Pregnancy and childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth can be one of the most transformative and exciting experiences in a woman’s life. However, the changes that occur during this time can also take a toll on the body, including the pelvic floor. This important group of muscles is responsible for supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When the pelvic floor is weakened or damaged, it can lead to incontinence, pain, and other issues. Fortunately, working with a pelvic floor physical therapist can help with pre- and postpartum pelvic floor care.
Prepartum Pelvic Floor Care
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor undergoes significant changes due to the weight and pressure of the growing fetus. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for labor and delivery, reducing the risk of complications during and after childbirth.
- Functionally Strengthening Exercises: Pelvic floor physical therapists can teach pelvic floor strengthening exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles in combination with other functional movements. This can help improve muscle strength and control, reducing the risk of incontinence and other pelvic floor problems.
- Education: Pelvic floor physical therapists can provide education on proper body mechanics, including posture and breathing techniques, to help reduce strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
- Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release, can help release tension and improve blood flow to the pelvic floor muscles.
Postpartum Pelvic Floor Care
After childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles may be weakened or damaged, leading to issues such as incontinence, pain, and prolapse. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address these issues and restore pelvic floor function.
- Functionally Strengthening Exercises: Pelvic floor physical therapists can provide guidance on proper functionally strengthening exercises, as well as other exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Kegels are not the end all be all and are not the best way to strengthen your pelvic floor.
- Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques can help release scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed during childbirth, improving blood flow and function.
- Education: Pelvic floor physical therapists can provide education on proper posture, body mechanics, and lifting techniques to help prevent further damage to the pelvic floor muscles.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic sensors to monitor muscle activity and provide feedback to the patient. This can help improve muscle control and coordination in the pelvic floor muscles.
In Conclusion
Pre- and postpartum pelvic floor care with a trained physical therapist at Total Performance Physical Therapy in Horsham, North Wales, East Norriton, Harleysville, and Hatfield, PA is an important part of maintaining pelvic floor health during and after pregnancy. By providing education, exercises, and manual therapy, pelvic floor physical therapists can help improve muscle strength, control, and function, reducing the risk of complications and improving quality of life. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, speak to your healthcare provider about incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy into your care plan.
