The Sconi

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common health issue affecting many. The Howard Young Medical Center (HYMC) Physical Therapy Department has responded by offering pelvic health rehabilitation services with the introduction of a Prometheus Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Ultrasound Therapy device. This non-invasive solution is designed to address various pelvic health challenges.

Tracey Allison, an experienced physical therapist at HYMC, emphasized the program's growing importance to the community. “Many individuals suffer from conditions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain, or pain with intercourse,” said 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.”

The Biofeedback Ultrasound Therapy, leveraging real-time imaging, helps patients learn to control and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. This approach is particularly effective for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, providing patients with visual feedback on muscle activity and relaxation patterns.

Steve Allison, HYMC Therapy Manager, highlights the device's introduction's significance: “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 significant benefits is the immediate visual feedback offered to patients. “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.”

Historically, discussing pelvic health issues has been difficult for many, often leaving needs unmet. With local access now available in Woodruff, individuals no longer have to travel far. The support of Doctor Joelle Wennlund, a Board-Certified OB/GYN at Aspirus Woodruff Clinic, and funding from the Howard Young Foundation facilitated the acquisition of this technology.

Pelvic floor biofeedback therapy, accessible to adults of all ages through a healthcare provider referral, typically involves weekly 45-minute sessions. These sessions focus on education, at-home techniques, and personalized exercises.

Tracey Allison advises against age being seen as a barrier to treatment: “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, and pain with intercourse now have the potential to improve and enjoy a better quality of life with pelvic floor physical therapy.”

With ongoing success, HYMC is emerging 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.”

The treatment is also available at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, and Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Further information about Howard Young Medical Center's Therapy Services can be found at aspirus.org.