How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Support New Moms

For almost 40 weeks women are at their OB’s office constantly for tests, monitoring, check ins until the baby is born. Once the baby is delivered you see the doctor again in 6 weeks but you’re at the pediatrician within 3 days and then again in a week. At the 6 week follow up the OBGYN will usually clear you to resume to normal activities and tell you to listen to your body.

What is the goal of pelvic floor physical therapy?

• The goal of postpartum physical therapy is to address spinal and pelvic floor dysfunction along with muscle weakness resulting from almost 40 weeks of carrying a baby followed by delivery. Postpartum physical therapy is designed to assist the body’s natural postpartum healing processes and correct any dysfunction that was developed during pregnancy and delivery. 

Many moms juggle dozens of responsibilities, along with getting very little sleep and simply do not have the proper time to completely rest and recover from childbirth before returning to everyday life – postpartum PT can help women to regain function with increased strength properly and safely. 

Common Signs of Pelvic Floor Muscular Dysfunction:

• Stress Incontinence (Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, running, jumping)

• Lower back pain

• Pelvic or abdominal pain 

• Pain with intercourse

What can you expect during a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy session?

A physical therapist will evaluate your strength, flexibility and also examine any tearing you had or your C-section scar. Your therapist will develop a plan for you to return to your daily activities/exercises that you enjoyed doing before childbirth.

Some common treatment options include:

• Manual therapy techniques (muscle release, scar tissue massage)

• Diastasis recti correction/Exercises (separation of abdominal muscles)

• Core and postural strengthening

• Pelvic floor muscle coordination and strength training

• Body mechanics education (Bending, lifting)

At Tiny Transformations, we offer support for our 4th trimester moms. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.