returning to their normal exercise routines. Common problems women experience are:
   • Prolapse
   • Abdominal scars
   • Lumbosacral pain
   • Diatasis rectus
   • Incontinence
   • Bladder and bowel issues
   • Pelvic floor pain
  • SI belt fitting 
A Sacroiliac belt is an elastic support belt worn around the hips and pelvis during pregnancy. The aim of the Sacroiliac belt is to, Reduce Pain, inflammation at the Sacroiliac Joint, Promote ‘normal’ posture, Increase independent functional engagement. The added support of the Sacroiliac belt aims to decrease stress on the joint, promoting alignment of the pelvis thus helping to re-establish the natural movements of the joints.
Diastasis Rectus
Diastasis recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscles, which meet at the midline of your stomach. Diastasis recti is very common during and following pregnancy. This is because the uterus stretches the muscles in the abdomen to accommodate your growing baby.
​Low Back and Pelvic Pain
  • ​Pelvic floor soft tissue mobilization
A licensed PT is specially trained to use her hands to push, pull and knead your muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves in precise ways to help bring you pain relief and return you
to functionality. These same techniques can also be applied to the pelvic floor. Adhesions are your body’s attempt to heal a soft tissue injury with a lengthy inflammation process, resulting in long strands of collagenous scar tissue. These new tissues pull against one another, forming trigger points of pain. Soft tissue mobilization Break down or reduce adhesions, Improve range of motion, Lengthen muscles and tendons, Reduce swelling and edema, Decrease pain, Restore functionality.
  • Abdominal scars from surgery or cesarean delivery
Medical adhesions are a healing process after an abdominal surgery or a cut from a cesarean delivery. When tissue is separated new tissue called scar tissue forms creating a thicker coarser connection to heal the spot. This tissue will then need to be massaged to allow for more flexibility and movement back in the area. Adhesions in the abdomen can cause pain around your ribs, abdomen and into your back. Adhesions can lead to reduced motion, bladder irritation and even digestive issues if not addressed. A physical therapist can work out these adhesions and teach you stretches and techniques to keep them from coming back.
  • Core strengthening
Frequent diagnoses for pregnant women are pelvic and low back pain. The prevalence of these issues is about 50% in pregnant women. Most women are seen by physical therapists for lumbopelvic pain in the second trimester of pregnancy and continue treatment for 8 to 16 weeks. Pelvic pain has been reported to be more debilitating than low back pain. Without the proper training protocols low back and pelvic pain can become persistent problems.21 Individualized physical therapy programs have shown good results in reducing lumbopelvic pain.
Coccyx Pain
Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia or coccygodynia, occurs in or around the bony structure at the bottom of the spine (coccyx) can be caused by trauma to the coccyx during a fall, prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface, degenerative joint changes, or vaginal childbirth. Tailbone pain can feel dull and achy but typically becomes sharp during certain activities, such as sitting, rising from a seated to a standing position or prolonged standing. Defecation and sex also might become painful. For women, tailbone pain can make menstruation uncomfortable as well. A physical therapist can use soft tissue techniques, relaxation techniques and joint mobilization to reduce muscular tension and discomfort.
  • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Dyspareunia is the term for recurring pain in the genital area or within the pelvis during sexual intercourse. The pain can be sharp or intense. It can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse. A physical therapist can treat dyspareunia with soft tissue mobilization, dilator usage, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, patient education and therapeutic exercises. Some causes of dyspareunia may require a joint effort from physical therapists, mental health therapists and a physician.
Common physical causes of dyspareunia include:
  • vaginal dryness from menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding, medications, or too little arousal before intercourse
  • skin disorders that cause ulcers, cracks, itching, or burning
  • infections, such as yeast or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • injury or trauma from childbirth, an accident, an episiotomy, a hysterectomy, or pelvic surgery
  • vulvodynia, or pain centered in the vulva area
  • vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina
  • vaginismus, or a spontaneous tightening of the muscles of the vaginal wall
  • endometriosis
  • cystitis
  • pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • uterine fibroids
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • radiation and chemotherapy
Factors that reduce sexual desire or affect a person’s ability to become aroused can also cause
dyspareunia. These factors include:
  • stress, which can result in tightened muscles of the pelvic floor
  • fear, guilt, or shame related to sex
  • self-image or body issues
  • medications such as birth control pills
  • relationship problems
  • conditions such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disease
  • history of sexual trauma
  • Dilator training
A vaginal dilator is a tube-shaped device that's used to stretch the vagina. They're usually made of plastic and come in kits with many sizes. A physical therapist can train you the proper way to use dilators to relieve painful pelvic symptoms
Dilators Can Help Relieve
  • Dyspareunia: Difficult Penetration & Painful Intercourse
  • Vaginismus & Vaginal Tightness
  • Vulvodynia: Vulvar Pain
  • Vaginal Atrophy: Lowered Levels of Estrogen
  • Post-Surgery Discomfort
  • Post-Partum Pelvic Pain
  • Relaxation and breathing techniques
Normal breathing is relatively shallow and does not use the full capacity of the lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing is a deep breathing exercise that fully engages the diaphragm and
increases the efficiency of the lungs. Diaphragmatic breathing helps a person engage the diaphragm fully while breathing. A physical therapist can guild you through relaxed breathing strategies. This may provide a number of health benefits, including:
  • strengthening the diaphragm
  • improving stability in the core muscles
  • slowing the breathing rate
  • lowering heart rate and blood pressure
  • reducing oxygen demand
  • promoting relaxation
Postpartum Return to Activity
  • Prolapse
  • Abdominal scars after cesarean delivery
  • Core strengthening
  • Return to sports and exercise
  • Diastasis rectus
Breast Cancer, Macestomy Care
  • Mastectomy care and upper body circulation
Mastectomy or partial mastectomy is the full or partial removal of the breast as a way to treat or prevent breast cancer. After a mastectomy there may be postural imbalance, scar adhesions, pain, reduced range of motion and difficulty with circulation. A therapist trained to treat patients for post mastectomy care can reduce these symptoms and help the patient return to full function without pain.
  • Posture
Digestion and Constipation Management
Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, your poop gets harder and more difficult to pass. Constipation can be caused by:
  • lack of fiber or water in your diet
  • abdominal and muscular adhesions
  • coccyx pain
  • difficulty with relaxing the pelvic floor
  • overuse of laxatives
  • inactivity
  • eating disorders
  • some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, and iron pills)
  • resisting the urge to poop
  • stress
A physical therapist can reduce adhesions and muscle tightness, teach activity modification, relaxation techniques, and toileting posture. Prolonged constipation can lead to prolapse and bladder and bowel problems.
Musculoskeletal and Joint Care
  • Orthopedic care for painful joints, weakness, sprains/strains, arthritis, tendinitis, walking and balance difficulty, neck and low back pain. VHAB treats pathology of the hips, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, elbows, wrists
  • Cervical and lumbar spine: degenerative disc disease ,headaches, disk herniation, Sacroilliac dysfunction, stenosis, spinal instability
  • Knee: menisus tear, patellofemoral syndrome,  ACL/MCL/PCL strain.
  • Hip: pain, weakness, IT band syndrome
  • Shoulder Pain: Rotator Cuff Syndrome, Impingement, Frozen shoulder, Labral tear, instability
  • Elbow Pain: Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis, Golfer’s Elbow.
  • Ankle/foot:  traumatic ankle sprain/strain, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibialis/peroneaus longeus tendititis

Physical Therapy Company of Women

Ladies do you have physical issues that need to be addressed? Trust none other than VHAB, LLC for premier women’s health physical therapy. Our physical therapy company was formed to educate, empower and advance the health of women of all ages and physical conditions. We provide quality physical therapy treatments that are specific to issues that women face.  These complex issues should only be treated by a therapist trained to work with these issues. We treat patients in the clinic, at home or online.

About Our Womens Health Physical Therapy Services

At VHAB Physical Therapy We are certified, licensed, and highly trained physical therapists that specialize in womens issues for incontinence, pelvic pain, bladder frequency and urgency, prolapse, issues associated with pregnancy, back pain, postpartum care, post mastectomy care, digestive issues and musculoskeletal injury. We have many years experience customizing each treatment to help patient’s reach their goals and improve their quality of life.

Learn More About Our women’s Health Physical Therapy Services

For your needs in womens health physical therapy, turn to VHAB, LLC. We serve women of all ages and all medical backgrounds within, Illinois and through Telehealth.  If you need more information or have inquiries about us and what we offer, feel free to reach out to us. Our friendly representatives will gladly provide you with prompt assistance.

​Schedule a

Session WITH US
We offer rehabilitation services that address womens issues to help patients reduce pain and get back to their daily routine. You can count on our physical therapist to provide you with the right treatment for your condition.

Testimonials

Adrien:  "After having my baby I experienced stress incontinence. Vhab helped get rid of the incontinence and get back in shape"

Tiffany: "I was unable to be intimate with my husband for the last year and I was loosing hope. Vhab helped reduce my pelvic pain so I could start a family."

Amber:  "I had so much low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy that I could hardly walk. The exercises that VHAB taught me reduced my pain and improved my comfort and enjoyment during my pregnancy."