Whether you deliver vaginally or via c-section, your pelvic floor physical therapist is an important part of your postpartum recovery team and you will most likely need their assistance in order for you body to recover quickly and properly.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) now recommends a routine physical therapy consult after 6 weeks post-partum, but unfortunately, this is not yet the norm.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is important in the prevention and treatment of a lot of pelvic disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary conditions, pelvic pain, and diastasis recti (abdominal separation).
During pregnancy and delivery, our bodies go through a lot. Muscles are stretched, joints are strained, scar tissue is made, and our bodies physically change. Areas of our body most affected include the pelvic floor, the joint in our pelvis and lower back, and abdominal/core muscles.
A pelvic health PT has specialized training in the assessment and treatment of post-partum women. Your pelvic PT will provide a thorough assessment of your pelvic floor muscles, pelvis and lower back, as well as core/DRA.
Your PT will then be able to guide you through an individualized exercise program that will restore your core and pelvic floor. Even if you aren’t experiencing any urinary incontinence or pain, it is still beneficial to work with a pelvic health PT to learn how to correctly restore your muscles to avoid any future problems. Childbirth is a major risk factor for incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
A pelvic health physical therapist can also help you safely return to your post-partum fitness goals. If done too early or improperly, certain exercises will worsen issues such as DRA or prolapse. A pelvic health PT can help coach you through the safest exercises for your body to allow you to return to what you love doing!
To get started with pelvic health physical therapy, click here to request an appointment at one of our locations in Hatfield, Norristown, or North Wales. Our treatment rooms are fully private and an expert pelvic health physical therapist will work with you every step of the way.
