PeaceHealth St. John | House call | Spring/Summer 2015

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L I F E EVENT S such as giving birth can weaken a woman’s
pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support internal
organs that are necessary for bladder control and good
posture—and for a vibrant, healthy life.
Women with a weak pelvic floor often experience back
pain and urinary incontinence (UI), which can cause
leakage and a need to urinate frequently.
If you’re a woman experiencing these symptoms, you’re
not alone. More than 13 million Americans have UI,
and 80 percent are women. Most are over the age of 45,
but 1 in 3 women of any age who’ve given birth have UI.
Other causes of damaged pelvic floor muscles include
constipation, hysterectomy, heavy work, pelvic relaxation,
obesity, aging, menopause, and smoking.
The good news is that pelvic floor muscles can be
strengthened through Kegel exercises, practicing better
posture, proper breathing, and simple walking.
“Many women have difficulty performing a good Kegel
because they are unaware of proper contraction,” says
Marilyn Kellogg, a physical therapist with PeaceHealth
St. John –Outpatient Therapies.
TECHNOLOGY FOR STRENGTH
Electromyography (EMG) is a procedure that uses sensors
to assess the health of a person’s muscles and the nerve
cells that control them (motor neurons). Motor neurons
transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract.
With EMG, a physical therapist can measure a patient’s
muscle strength and coordination. This helps the therapist
develop an exercise program specifically for that patient.
Marilyn, who specializes in pelvic floor strengthening
for women, uses EMG in assisting women to gain better
bladder control. She says it is very fulfilling to be able
to assist clients to regain muscle control of the bladder
and bowel, which allows the clients a return to physical
freedoms that improve their overall lifestyle.
Why do you ‘gotta go’? Regaining bladder control
What works best for each person varies, so see
your health care provider for a diagnosis and referral
to a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor
strengthening.
We have the rehabilitation therapies you
need. To learn more about PeaceHealth
St. John–Outpatient Therapies, visit
.
Marilyn Kellogg, PT
Physical Therapy
PeaceHealth St. John–
Outpatient Therapies
852 Commerce Ave.
Longview, WA
360-501-3750
Marilyn Kellogg, a physical therapist with PeaceHealth
St. John–Outpatient Therapies, demonstrates the
EMG device.
Having
symptoms of
a weak core?
Your core muscles include all the
muscles located in your torso
and keep the body stable and
balanced. A weak core affects
posture, balance, and back health.
PeaceHealth St. John–Outpatient
Therapies is your local resource
to alleviate symptoms. Our
physical therapists are highly
skilled and will work with you on
a program specifically designed
for your unique needs.
To access our services, make
an appointment with your
primary care provider for a
diagnosis and referral.
PeaceHealth St. John–
Outpatient Therapies
852 Commerce Ave.
Longview, WA
360-501-3750
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