Creighton Therapy and Wellness

It’s estimated that more than 17 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence. Yet many don’t seek help for their symptoms, which can include urinary leakage when sneezing, coughing, or laughing (i.e., stress incontinence) or strong, sudden urges to urinate without the ability to control leakage (i.e., urgency urinary incontinence). Pelvic floor muscles can prevent urinary leakage when they’re strong and used appropriately. In fact, physical therapy can help to strengthen these muscles, which may have become weakened due to pregnancy and delivery, pelvic surgeries, obesity, chronic coughing or chronic constipation.  

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, fluctuating hormones can cause changes in a woman’s posture, center of gravity, weight and abdominal strength. This can lead to a range of aches and pains in the back, neck and tailbone, as well as in the legs (in conjunction with back pain) and ribs. Other issues that may arise during pregnancy include carpal tunnel syndrome, urinary leakage, headaches and pubic symphysis pain. Gentle therapeutic exercises may provide relief from all these pregnancy-related symptoms. In addition, our physical therapists can offer treatments such as stabilization training, soft tissue mobilization, muscle energy techniques and postural training. They can also properly fit and supply maternity support belts, which may provide relief from symptoms.  

Post-partum: Nursing and childcare can place stress on the back and abdomen, and some new mothers experience urinary stress incontinence. Yet strengthening the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles can help address these issues. Our physical therapists can provide guided exercise routines, as well as suggestions for completing childcare activities in ways that may prevent back injuries.  

Breast surgeries to address cancer, such as lumpectomies and mastectomies, can alter not only a person’s body image, but also upper body and arm strength or range of motion. Posture may also be affected. Our physical therapists can help—with exercises to increase strength, flexibility and mobility.

Additionally, our therapists can provide treatment for lymphedema, which is a condition that causes swelling in the arm or chest (and may develop after a breast surgery). Therapy options include manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging. Therapists will also provide information about preventing and managing lymphedema.

Pelvic pain and sexual dysfunctions can be debilitating, but they’re often dismissed or remain undiagnosed. At Creighton Therapy and Wellness, we want to help those with these conditions restore their quality of life and intimate relationships with their partners. Conditions we treat include dyspareunia (painful intercourse), vestibulitis, vulvodynia, anorgasmia and vaginismus. A significant contributor to these dysfunctions is hypertonicity (muscle spasm) in the pelvic floor muscles, which we can address through a range of therapies. Treatment approaches may include soft tissue mobilization and trigger point release, biofeedback for relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, electrical stimulation, vaginal dilatory therapy and lumbopelvic stabilization exercises. 

Osteoporosis occurs when bone begins to deteriorate, becoming fragile and more likely to fracture or break. One way to avoid fractures—particularly in the hips and spine—is through weight-bearing exercises. Our physical therapists can prescribe these exercises, such as a walking program or weightlifting. Therapy may also include balance exercises and recommendations to prevent falls around the house. In addition to these treatments, we suggest that patients with osteoporosis avoid alcohol and smoking, and they should talk with their physicians about calcium and vitamin D.  

The causes of male pelvic pain are varied and sometimes difficult to identify; pain may be a result of abdominal or pelvic surgeries, prolonged sitting or compression on the perineum, improper body mechanics, infections, or chronic straining or pushing when producing bowel movements. Pelvic floor musculature is often associated with pain that’s diagnosed as pudendal neuralgia or entrapment, chronic prostatitis, urinary or fecal incontinence, chronic constipation, penile and testicular pain, overactive bladder, or painful bladder syndrome. At Creighton Therapy and Wellness, we are trained to help assess whether those with these conditions need to strengthen or relax their pelvic floor muscles. Our physical therapists can then determine the most appropriate treatment and exercise programs.   

Physical Therapy Services: Our staff includes board-certified clinical specialists in neurologic physical therapy. These therapists can provide evaluations and treatments to maximize function and optimize healthy living for people with chronic neurologic conditions. Physical therapy treatments can be ideal for those who are experiencing a change in function or steadiness; an increased fear of falling; a gradual increase in pain; or new or unmet goals. Therapists can also provide insights on approaches for healthy living with a neurologic condition. In addition to prescribing exercise focused on functional abilities, our therapists can offer balance and vestibular rehabilitation and a LSVT BIG training program for Parkinson’s Disease.

Wellness Services: The CDC recommends people with chronic neurologic conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), should engage in both aerobic and strengthening exercises. Our neurologic clinical specialists can help those with these conditions be as active as possible through balance and movement screens, as well as the Healthy Habits Exercise Class.

Our balance and movement screens are designed to provide wellness clients with baseline information about their fall risks, while also empowering them to seek services that may prevent functional decline, optimize function and increase awareness of abilities. Balance and movement screens are available upon request; please contact us for scheduling and payment options. Note that balance screens are automatically included in a client’s first Healthy Habits Exercise Class.

The Healthy Habits Exercise Class is a unique weekly fitness class designed to provide opportunities for physical activity in a friendly, inclusive environment. Participants will be led through aerobic and strengthening exercises by Creighton University physical therapy students and staff, and modifications will be provided for completing exercises in seated or standing positions. Since this is a group fitness class, individualized assistance will not be available, but caregivers are welcome to attend.

• When: Fridays from 11 a.m. – Noon* 
• Where: Creighton Therapy and Wellness in Omaha at 17055 Frances Street, Suite 100; a virtual option is also available 
• Cost: The first class, which includes a balance screening, is $20. Subsequent classes start at $10 per class or $30 for a monthly membership.**  

*Times are subject to change. Please contact us to confirm and preregister.  

**Creighton Therapy and Wellness reserves the right to adjust pricing on the first day of every calendar year. A notification will be provided.