![\"\"](\"https:\/\/westorlandonews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OrlandoVA_pelvichealth.jpg\")
<\/a>Dr. Wong further explained, \u201cOur goal is to empower Veterans to take an active role in their recovery and show them there are non-surgical, non-opioid options that can be life changing.\u201d<\/p>\nThe pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When those muscles are too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated, Veterans may experience bladder or bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, pain with intercourse, or complications following surgery.<\/p>\n
The Orlando VA\u2019s Pelvic Health Physical Therapy program provides comprehensive, individualized care that includes assessment, education, and evidence-based treatments such as dry needling, biofeedback, manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and coordination with other VA services.<\/p>\n
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Solimar Castro-Camacho sought help at the Orlando VA after years of pain caused by severe endometriosis and multiple surgeries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pain was affecting my walk, my daily routine, everything,\u201d Castro-Camacho said. \u201cThrough pelvic floor therapy and dry needling, the pain became more manageable. I can walk further, accomplish more, and my daily life has improved so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Castro-Camacho expressed the care she received from Dr. Wong, and the pelvic health team helped her not just physically, but emotionally.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey do everything with so much care and compassion,\u201d stated Castro-Camacho. \u201cAt times, you think you\u2019re going through it alone, but you\u2019re not. They are there to help you in your healing journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dry Needling for Chronic Pelvic Pain is one of the specialized treatments offered through the Women\u2019s Clinic. The technique utilizes small, thin needles inserted into muscle trigger points to relieve tension, enhance blood flow, and alleviate pain. It\u2019s a safe, evidence-based therapy that can significantly help Veterans suffering from chronic pelvic or lower back pain.<\/p>\n
Nilda Vazquez-Juan, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Women\u2019s Clinic, who works closely with the pelvic health team, said the program\u2019s holistic approach makes a lasting difference for Veterans.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe meet Veterans where they are,\u201d Vazquez-Juan said. \u201cFor many, this is the first time they\u2019ve talked about these symptoms. Our job is to make them feel safe, supported, and understood, and to remind them that healing takes time, but it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of the Orlando VA\u2019s commitment to whole-person wellness, the PREPARe : Perinatal Reproductive education planning and resources program and the RENEW: \u201cRestoration, exercise, nutrition, engagement, and wellness program offers education classes to help Veterans take charge of their pelvic and core muscles, breathing, posture, bladder, and bowel health. The Move Forward: Pelvic Floor and Core virtual class offers education on menopause transition, pelvic floor and core exercises, breathing, posture, and bladder and bowel health. Classes are held every Thursday at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n
Dr. Wong said the program\u2019s mission is simple: to help Veterans restore function, regain confidence, and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want Veterans to know this care is available to them,\u201d Dr. Wong said. \u201cThey don\u2019t have to suffer in silence. Pelvic health therapy can truly help them move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on the virtual perinatal and RENEW classes, you may contact Dr. Suanny Zamora, Pelvic Health Physical Therapist Specialist: 407-631-3010.<\/p>\n
PHOTO: U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Solimar Castro-Camacho meets with Dr. Cherry Wong, physical therapist at the Orlando VA Medical Center, during a pelvic health therapy appointment. Castro-Camacho credits the program with helping her manage chronic pain and improve her quality of life.<\/p>\n