Physical therapy for women with pelvic health conditions is now available at Grand View Health’s Sellersville Outpatient Center, 915 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville, PA. Diagnosis and treatment are provided by Gabrielle Abate PT, DPT, who recently joined GVH as a pelvic health specialist. She received specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation from the nationally recognized Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than one-third of women in the U.S. have a pelvic floor disorder. These dysfunctions can include urinary and fecal incontinence (including exercise-induced incontinence), painful intercourse, urologic disorders, back pain, pelvic organ prolapse, inflammatory bowel disorders and other pelvic floor conditions. While common, these conditions are not normal and can interfere with daily activities, impact self-esteem and cause embarrassment. Although often considered to be disorders experienced by mature women, they can affect women at any stage of life. And, because of the sensitive and personal nature of these disorders, women often suffer in silence rather than seek medical help.
Now, women can get relief from chronic pelvic conditions with physical therapy, a non-surgical, drug-free solution. “The pelvic floor supports the bowel, bladder and reproductive organs, and like any other part of the body that is in pain or not properly functioning, pelvic floor muscles can benefit from physical therapy,” said Abate. “To meet the specific needs of each patient, we develop a personalized treatment plan that can decrease pelvic discomfort or pain through exercises that retrain and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, abdominal wall, low back and hips.” With a holistic approach to healing, treatment also includes educating patients about the pelvic floor, and behavioral and lifestyle methods that can help improve symptoms.
“We are pleased to add this new level of physical rehabilitation at Grand View Health to address sensitive women’s health issues,” said Kim Pultorak, MPT, DPT, CLT-LANA, Manager of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “Providing these services in an outpatient setting allows female patients to have convenient access to the latest non-invasive approaches to pelvic healthcare.”
To receive these services, a prescription from a physician, PA-C or nurse practitioner is required. Most insurance plans are accepted. To schedule an appointment with Gabrielle Abate, call 215-453-3220.