Pelvic Therapy

Pregnancy & Postpartum Issues

It is very common for women, particularly new moms, to put their own physical and emotional needs last. While this postpartum period is usually a happy time, it can be stressful and filled with many different emotions.

Yes, it is important to care for your baby, but your body has also undergone many changes that often need to be addressed. Don’t assume these changes are normal after having children. While they are common, they are NOT normal.

Prepartum

• Pelvic floor muscle examination
• Decrease risk for tearing
• Breath work
• Perineal massage
• Body mechanics during pregnancy
• Prevention of Diastisis Recti (abdominal separation)
• Core muscle strengthening
• Decrease low back pain
• Address sacroiliac dysfunction
• Improve round ligament pain
• Safe exercise modifications

Postpartum

• Pelvic floor muscular examination
• Scar tissue mobilization and management (vaginal or C-section)
• Reduce pain with intercourse
• Diastisis Recti (abdominal separation) exercises and education
• Safely restrengthening core and hips to care for newborn
• Return to exercise
• Prevention of:
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse

What to Expect at Your First Visit

• Intake of history and current complaints (what brings you into the clinic)
• Identify patient goals for treatment (what goal do you want to achieve with therapy)
• Screen through additional body systems (typically looking at spinal movement, hips, knees if necessary)
• Internal exam* either vaginal or rectal (helps to assess resting tone, overall strength, endurance)
• Education provided on exam findings and agree on plan of care
• Begin treatment (either exercise based or beginning behavior modification training)
• Answer any questions

*Internal exams are only performed with consent of patient. Internal exams are not required; however, they are helpful in achieving desired outcomes for patients.

Referrals

You will need referral from your health care provider for pelvic therapy.