Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

Do any of these symptoms seem close to home? If so, take time to schedule an appointment. Call 715.717.7668 to speak to an expert in women's health. WHAT'S THE WORD ABOUT JESSICA ERICKSON, DPT, PT, CAPP-PELVIC, PHYSICAL THERAPIST AT HSHS ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, HAS BEEN CLINICALLY TREATING WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUES FOR YEARS AND HAS SOME ANSWERS FOR YOU. Treading the Treatment Line Kegel exercises teach patients how to activate the right muscles to contract quickly, relieving urinary incontinence and pelvic pain within a short span of time, says Jessica Erickson, DPT, PT, CAPP-Pelvic, Physical Therapist at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital. "Before we start any treatment plan, we talk about what they want to achieve in therapy and work from there," Erickson says. "Even visiting for two sessions can expand a patient's toolbox and give them ways to better manage their symptoms. It could be as simple as utilizing an in-house tool called biofeedback, electrical equipment that paints a visual picture for patients so they can see how their muscles are contracting on screen and which need more activation, say, when they are performing a kegel or pelvic floor exercise." ERICKSON FINDS WAYS to take sensitive subjects—pelvic pain and incontinence, for example—and turn them into vehicles for change. "The biggest misconception is that pelvic pain is normal, or that urinary leakage is simply another step in the aging process," Erickson says. "These may not be everyday conversational topics, but that's why people like me are here to listen and offer support." The top three issues for women include: 1. Pregnancy Pains. Up to 90 percent of pregnant women deal with frustrating lower back and pelvic pain on a consistent basis. One in three women report these pains linger after pregnancy. "During the first visit, I look at how women perform everyday tasks, what their current stress levels are like, and if they have self-soothing techniques to relax their minds and bodies," Erickson says. "We spend time modifying certain movements and exploring strength-building exercises, among other options like braces." 2. Incontinence. Bladder issues can make being away from home difficult, disrupting errands or even social outings. Sometimes you may experience leakage when coughing or laughing due to weak muscles, but it could be what you're eating that's irritating your bladder. 3. Chronic pelvic pain. If pain presents for up to six months—during intercourse or any physical activity, even sleeping—there's an underlying issue causing pain. "This is where women especially tend to hide issues," Erickson says. "Often, after reviewing the facts and key diagnoses, they realize it's nothing they have to live with anymore, and that puts a smile on their face and resets their motivation to complete their home exercises." WOMEN'S HEALTH? 1 4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H

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