Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked health concern affecting people of all ages. At Howard Young Medical Center (HYMC), the physical therapy department is now offering pelvic health rehabilitation services. The introduction of a Prometheus Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Ultrasound Therapy device is providing patients with an effective and non-invasive solution to a variety of pelvic health issues.
Led by experienced HYMC Physical Therapist Tracey Allison, this service is becoming a vital resource for the community. “Many individuals suffer from conditions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse,” stated Allison. “The success of the program has led to an increasing number of referrals, showing there really is a need in our community to service pelvic health patients.”
Biofeedback Ultrasound Therapy uses real-time ultrasound imaging to provide visual feedback of muscle activity to help patients learn how to control and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. This method is particularly beneficial for conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the body to visualize muscle activity, allowing patients to receive real-time feedback on their contractions and relaxation patterns.
With the introduction of the Prometheus Biofeedback Ultrasound device, patients in Woodruff now have access to a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment option. Steve Allison, HYMC Therapy Manager, highlights the significance of this advancement: “This whole service line has been something patients didn't really want to talk about previously. But now that it's become an accepted standard of practice under the scope of physical therapy, patients now have an opportunity to seek care locally in Woodruff for something that's very personal to them without having to be invasive.”
One of the key benefits of the new technology is the ability to provide patients with immediate, visual feedback. “The ultrasound is very beneficial for visual feedback for the patient. They can see their muscles. They can see their bladder,” added Tracey. “We can check to ensure that patients are fully emptying their bladder. I can also see if the patients are contracting the correct muscles in the correct fashion without abdominal compensation specifically. That visual feedback to them, as well as me, on the screen is a game changer.”
Breaking the Stigma and Expanding Access
Historically, pelvic health issues have been difficult for many to discuss, often leaving individuals without proper care. With services now available locally in Woodruff, patients no longer need to travel to other communities for treatment. Thanks to the support of Doctor Joelle Wennlund, a Board-Certified OB/GYN at Aspirus Woodruff Clinic, and generous funding from the Howard Young Foundation, HYMC was able to acquire this ultrasound unit to offer this essential service.
Adults of all ages can access pelvic floor biofeedback therapy with a referral from their health care provider. Treatment sessions typically occur once per week for 45 minutes and include education, at-home management techniques, and personalized exercises to ensure long-term success.
Tracey Allison emphasizes that age should not be a barrier to seeking care: “Sometimes, people think they're just too old, and incontinence is just a natural process of aging. I would say, no, we can attempt to help these individuals. So, anybody with incontinence, whether it be stress, urgency or mixed, bowel dysfunction, pelvic pain, pelvic floor tension or tightness, pain with intercourse now have the potential to improve and enjoy a better quality of life with pelvic floor physical therapy.”
With the continued success of the pelvic floor biofeedback program, HYMC is positioning itself as a leader in pelvic health care. “I think that we really are becoming one of the centers of excellence for care in this field,” Steve added. “We're trying to reeducate muscles. That is very much in the scope of practice of what a physical therapist can help a patient with.”
In addition to HYMC, this service is also offered at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital and Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. To learn more about Therapy Services offered at Howard Young Medical Center, please visit aspirus.org.