Becoming a mother is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences a woman can have. The challenge, even for the strongest ones, is adjusting to the physical and emotional changes post-pregnancy. Postpartum recovery, which includes a wide range of issues that come with childbirth, ranges from the physical pain of a vaginal tear to the weakness of the pelvic floor. Fortunately, today, more and more women are opting for pelvic floor physical therapy as part of their postpartum recovery plan. In this blog post, we’ll explore what pelvic floor physical therapy is, how it can help, and what you can expect.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, or postpartum recovery. Pelvic floor PT professionals assess and treat conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, and tissues in the pelvic area. Typically, a comprehensive assessment is conducted of your pelvic floor, back, hips, and lower extremities to determine the exercises that will suit you best. Exercises and techniques such as Kegels, biofeedback, manual therapy, and pelvic floor muscle relaxation may be used to alleviate your symptoms.
How can pelvic floor physical therapy help postpartum recovery?
It’s no secret that childbirth can result in pelvic floor dysfunction—a condition that affects the muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the pelvic organs. Pelvic floor physical therapy is essential in postpartum recovery as it can help women regain strength and proper function of the pelvic floor muscles. Women who’ve undergone natural childbirth or a C-section can suffer from incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, or pain during sex. With pelvic floor physical therapy, patients can expect to:
1. Reduce pain and discomfort while improving bladder and bowel control.
2. Strengthen their pelvic floor muscles to help relieve pain during sex.
3. Improve the circulation around the pelvic area, which reduces inflammation and supports healing.
4. Learn how to engage and relax the pelvic floor muscles efficiently.
5. Get back to the activities they love, such as exercising or playing with their children.
What should you expect in a pelvic floor physical therapy session?
When you go to your first pelvic floor physical therapy session, your therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation that might include a complete history of your condition, a physical assessment of the pelvic floor, and an analysis of muscle activity during specific activities. After the evaluation, the therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition, which may include self-care techniques and lifestyle adjustments. At your subsequent sessions, your therapist will show you how to execute the exercises correctly and safely while monitoring your progress. Pelvic floor physical therapy sessions generally last for an hour and may last between six weeks to three months, depending on your individual needs.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective and non-invasive approach to postpartum recovery that can help women regain strength and proper function of the pelvic floor muscles. Aside from helping to reduce pain and discomfort, pelvic floor physical therapy can help control bladder and bowel incontinence and improve sexual function. Overall, the goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to empower women to take charge of their bodies’ health and wellness and resume a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle after childbirth. Taking the first step can be scary, but it’s worth it. Seek treatment from a trained pelvic floor physical therapist for support and guidance throughout your postpartum recovery journey.
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