Have you ever coughed or sneezed and “leaked” a little? Or did you previously enjoy running or exercising, but now you avoid it because you’re afraid of peeing your pants?
That “leaking” that happens can be the result of a type of urinary incontinence. Did you know that incontinence is not a normal part of aging?
Better yet! Did you know there are physical therapists who specialize in helping people who have things like urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and bowel and bladder issues?
These topics are not frequently discussed in our society, which can make bringing them up feel taboo, or even shameful. The truth is there is no shame in these conditions! While many people experience them, it’s important to know who you can turn to, and it’s very likely something can be done!
In this article, I have the honor and privilege of interviewing Ashley Reagor, PT, MSPT, AT, who is a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic health. She’s been practicing for 15 years, and owns a private practice in Henderson, NV. Check out her website here: http://www.actiontherapeuticspt.com/.
See below for answers you’ve wanted to know, but may have previously been too embarrassed to ask your physical therapist (or healthcare provider).
Also, check out this interview with Ashley where we play “fact or fiction” with questions pertaining to pelvic health: https://youtu.be/oqi0SZ7qUTg
Interview with Ashley Reagor, PT, MSPT, AT
You work with clients who have pelvic floor dysfunction. What does that mean?
Pelvic floor dysfunction is an umbrella term for the impairments related to the pelvic floor muscles. This area of physical therapy can address gastro-intestinal issues, urinary issues, and pain in men and women; as well as pregnancy and post-partum related issues.
Previously, in the field of physical therapy, “Pelvic Health” physical therapy was called “Women’s Health” physical therapy. Do you only treat women?
No, I specifically avoid the term women’s health because I feel it isolates half of the population that may need my skillset. The pelvic floor anatomy is actually very similar in men and women so I treat all who need my services.
Incontinence is something that many older adults struggle with, but few talk about, which may lead people to believe there’s nothing that can be done for it. Is incontinence a “normal part of aging”?
While it is common, it is not normal. I really hope to dispel the myth that it is a normal part of the aging process. There are a lot of contributing factors that accumulate over a lifetime, but that does not make it normal and there are certainly steps that can be taken to improve one’s quality of life. The sooner the better.
Can anything be done to treat incontinence?
Plenty. There are different types of incontinence so depending on a person’s individual complaints the different types can be addressed.
In addition to helping clients with urinary incontinence issues, what are other things a PT who works in pelvic health can help older adults with?
Pelvic health PT may also help individuals with fecal incontinence issues, pelvic/ and or abdominal pain, constipation, restrictions related to scar tissue from surgery etc.
Many people falsely assume that older adults don’t still have a sex life. I think this stigma contributes to older adults believing that if they’re having pain with sex or having difficulty having sex it’s just something that’s “part of life” and they should just let it go. Is that true?
No; and many people feel that these topics are taboo with health care providers but the reality is that they are aspects of a person’s life and it matters to them and it can be addressed.
When should someone go see a PT with a background in pelvic health?
If there are any underlying issues related to bowel, bladder, or pelvic pain a Pelvic health consult is warranted.
I’m sure many people who see you are initially self-conscious, as we don’t typically talk about things like bowel and bladder issues and sex in our society. What is something you want older adults to know about the importance of seeing a pelvic health PT and/or talking about these things with their PT?
I really try to make my office and the evaluation process as comfortable as possible. There is a lot of patient education that is involved with pelvic health PT and hopefully we can decrease the amount of inaccurate information out there and answer the questions that people have about their bodies.
Is there anything else that you would like older adults to know about pelvic health physical therapists?
I would emphasize to them, please do not wait if you feel that you may need pelvic floor physical therapy. I find that patients do better when they address their symptoms sooner rather than later. Even if the symptoms have been going on for a while.
Thank you so much to Ashley Reagor, PT, MSPT, AT for sharing her expertise with us!
Remember to check out her website: http://www.actiontherapeuticspt.com/
