Benefits of Seeing a Pelvic PT Postpartum:
The Role of a Pelvic Floor PT:
During the postpartum period, pelvic PTs play a crucial role in helping you regain strength, function, and comfort safely and comfortably as well as providing your resources. Your body has undergone significant changes during pregnancy & childbirth. A pelvic floor PT can guide you through a safe and effective recovery process.
Benefits:
Strength Training:
As you gradually resume physical activity, a pelvic floor PT can guide you on safe and effective exercises that support your overall health and wellness. There are certain research based protocols to get you back to activities safely, symptom and pain free.
Pelvic Floor Evaluation:
A pelvic floor physical therapist is trained to assess the condition of your pelvic floor muscles and provide tailored exercises to address any weaknesses or imbalances. Often, people develop overactive muscles during pregnancy and need to lengthen their pelvic floor postpartum while other people may need strengthening. We can formally assess the muscles, any tears, and injuries to the pelvic floor.
Diastasis Recti Management:
100% of people that carry to term, develop a diastasis (aka DRA or abdominal muscle separation). It’s nothing to be afraid of, but it is something that can get better with appropriate loading of the tissue. A pelvic floor PT can assess for diastasis and offer specific exercises for you to encourage proper strength, support, and healing in order to restore core strength and stability.
Pelvic Pain Relief:
Postpartum pelvic pain can occur due to a variety of factors. A pelvic floor PT can identify the source of pain and provide tips and techniques to alleviate discomfort.
Bladder and Bowel Health:
Pregnancy & childbirth can impact bladder and bowel function. A pelvic floor PT can help you regain control and prevent issues like incontinence or constipation as well as give you realistic behavior modifications to decrease any issues you may be having (which can include leakage, urgency, frequency, retention, or constipation).
C-Section Recovery:
If you had a C-section, a pelvic floor PT can help you manage scar tissue and promote optimal healing. They will work on the mobility of the scar as well as desensitizing it. We must also address the tissues around the scar, including the low back, to return to optimal postures and strength for pain free life.
When to See a Pelvic Floor PT:
A pelvic floor physical therapist can perform an internal pelvic exam at 6 weeks postpartum. However, if you feel good enough to get up and moving we can start you on safe and gentle exercises sooner (so reach out!). If you experience pain or notice pelvic health changes (such as pressure or heaviness) you can be seen sooner.
The postpartum period is a time of both joy and transition. Your body has gone through a big change. Prioritizing your pelvic health with the guidance of a specialized pelvic floor PT can enhance your recovery and well-being as you embrace your role as a new parent.
