by Nicole Whitbeck, SPT
PT For Postpartum Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Most people think of going to physical therapy after an injury to a body part such as the knee or ankle or after years of chronic pain in the low back or the neck.
What many people do not know is there are many physical therapists that specialize in women’s health. This group of physical therapist’s address musculoskeletal dysfunction that may occur during pregnancy and postpartum as well as address other specific pelvic floor dysfunctions.
During the period of childbearing, childbirth, and postpartum the body undergoes many changes as well as a lot of physical stress. While the body has the natural ability recover from these changes and stress, the postpartum experience is different for everyone and may require some help in the healing process.
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Muscles
Physical therapists are experts in restoring muscle function and can assist with restoring muscle function to the pelvic floor muscles. This group of muscles has an important role in supporting the uterus, bladder, and bowel. Think of these muscles as a “sling” that creates a strong foundation for these organs. The pelvic floor also helps to prevent incontinence and play a role in healthy sexual function. During pregnancy these muscles now have to support a growing fetus and after the 40-week gestational period can become weak, overworked and may become dysfunctional.
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Include:
- An increased frequency of urination
- Stress incontinence → leaking of urine when coughing or sneezing or when doing activities such as running, jumping or sudden movements
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Pain or difficulty in sexual function during intercourse
- Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, lumbar spine or tailbone
- Trouble with bowel functioning
A physical therapist can work with individuals who experience any of these symptoms to help restore the muscular functions of the pelvic floor to improve their quality of life. Experiencing these symptoms is not considered normal after childbirth and does not have to be a lifelong problem.
What To Expect
A physical therapist will help to re-educate the individual about the pelvic floor muscles and what they do. They will then work to teach exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles as well as the abdominal muscles and muscles that surround the pelvis that also work to support the pelvic floor. Along with reeducation of these muscles, relaxation techniques can also be used to help address dysfunction. Overall, the goal of physical therapy for the pelvic floor after childbirth is to decrease dysfunction and increase quality of life for these individuals.
For more information on how physical therapy for the pelvic floor can help after childbirth, or other pregnancy related conditions, contact one of our NY Capital Region physical therapy clinics by calling 518-289-5242 or contact us online.
References:
Person, Nelson HD, 200, 142, ImageObject. Recovering from pregnancy: How physical therapy can help you bounce back. intermountainhealthcare.org. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2017/06/recovering-from-pregnancy-how-physical-therapy-can-help-you-bounce-back/ . Published October 27, 2017. Accessed October 10, 2021.
