WOMEN'S HEALTH

CorePhysio understands women’s unique physiology, exercise and health concerns which ensures you receive a comprehensive evaluation & individualized treatment to enable your return to activities you love. Our clinicians have the specialty training to be able to understand the entire body, including the pelvic floor, to enable comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and treatment interventions for active and athletic women throughout the lifespan.

CorePhysio has two Bellingham clinic sites for pelvic health services for all genders and ages:

• CorePhysio Fairhaven, 1514-12th Street, Suite 103
• CorePhysio Squalicum, 3232 Squalicum Pkway within Pacific Northwest Urology Clinic

CorePhysio’s Women’s Health Program includes specialty treatment of:

The female athlete

CorePhysio understands the unique musculoskeletal challenges in the active and athletic woman. Whether training for your pregnancy, recovering strength for the physical demands of parenting, or resolving persistent orthopedic issues, our clinicians have the toolbox to provide a customized physical therapy treatment program for you. A specific syndrome entitled “The Female Athlete Triad” is a group of signs and symptoms including amenorrhea, low energy availability, oligomenorrhoea (irregular periods) and decreased bone mineral density (osteoporosis and osteopenia) have lifelong health consequences and require a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive rehabilitation. 

Pregnancy and post-partum rehabilitation

Pain in the back, groin or hips are the most common complaint during & after pregnancy. Carpal tunnel, neck, back & shoulder problems can also occur, especially after the baby is born.

Diastasis recti (also called Diastasis Rectus Abdominus or DRA) is the widening or separation of the rectus abdominus muscles (6 pack muscles) due to laxity and stretching of the connective tissue (linea alba) that holds them together.

The single most important thing for DRA recovery is being mindful of your posture and body mechanics with everyday activities. The cumulative stress you may be placing on an already compromised tissue (pressure against the abdominal wall) through poor posture and faulty body mechanics can make a DRA worse. Learning how to activate your deep abdominals for improved abdominal and pelvic girdle stability throughout the day is essential. Safely returning to full activity following DRA requires specialized care, support and education. Your customized treatment program includes manual therapy to correct your alignment, postural correction, gentle bracing to provide stability, identifying weak muscles & prescribing exercises to correct them. CorePhysio utilizes real time ultrasound, enabling you to watch your abdominal muscles contract correctly.

Our comprehensive Diastasis Recti Core Confidence Program provides 3 steps to feel better in your body. 

Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse can occur when the fascial support of the pelvic organs & muscles are damaged. Our clinicians assess your spine, pelvis, hips & pelvic floor to understand how to optimize the function of your joints, ligaments & muscles. Prolapse protection techniques, as well as comprehensive & safe strengthening, are key factors in your recovery.

Abdominal and pelvic rehabilitation after surgery

Detailed self-care strategies & strengthening the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles before and after surgery are important physical therapy interventions. Your therapist assesses and treats associated back and hip pain which directly affects pelvic floor strength. We integrate innovative strengthening into our pre-and post-operative rehabilitation programs. A gentle cardiovascular exercise program can be designed for you to get on your feet quickly.

Incontinence and constipation

Incontinence is the leaking of urine or feces which most frequently occurring when pelvic floor muscles are weak or lax, the pelvis unstable or back pain. Constipation can be caused by diet, dehydration as well as pelvic floor muscle issues. Physical Therapy treatment includes a comprehensive evaluation, learning how to strengthen and use your muscle systems to control leaking & provide stability. Biofeedback, real time ultrasound (RTUs), nutritional recommendations & strengthening are a few of the interventions your CorePhysio PT may use to treat these conditions.

Osteoporosis

CorePhysio clinicians assess your individual needs and medical history and design a customized treatment program to optimize your bone health. Based on our evaluation findings, Your CorePhysio PT will design a safe & gentle exercise program especially for you. You will learn how to safely perform your exercises and how to minimize your risk of fractures during daily activities.