Therapy Options Help Women
Get More Out of Life
Even after two surgeries, Thelma was still experiencing swelling and discomfort caused by a deep vein problem in her legs. It limited the amount of walking she could do.
“Eventually I was diagnosed with lymphedema, and I told that no additional surgery was going to completely help me,” she says. But that didn’t mean she had to live with the pain caused by irregular lymphatic fluid accumulation in her legs.
She was referred to the Lymphedema Clinic at Lancaster General, where she worked with Deborah Schrodi, Physical Therapist, to put some of the spring back into her step.
Thelma says the commitment was well worth the effort. “I consider it a blessing that I came here. I don’t have the pain I once had. It was such a relief – I can’t praise this program enough.”
Lancaster General Women’s Health Services offers three types of specialized one-on-one therapy for patients at Women & Babies Hospital. In addition to lymphedema management, we offer urinary incontinence and postpartum physical therapy.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition suffered by over 2 million Americans. Symptoms can include swelling in a limb or body part, decreased joint flexibility, tightness in the limbs and frequent infections.
The goal at the Lymphedema Clinic is to teach you proper techniques for controlling the symptoms, including exercises and proper attire, such as compression stockings, that will reduce the swelling.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people waste a lot of money buying inappropriate garments,” says Eileen Herman, Physical Therapist. “Our therapists can help determine the right size and amount of compression needed for the best results.”
“It’s about teaching people how to treat themselves,” Deborah adds. “We want to make sure they get their home program just right.”
With an increase in awareness, Deborah says they have seen a steady increase in patients seeking lymphedema therapy.
“Originally we were seeing it mostly from women recovering from breast cancer treatment,” she says. “With more emphasis on preventive care, we’re getting women in for treatment earlier.”
Urinary Incontinence
There are many causes of urinary incontinence, including infections, muscle weakness, medication side effects and nerve disorders. Even diet can have an impact.
Unfortunately, a person waits an average of nine years before talking to their doctor about an incontinence program.
“Don’t wait,” Eileen says. “Incontinence isn’t just a part of aging. It isn’t something you have to live with. Go to your doctor and get started.”
The behavioral training program through the Incontinence Program at Lancaster General is offered to both women and men to teach them techniques that can control a frustrating problem.
“It’s about strengthening and changing habits,” Eileen says. “We teach them where the muscles are, and how to use it. We also teach behavioral methods for treating incontinence.”
Components of the Incontinence Program include teaching exercises designed to strengthen or retain pelvic floor and sphincter muscles; biofeedback, which can determing is the right muscles are contracting; painless electrical stimulation to strengthen the muscles; and education on ways to control your bladder.
Postpartum
Many women continue to experience muscle and joint pain long after childbirth. While pain is common during pregnancy and childbirth, therapy may be needed to reduce and eliminate lingering pain.
Postpartum problems can include lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fatigue, posture change and muscle weakness.
These are symptoms that can be reduced with one-on-one therapy with a physical therapist who has received specialized training in women’s health issues, says Erika Maust-Neiderer, Physical Therapist.
“The number of therapy sessions depends upon the woman’s condition, but on average it lasts 2-4 weeks,” Erika says. The hour long therapy sessions can include soft tissue mobilization, exercises, posture re-education and proper use of back and pelvis support devices. Prenatal therapy is also offered to women experiencing extreme or persistent pain during pregnancy.
Patients are referred these therapies by a physician. So if you think you are experiencing any of these conditions, first consult your doctor. You can also call 544-3773 for more information about each of these programs.
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