At Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy, our therapists understand the birthing process, common medical interventions, and aftercare. After labor and delivery, women often have incontinence complaints, low back and pelvic pain, scar pain from c-section or episiotomy site, pain with intercourse, weak abdominals including diastasis recti, and pelvic floor dysfunction. At times, the cause of the problem is from the birthing experience including positioning, length of time pushing, trauma, pre-existing conditions, and other medical interventions. Some women may sustain a pubic symphysis separation or coccyx injury during childbirth. Obtaining clearance from your physician or midwife to begin exercise is advised. Postpartum women often are dealing with changes in their bodies, fatigue, and post partum depression.
How can Pamela Morrison Physical Therapy, P.C. help postpartum patients?
A comprehensive women’s health evaluation is provided by one of our expert physical therapists. Body mechanics instruction for bending, lifting, carrying, and other activities of daily living are crucial. Diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction are assessed and severity is determined. Diastasis recti is when the linea alba (connective tissue) between the rectus abdominus muscles stretch during pregnancy and the recti muscles separate creating a gap. Weakness of these muscles results in decreased support of the spine and organs. The use of abdominal binders and prescriptive strengthening exercises for the core and rectus is our effective approach. Prolapse of the uterus, bladder, and rectum are assessed and addressed immediately. Strengthening pelvic floor and trunk muscles is very helpful. Hemorrhoids are other concerns that can be evaluated and treated by our trained women’s health practitioners. Scar tissue mobilization, correcting pelvic and hip joint alignment and mechanics, and pelvic floor rehabilitation are also incorporated into your program.
