Tracy Gallagher of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois, discussed pelvic floor dysfunction and available treatments on Apr. 16. Gallagher has focused on this condition for seven years, motivated by personal experiences within her family.
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of Americans but is often misunderstood or left untreated due to embarrassment or lack of awareness. The condition can impact people of all ages, including women after childbirth and athletes such as runners and gymnasts. Gallagher said she was drawn to the field because “I had family members that were living with incontinence.” She added, “I think people sometimes feel that it’s normal, especially after pregnancy, and they’re not aware that help is out there. As I looked into pelvic floor therapy I knew I wanted to help that population and bring more awareness to it.”
Gallagher explained that the pelvic floor consists of three layers of muscle, connective tissue, and ligaments forming a supportive base at the pelvis. Dysfunction occurs when these muscles cannot contract or relax properly, leading to issues like chronic constipation or urinary incontinence. She said, “Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to control and contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles… That can create different issues such as chronic constipation, urinary or fecal incontinence or pain.” According to Gallagher, therapy can address symptoms experienced during pregnancy as well as postpartum discomfort: “Post-partum patients might have some pelvic pain… If they had a C-section we could address that with manual therapy… We can teach them exercises that might help if they’re having urinary incontinence or any issues in that area as well.”
Treatment includes targeted exercises for the pelvic muscles along with breathing techniques and lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber intake or weight management. “We utilize various manual techniques… Sometimes pelvic floor therapy might help lower back pain or pelvic pain,” Gallagher said.
OSF HealthCare offers guidance on health topics like preventive care through its official website. The organization operates a network of 17 hospitals plus clinics across Illinois and Michigan according to its official website. OSF HealthCare also provides emergency care services along with cancer treatment, heart services, mental health support and digital health options via OSF OnCall according to its official website.
The organization functions as an integrated nonprofit system dedicated to community service through hospitals and outpatient facilities according to its official website, aiming for compassionate care through clinical innovation initiatives according to its official website. It serves both urban and rural communities throughout Illinois and Michigan according to its official website.
Gallagher emphasized overcoming stigma: “They’re embarrassed because they might have symptoms that may include incontinence or pain,” she said. “Our goal is to give them that comfort level to attend therapy and return to that quality of life.”
