Women’s health issues are at the forefront at Onward Physical Therapy in Montgomery. Dr. Andrea Reed tackles pelvic floor issues with a proactive, customized women’s health plan. Her tailored treatments help women stay fit and on track with their favorite fitness activities. Dr. Reed answers our questions about pelvic floor health.
Q: Why is there so much stigma around women’s pelvic health issues?
A: Women are not expected to talk about sexual health, perinatal or postpartum experiences - it's considered unladylike. We don't have as much information about women's bodies as men’s and that carries over to the treatments that are available. Thankfully, women are becoming more proactive about asking for treatment options, instead of just waiting for providers to suggest them.
Q: Why is it important to talk about pelvic health?
A: One in four women report experiencing at least one pelvic floor disorder. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often dismissed as “normal” due to their prevalence. Just because they’re common doesn’t mean you have to live with them! Onward is here to empower women and give them hope.
Q: What symptoms should women be looking for?
A: The symptoms that women might have are: leaking, pelvic discomfort like feelings of heaviness, bulging or feeling like they might have a tampon inserted. A lot of women have no idea what it is, and they have no idea that it can be treated.
Q: What are the treatment options?
A: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a lot about learning about your own body: are you doing what you think you're doing with your pelvic floor? And then, when we get the coordination right, we can work on strength. We learn different techniques to mitigate pressure. We look at techniques, position, modifying weight and more.
Q: Do most women have a successful response to treatments?
A: Yes—absolutely, yes. There’s evidence that education can have a huge impact on symptoms. We could just have a virtual appointment and a conversation and that alone could actually impact women's lives in a huge way. Women can be thriving in the perinatal space instead of feeling held back.
Contact Dr. Andrea Reed at Onward Physical Therapy to discuss your pelvic health or birth wellness journey. Onward’s fitness forward approach can prepare your body to get back to doing what you love to do.
Onward Physical Therapy | 10004 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati | 513.800.0848 | OnwardPhysicalTherapy.com/cincinnati/