Women's Physical Therapy
Westlake Hospital's therapy team is skilled in treating the individualized needs of their female patients and understands the special needs and conditions that women experience at various times in their lives.
Westlake's Physical Therapy Team Can Help
Westlake's physical therapists are trained in evaluating your needs and designing a program that works for you to meet your goals and improve your overall health and quality of life.
A physician referral is required for enrollment into the physical therapy program. Ask your doctor about the services we can provide.
Throughout your physical therapy sessions, we remain in close contact with your physician to ensure consistency in your treatment plan.
Hours of Operation
To accommodate your busy schedule, we offer early morning and evening therapy hours. Most sessions take about 45 minutes. We strive to ensure you receive the same therapist each and every time so you are comfortable during your sessions and your progress can be accurately recorded.< /p>
Convenient Location
The Outpatient Physical Therapy Department is conveniently located in the lower level of the Professional Office Building on the campus of Westlake Hospital.
Special Needs and Conditions
Incontinence - Any involuntary loss of urine or stool. It is a common occurrence but is not a "normal" part of the aging process and can be treated. Pelvic floor muscle weakness resulting in a loss of muscular support for the bladder, uterus or rectum may be the cause. Categories of incontinence include stress, urgency, frequency or mixed. Non-surgical treatments for incontinence include the use of specially prescribed exercises, bladder training, electrical stimulation, biofeedback and vaginal weights.
Pregnancy/High Risk Pregnancy - Pregnant women may suffer from pain or aching in the back or shoulder blades, rib cage, groin area or wrists due to changes in posture, weight or hormonal factors. Not only are these women more susceptible to injury during pregnancy, but related orthopedic problems may persist or begin following pregnancy. Maternity supports, manual therapy, and strengthening or retraining techniques are typical treatments. Post-delivery rehabilitation may include stretching and endurance training.
Pelvic Pain - Pelvic floor tension or pain in the sling of muscles which support the bladder, uterus and rectum can be caused by muscle, joint or nerve problems. Women may experience difficulty sitting, pain during intercourse or pain in the hips or lower abdomen. Rehabilitation includes pelvic floor relaxation training, manual therapy and biofeedback.
Osteoporosis - A common condition in which bones become thin and brittle. More than 10 million people have osteoporosis and more than 34 million are at risk for the disease, and statistics show that 80 percent of those afflicted are women. A person with osteoporosis is at risk for a bone fracture. Physical therapy programs may include training in proper body mechanics and overall balance, fitting of braces or orthotics, advice regarding safe exercise programs and pain relief treatments using moist heat and electrical stimulation.
Lymphedema - A persistent swelling of the arm or leg, trunk or neck that typically occurs when lymph nodes are damaged or removed during surgery, or following infection or scar formation which blocks the lymphatic fluid flow. A person may be at risk for developing Lymphedema following cancer surgery, radiation or some other form of trauma that affects the lymph nodes. Lymphedema may occur weeks, months, or years after the initial injury. Therapeutic exercise, instruction in prevention, specialized massage, compression bandaging and custom-made compression garments are among the treatment choices.
Fibromyalgia - A chronic condition characterized by persistent and widespread musculoskeletal pain along with specific muscular tender points. Additional symptoms vary and can include overwhelming fatigue, generalized stiffness, memory impairment, anxiety and impaired sensitivity to cold. Treatments to reduce pain and promote function include non-impact activities to increase physical fitness, stretching and strengthening exercises, heat and cold modalities, instruction in energy conservation principles, and instruction in proper body mechanics for all activities of daily living.
For More Information
To learn more about Women's Physical Therapy, call the Outpatient Physical Therapy Department at (708) 938-7408.