By: Christine Tolerico, PT, Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
Do you urinate more than every two hours in the daytime or more than once after going to bed? Do you have trouble making it to the toilet on time when you have an urge to go? Do you have urinary leakage when you cough or sneeze or laugh? Do you have the feeling your bladder is still full after urinating? Do you have pain in the pelvic region?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be a candidate for pelvic floor physical therapy. Involuntary urinary leakage is a common problem. It occurs in 25% of young women and in 44% -57% of middle aged and postmenopausal women. Overactive bladder occurs in 20% of women over age 40.
The pelvic floor muscles prevent incontinence, allow normal bowel and bladder voiding, and provide core stability. Rehabilitation of theses muscles is possible, and can significantly improve or eliminate incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic pain.
The rehab department at the Ambulatory Care Center has physical therapists who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. The physical therapist will assess your specific concerns, and evaluate your pelvic floor muscle function. Then a specific rehab program is designed and implemented so that you are able to reach your goals.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation is much more than just doing Kegel exercises! We can show you how to gain good neuromuscular control of these muscles to address your specific problems, and to achieve your goals.
Christie Tolerico has been a physical therapist at Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center since 1994, primarily treating patients with orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses. In 2003 she was awarded certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment for the treatment of spinal diagnoses.
After completing continuing education through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute in 2016, Christie has added a specialty in pelvic floor rehabilitation. She has taken multiple education courses in this field and enjoys the challenges and rewards of treating this patient population.
The Saint Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation centers are open and ready to help you achieve your goals. With four locations in West Orange, Millburn and Livingston, the experienced and compassionate staff at Saint Barnabas Rehabilitation offers adults and children the specialized care they need to resume an active life after surgery, injury or illness. They are committed to providing patients with the most advanced services in a safe, caring and soothing environment. For high-risk patients who are unable to visit in person, telehealth is an option. Patients do not need a prescription for physical therapy services.