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Pelvic Floor Therapy/Women’s HealthIn Rhode Island

Pappas OPT provides Pelvic Floor Therapy at our Smithfield, Bristol, Middletown, Wakefield, and Warren locations.

For too long, men and women experiencing urinary and fecal incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency, bowel urgency, constipation, vaginismus, generalized chronic pelvic pain and painful bladder syndrome – especially after pregnancy – have been told, “You just have to live with it.” But pelvic floor therapy has been proven to alleviate many of these symptoms, and Pappas OPT delivers this therapy with the discretion, care and respect patients deserve.

Treated issues include:

Pelvic Pain

Pappas OPT's physical therapists are experts in treating the musculoskeletal system and can treat the following issues associated with pelvic pain:

  • Painful intercourse
  • Pain associated with tampon use or pelvic exams
  • Difficulty with normal activities such as, sitting, rising from a chair, standing or walking
  • Difficulty with recreational activities
    Chronic constipation or difficulties passing a bowel movement
  • Pain in the groin, buttock, low back, hip, sacroiliac or abdomen

Obstetrical Dysfunction

Pregnant or post-partum women often suffer from pain in the back, shoulder blades, wrists, groin area, and postural changes that may arise during pregnancy or after delivery. High-risk pregnancies often require bed rest. Physical therapy treatments are individually prescribed and may include gentle exercise, position and relaxation training, Manual Therapy, and postural retraining. Education for strengthening and endurance are included for after delivery.

Pappas OPT offers outpatient care for women that is designed to reduce uncomfortable symptoms related to pregnancy such as:

  • Headaches and migraines
  • Tingling in the arms or hands
  • Back and neck pain
  • Hip, groin or leg pain and numbness
  • Painful intercourse
  • Post-delivery abdominal or vaginal pain
  • Painful menses as a result of C-section surgery
  • Diastasis recti (tearing of the connections between the abdominal muscles)

Incontinence

Incontinence is the loss of bladder or bowel control resulting in the leakage of urine or stool. One cause may be pelvic floor weakness with subsequent loss of the muscular support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum. Types of urine incontinence may be called stress, urge, or frequency. Typical treatments include electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and exercise with or without vaginal weights.

Symptoms may include:

  • Leaking small amounts of urine with laughing, sneezing, running, etc.
  • Constant desire to urinate
  • Pain or discomfort with urination
  • Inability to fully empty the bladder
  • Using the bathroom more than 6 to 8 times a day

Evaluation includes:

  • Complete review of your related medical history and current symptoms
  • Physical exam of your pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination
  • Bladder diary assessment.
  • Screening for postural and lower extremity flexibility deficits that may contribute to incontinence

How does Pappas OPT help?

Pappas OPT provides a very soothing and private environment for all pelvic health patients. Initially, your physical therapist will examine abdominal muscles, neck, back, hip, SI join and pubic symphasis to look for issues brought on by surgery, pregnancy, or deconditioning. Each patient will begin a unique treatment plan; some common interventions include:

  • Gentle exercise
  • Stretching and strengthening
  • Education on proper posture
  • Manipulation and Manual Therapy
  • Specific exercises to improve pelvic floor function

The Pappas OPT Difference

Specialty-Level Care

Target your discomfort at the source with a customized treatment plan.

More Board Certified Experts

Experience high-quality care from a team you can trust.

Caring Physical Therapists

Gain a team of therapists committed to your recovery.

Pelvic Floor Therapy/Women’s Health Treatment Locations

Bristol

652 Wood Rd
Bristol, RI 02809
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Cranston

1100 Reservoir Ave
Cranston, RI 02910
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East Greenwich/NK

5805 Post Rd
East Greenwich, RI 02818
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Johnston

1539 Atwood Ave
Suite 204
Johnston, RI 02919
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Johnston Center

1524 Atwood Ave
LL-2
Johnston, RI 02919
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North Kingstown (Formerly POWR)

650 Ten Rod Rd.
North Kingstown, RI 02852
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North Providence

1525 Smith Street
#5
North Providence, RI 02911
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Wakefield

730 Kingstown Rd
#A14
Wakefield, RI 02879
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

Have more questions? Contact Us

People in Rhode Island Trust Pappas OPT

Hear from patients that reclaimed their lives.

I have had the opportunity to work for Pappas OPT for the past 10 years. Pappas OPT exemplifies a culture that puts people first, both their employees and their patients. They want to help facilitate personal and professional growth and to help us become better people. The slogan “we treat you like family” really defines what this company stands for.

5 stars

Dan Macera

Clinic Director

My second time here for therapy, and I think you guys are great. I would definitely refer you all to anybody. Great, friendly and helpful staff.

5 stars

Edward C.

Pappas OPT Patient

The entire team here makes you feel like family. I can't believe they completely healed my shoulder. No need for surgery!!! I'll never go anywhere else for PT. They all stay on the cutting edge of new technology.

5 stars

Elaine G.

Pappas OPT Patient

Great staff and experience! Everyone I have worked with thus far has been extremely professional and welcoming! Dan and his team are flexible and accommodating to ensure their patients get the best care!

5 stars

Jasnoor K.

Pappas OPT Patient

I knew Pappas OPT would be the right fit for me when I was here for my first clinical affiliation. The focus on company culture and continuing education is what helped me make my decision to apply. What really helped solidify my decision was when I voiced my desire to build a pelvic health program, which was not in place at the time.  I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to continue to grow with this company.

5 stars

Kendra-lynn Kohanski, PT, DPT

East Greenwich/Healthtrax

I joined Pappas OPT in 2017 as a new graduate and could not be more happy with the sense of community and shared passion for patient-centered care that comes naturally to this company. Pappas OPT has been a wonderful company to help lead me on my own path as a Physical Therapist. I have achieved more in 2 years than I expected to in 5 thanks to the endless support from Pappas OPT.

5 stars

Lauren Parsonage, DPT, OCS

North Providence & East Greenwich/Healthtrax

I absolutely loved the entire staff! They are all welcoming and caring. They do indeed treat you like family and I couldn't have asked for a better place. Give Pappas OPT a try, you won't regret it!

5 stars

Paulette C.

Pappas OPT Patient

This was my first time at Pappas OPT. I have to say it was one of the best doctor/health/clinic experiences I have ever had. I was treated with respect, received a thorough examination and ongoing treatment plan, and was met with a smiling face by every employee.

5 stars

Pete M.

Pappas OPT Patient

Pappas OPT Physical and Hand Therapy embodies their mantra of treating you like family. They both took an interest in not only my ankle injury but in me as a person making me feel comfortable and easing all anxieties we face when going through an injury.

5 stars

Megan H.

Pappas OPT Patient

My experience was great. The treatment was excellent and it was explained in great detail. My pain and discomfort were eliminated with a diverse exercise program. The whole staff is awesome.

5 stars

Ronald B.

Pappas OPT Patient
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