Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Understanding Ovarian Cancer and Pelvic Health
Ovarian cancer, often referred to as the “silent killer,” can be challenging to detect in its early stages. The ovaries, a crucial part of the female reproductive system, are located in the pelvic region. The ovaries not only carry the eggs for reproduction but they also produce and release progesterone and estrogen, two female hormones. These play a role in development of female traits like breast development, body hair and shape. Functionally they are involved in fertility and pregnancy.
The Importance of Pelvic Health in Women’s Wellness
Maintaining good pelvic health is pivotal for women’s overall well-being. The pelvic floor, a group of muscles supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowels, plays a significant role in various bodily functions. Weakness or dysfunction in these muscles can lead to pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, difficulty emptying bowels, to name a few. These issues may occur due to ovarian cancer or during medical treatment received due to management of ovarian cancer.
How Physical Therapy Supports Pelvic Health
Pain Management
For individuals undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer or experiencing pelvic discomfort, our therapy sessions focus on pain relief strategies. Manual therapy, stretching, and relaxation techniques can help manage pain and discomfort effectively.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Our specialized physical therapists use targeted exercises and techniques to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. These therapies aim to improve muscle tone, alleviate pain, and enhance pelvic stability. Pelvic stability forms the basis of whole body movements like walking, running, sports and balance.
Rehabilitation After Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Post-treatment, many women experience physical changes and/or discomfort. Our tailored rehabilitation programs assist in restoring mobility, addressing scar tissue, and supporting emotional well-being, facilitating a smoother recovery process.
Empower Yourself: Prioritize Pelvic Health
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer often goes undetected in the early stages making it a challenge to catch early, unless regular check ups and proactive measures are taken. It is called the ‘silent killer’ because often it is found after it has spread to the pelvis and metastasized throughout the body causing other issues. Routine screens and awareness about ovarian cancer symptoms can help aid in early detection, which has been shown to improve treatment outcomes.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms can mimic other pelvic conditions. As a whole these symptoms can prompt an individual to see further testing.
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal and/or pelvic pain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling full quickly after eating
- Urinary changes, urinary frequency
- Constipation or changes in bowel habits despite no change in diet
- Back pain, consistent, often between the ribs and pelvis, may feel like period cramps
Here to Help!
At Body Harmony PT, we work to empower women and offer specialized pelvic physical therapy to address pelvic health concerns. Our clinic works to complement ovarian cancer treatment women are receiving to restore pelvic function and improve quality of life. Our sessions are one hour long in private treatment rooms.If you’re seeking guidance on pelvic health, dealing with pelvic discomfort, or navigating post-treatment recovery.
