UMCP Center for Pelvic Wellness Provides Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
Pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence and recurring bladder infections; pelvic organ prolapse; constipation or fecal incontinence; pelvic pain; and sexual dysfunction. These conditions can affect anyone but are much more prevalent among women. One of four women in the United States have one or more symptomatic pelvic floor disorders, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Heather M. van Raalte, MD, Medical Director of the new center and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UMCP, said having a hospital-based center dedicated solely to pelvic floor disorders is a novel approach both regionally and nationally.
"The center will initially focus on women who are experiencing postpartum issues and individuals who need rehabilitation after pelvic floor surgery," said Dr. van Raalte, a fellowship-trained urogynecologist who focuses on minimally invasive surgical techniques. "But the center is here for anyone dealing with pelvic floor disorders. These conditions are common, but they are treatable. They shouldn't be accepted as a new normal."
The center employs a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating each patient's individualized needs and coordinating treatment across multiple providers. Each patient receives a full exam and services that may include education, fluid and dietary management, pelvic floor physical therapy, pelvic support devices or other conservative treatments. In some cases, patients may also be candidates for more advanced treatment options, such as medications, neural stimulation or minimally invasive procedures.
A nurse navigator works with each patient to help schedule appointments, testing and therapy and coordinate care with physicians and other providers. Specially trained physical therapists evaluate and treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Physical therapy services are available in the Center for Pelvic Wellness and at three UMCP Outpatient Rehabilitation Network sites:
- 2 Centre Drive, Suite 500, Monroe
- 1315 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 100, Hamilton (Hamilton Area YMCA, John K. Rafferty Branch)
- 1225 State Road, Princeton (Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center)
Other team members involved in a patient's care may include endocrinologists, OB/GYNs, gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, urologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, orthopaedic surgeons and pain management specialists.
"It's always surprising to see the number of people affected by pelvic health conditions," said Dr. van Raalte. "Many are unsure of where to go for help. This center gives them a place to start."
The Center for Pelvic Wellness is located in the Schreyer Education Center, which is connected to UMCP and the Medical Arts Pavilion on the Princeton Health campus.
For more information on the new center, call 609-853-6300 or visit www.princetonhcs.org/pelvicwellness.
About Princeton HealthCare System
Princeton HealthCare System is a comprehensive, integrated healthcare system that strives to anticipate and serve the lifelong needs of central New Jersey residents, including acute care hospital services through University Medical Center of Princeton, behavioral healthcare through Princeton House Behavioral Health, rehabilitation, home care, hospice care, ambulatory surgery, a primary and specialty medical practice, and fitness and wellness services. For more information, visit www.princetonhcs.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andy Williams, 609-252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org
