Core Plus Physical Therapy, LLC
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~ CORE PLUS ~
CONDITIONS WE  TREAT   

DEDICATED TO GETTING TO THE CORE OF THE PROBLEM.
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  1. Urinary incontinence, or lack of bladder control
  2. Pelvic muscle pain and spasm
  3. Fecal incontinence, or lack of bowel control
  4. Constipation

Pediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  1. Bed wetting
  2. Potty training
  3. Constipation
  4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Men's Health Concerns

  1. Post-surgical care for prostatectomy
  2. Chronic Prostatitis

Women's Health Concerns

  1. Prenatal/Postpartum Discomfort
  2. Low back pain due to pregnancy
  3. Diastasis Recti
  4. Vulvodynia
  5. Vaginismus
  6. Painful Intercourse
  7. Sexual Dysfunction
  8. Pelvic Pain
  9. Urinary Leakage
  10. Osteoporosis
  11. Coccydynia
  12. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  13. Post-Oncology Pelvic Health
  14. Pudendal Neuralgia
  15. Post Surgical Care followed by Hysterectomy or Bladder
  16. Pre or Post Surgery Concerns

Want to Learn More?

What is Diastasis Recti, and how is it treated?
Diastasis recti is defined as a separation, or spreading apart of the right and left halves  of the rectus abdominus muscle. This can occur in pregnant women due to stretching  of the uterus and pregnancy hormones which soften the connective tissue.  Risk factors include: being over the age of 35, high birth weight, a multiple birth  pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies.  
Following pregnancy and delivery a diastasis can resolve or improve on its own, but in  some women it may persist. If left untreated it can lead to poor posture, altered pelvic  alignment, and chronic low back pain. This can be due to excessive abdominal fat,  repetitive straining, and/or incorrect form when performing traditional abdominal  strengthening exercises. 

Abdominal crunches do not work to correct diastasis recti! In fact, many traditional abdominal strengthening exercises such as crunches and some  basic Pilate’s maneuvers (if done incorrectly) can actually worsen a diastasis. Even the  simple act of how a person gets out of bed every morning can potentially worsen an  already existing diastasis.  Diastasis recti has been shown to improve or reduce with physical therapy, specifically  with exercises that emphasize transverse abdominus muscle strengthening. The  transverse abdominus is a deep core muscle that acts as a muscular brace to support  internal organs, stabilize the trunk, and connect the pelvis to the rib cage. Learning to  identify and use the transverse abdominus while maintaining proper postural alignment  during functional activities is the key to reducing and improving the diastasis.  

Our Pelvic Health Therapists are fully trained to evaluate and treat this  problem. We teach and supervise proven, appropriate, and safe core strengthening  exercises that encourage healing, reduction of the separation while addressing any  associated back pain, as well as flattening of the belly.
  

It will be our pleasure to guide you in reducing your diastasis recti. ​
How Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy treat Outlet Dysfunction Constipation and Fecal Incontinence?
Irregularity is not normal! 
One commonly accepted medical definition of constipation is having a difficult bowel movement  fewer than three times a week. Constipation can be a source of bladder control problems,  frequent urinary tract infections and can lead to other serious problems. Likewise fecal  incontinence (inability to prevent the loss of stool or gas) can be an emotionally and functionally  disabling problem. 

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bowel and bladder function. Problems can result  from pelvic floor muscle weakness and/or abnormal muscular coordination. For example,  sometimes with chronic or severe constipation the pelvic floor muscles can ‘misbehave’. Instead of opening and relaxing to allow effective defecation, the muscles may tense, tighten  and spasm. Further straining may only increase this abnormal response further impeding the  passage of stool. This ineffective straining may cause a prolapse of the bladder, bowel,  uterus, rectum and/or intestine pushing push down into the vagina. 

Lastly, pelvic floor muscle weakness may result in a poor ability to contain stool and result in  leakage of stool. 

Common treatment interventions include: 
• Education: pelvic floor anatomy and function, how to “find” your pelvic floor  muscles. 
• Pelvic floor muscle re-training: learning how to relax, strengthen and coordinate  the pelvic floor muscles. 
• Biofeedback: an extremely helpful modality used to improve patient  understanding thereby improving and normalizing motor control of pelvic floor  musculature. It is painless and non-invasive! 
• Behavioral strategies: toileting schedules, fluid/fiber intake, stool consistency  monitoring, urge awareness and management. 
• Therapeutic exercises: Instruction in exercises that will enhance pelvic floor  muscle relaxation as well as control. 
• Manual therapy techniques: hands-on treatment to help relieve muscle tension  of supportive hip musculature, abdominal muscles, and/or pelvic; manual therapy  techniques aimed at improving motility. 

​Our female Pelvic Health Therapists strive to make your experience as  comfortable as possible to reach your goals.  
What is Dyspareunia?
Dyspareunia is the medical term for persistent or recurrent genital pain that  occurs before, during, or after intercourse. 
It is estimated that this problem affects 16% of women between the ages of 18 and 64.  A woman with this condition typically has pain during sex and is often unable to achieve  penetration. She may have pain during her yearly gynecologic exam and often cannot  tolerate insertion of the speculum, or use tampons.  

We are physical and occupational therapists specifically trained in treating all types of pelvic  floor problems, including dyspareunia.  
As pelvic health therapists we will evaluate the musculature and soft tissue. With the help of  biofeedback we can train and normalize muscle relaxation and correct abnormal muscle  behavior such as guarding and tension. Treatment typically includes gentle myofascial  release techniques to release trigger and tender points and appropriate stretching,  exercises, and relaxation techniques. Normalizing muscle function is the goal and  precursor to achieving the ultimate goal of pain-free, enjoyable intercourse. 
All five female therapists at Core Plus Physical Therapy are comfortable and  skilled in treating this condition and spend
55-minutes with each patient. Privacy is of utmost importance and all of our treatment rooms are private and sound-proof. We  understand the sensitivity surrounding dyspareunia so we make sure every patient is  seen by the same therapist from beginning to end. 

The vast majority of patients we have treated for this isolating, yet not uncommon problem, have achieved excellent results and go on  to experience a normal, fulfilling sex life.



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  • Home
  • JOURNAL
  • Who We Are
  • What we do
    • Common Diagnoses
    • Pediatric Services
    • Community Outreach
  • New Patients
  • Contact
    • Our Mechanicsburg Office
  • FAQS