Women’s Health
With Physical Therapist, Cheryl Rioux, MSPT
Experiencing pelvic pain or dysfunction? We can help!
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation with a Certified Specialist
Coastline Physical Therapy is pleased to offer women’s health physical therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation. We understand this is a sensitive topic for many people and we hope to provide valuable information, support, and resources for women seeking to improve their overall well-being and address specific concerns related to their pelvic health. Whether you are experiencing discomfort, recovering from childbirth, or looking to optimize your pelvic floor function, our women’s health physical therapist is here to guide you on your journey to optimal health.
Helping You Achieve Success
An individualized, holistic approach to pelvic health
We can help you navigate pregnancy and postpartum health, pelvic pain, leaking and sexual dysfunction, and more
Feel strong and confident following childbirth
Stop leaking pee when exercising, sneezing, laughing, etc.
Treat diastasis recti and bloating
Tackle pain associated with penetration or intercourse
Address debilitating constipation or incontinence
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can have a significant impact on daily life. Women’s health physical therapy treats conditions such as endometriosis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Through manual therapy, relaxation techniques, and education, physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, including stress, urge, or mixed incontinence, is a common condition that affects many women. Physical therapy interventions, including pelvic floor strengthening exercises, bladder retraining, and lifestyle modifications, can significantly improve bladder control and reduce or eliminate involuntary leakage.
Prenatal & Postpartum
Women’s bodies undergo significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Physical therapy during pregnancy can help manage discomfort, address musculoskeletal imbalances, and prepare the body for labor and delivery. Postpartum physical therapy focuses on restoring pelvic floor strength, resolving diastasis recti, and supporting overall recovery.
Sexual dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction can have a profound impact on a woman’s quality of life and intimate relationships. Women’s health physical therapy offers a holistic approach to address conditions such as vaginismus, vulvar vestibulitis, and sexual pain disorders. Treatment may involve pelvic floor relaxation techniques, desensitization exercises, and counseling to enhance sexual function and pleasure.
Who can benefit from pelvic floor PT?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that provide support to the organs in the pelvic region. It plays a crucial role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall core stability. When the pelvic floor becomes weakened or dysfunctional, it can lead to various health issues, affecting a woman’s quality of life.
Common women’s health conditions include pelvic pain, low back and hip pain, vaginismus, pain with sex, sexual dysfunction, urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence, painful bladder syndrome/frequent UTIs, fecal incontinence and bowel dysfunction, constipation, diastasis recti and abdominal conditions, prolapse and connective tissue disorders, pelvic floor tension and hypertonia, and post-operative conditions.
We specialize in working with all people across the lifespan including those who are pregnant or postpartum and those who are nearing or navigating menopause.
What is women's health physical therapy?
Women’s health physical therapy focuses on addressing musculoskeletal conditions and dysfunctions specific to women’s bodies. It encompasses a range of issues including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain, and postpartum recovery.
What does a pelvic floor evaluation include?
1. An intake that includes a report of your current concerns and symptoms and medical history.
2. A general musculoskeletal screening looking at your posture, movement, strength, and any soft tissue tenderness or restrictions.
3. Internal Pelvic Floor Assessment this involves internal (either vaginally or rectally) palpation of your pelvic floor tissue and muscles to assess pain/discomfort, soft tissue restrictions, and your ability to contract and relax your muscles. Your therapist will explain the assessment step by step as it is performed, and you always have the choice to stop the assessment if you are not comfortable.
How do I prepare for my first appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing, write down your concerns, symptoms, and questions. If you feel more comfortable you are more than welcome to bring a family member or friend with you.
About Cheryl Rioux
Our women’s health specialist is Cheryl Rioux, MSPT. Cheryl graduated from Husson University in 2002. Over the past 21 years she has worked primarily in the outpatient orthopedic setting. Since 2016 Cheryl has specialized in providing adult pelvic health and rehabilitation Physical Therapy treating a variety of conditions. She completed her advanced training in women’s health pelvic rehabilitation through the Herman & Wallace Institute. She is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and enjoys integrating other manual techniques including myofascial and visceral mobilization and dry needling as part of her treatments. Cheryl is committed to providing quality care to her clients and believes that the therapist and the client work together as a team to achieve their goal.
Testimonials
“I was referred to Hollan for pregnancy-related carpal tunnel. Hollan was able to get me in for my first appointment within a day, which felt life-saving as I was in intense pain. Hollan quickly diagnosed and began working on my problem areas as well as easily explained ways to manage my pain throughout the rest of my pregnancy.” – Julie C.
Your health is your choice!
Don’t wait any longer.