Forms / FAQ

A: Internal physical therapy is used to assess and treat the internal muscles of the vagina and rectum. It is important for evaluating muscles, assessing restrictions and prolapse, identifying trigger points, and understanding what reproduces the pain. Internal work is often not required at every visit.

A: Each patient seen at Northwest Wellness Group receives an individualized treatment plan. The length of your therapy will depend on a variety of factors such as the severity of your condition, your response to different components of the treatment, and your compliance with therapy recommendations in and out of the office.

A: Northwest Wellness Group is in-network with BCBS PPO and Medicare. We will assist in finding out what your benefits are, but verification of insurance is not a guarantee of payment by insurance. The patient is responsible for knowing their insurance coverage and benefits. (Co-pays and self-pays are due at time of service).

A: The therapists here at Northwest Wellness Group all have their Doctorates in Physical Therapy and have graduated from accredited educational institutions. They are all licensed physical therapists in the state of Illinois. Each is required to take continuing education credits to maintain their license and keep up with current techniques and the latest evidence-based research. They have taken numerous hours of post-graduate classes dedicated to treating pelvic-related disorders.

A: Yes, physical therapy can be beneficial for men who experience pelvic pain and incontinence. Pelvic pain and incontinence associated with removal of the prostate are two common issues for men that we can help.

A: Diet can have a significant impact on bladder and bowel health. Certain foods can irritate the bladder, other foods can help with constipation. In addition to physical therapy treatment, patients seen by Northwest Wellness Group receive counseling on how nutrition and lifestyle choices can impact their bladder and bowel health.

A: It is not normal to have pain with sexual intercourse. When muscles in the pelvic floor are too tight and have tender areas, sex may be painful or impossible to engage in. At times these muscles may also become too frail and very dry, which also contributes to pain. We will assess your pelvic floor muscles and tissue and address any impairments that can be causing your pain.

A: Loss of urinary control may be common but is not normal. Your pelvic floor muscles are responsible for multiple functions, including bowel and bladder control. We will perform a thorough examination and create an individualized plan of care for your symptoms.

A: Illinois is a Direct Access state for physical therapy. This means anyone can refer themselves directly to our office. However, some insurance policies may require a referral or a prescription in order for services to be covered.

A: Visceral manipulation is a gentle hands-on approach to improving the mobility of the internal organs and related tissues. The internal organs, the soft tissue that surrounds them, and the muscles in the abdomen are connected in a way that allows the organs to float free of restrictions or pain. Trauma, surgery, or musculoskeletal injury can disrupt these connections causing dysfunction and pain.

A: Pelvic floor physical therapy helps with the following common, but distressing, conditions:

• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Bedwetting
• Daytime urinary leakage/wetting or fecal soiling
• Urinary frequency, including in the middle of the night

A: It is our priority that your child (and you) feel safe and comfortable with all parts of physical therapy. We require that you (and/or a guardian or another parent) be present during the session, as this helps your child feel safe and secure. It also helps you to understand what treatments are being used with your child and ensures that you know exactly what they need to do as part of their home program. Additionally, all sessions occur with a specialized pediatric pelvic floor therapist in a comfortable and quiet office setting.

A: In the state of Illinois, physical therapists are direct access which means that there is no referral required for evaluation and treatment. However, some insurances require this and that would be determined prior to your appointment. Even if a referral is not needed, your therapist will ensure that your child’s care is coordinated with their entire medical team and will also refer you and your child to an appropriate medical professional should this be indicated.

A:

• Fun exercises and activities
• Balance activities
• Lots of education
• Instruction in toileting posture and strategies
• Biofeedback

A: Biofeedback is a painless way to assist in retraining the muscles of the pelvic floor. It can be used to down train, or relax, the muscles or to strengthen or coordinate them. Sensors are used to sense vaginal or rectal muscle activity and provide visual and auditory feedback so the patient can consciously make adjustments.

A: Most often, children can be seen in physical therapy for pelvic floor conditions after the age of 4, but this is dependent on the child’s readiness at that time. If your child continues to have difficulties with potty training, bedwetting, daytime accidents, or pain, and they are open to therapy then it is worth it to come in!

A: Pelvic floor physical therapy is not just for the child but requires ample support from their parents and/or guardians to work. At NWG, we require that your child have a parent and/or guardian in the room during all pelvic-oriented activities including biofeedback to ensure that they feel supported and safe. Additionally, you can help to ensure that your child is performing any exercises or educational strategies correctly (and you may learn something useful too)!