Postpartum Recovery

Pelvic floor physical therapy is important for postpartum recovery because pregnancy and childbirth can cause significant changes to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. These changes can lead to symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and painful intercourse. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address these issues and promote healing and recovery following childbirth. Here are some reasons why pelvic floor physical therapy is important for postpartum:

• Addressing pelvic floor muscle weakness: Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to urinary and fecal incontinence. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles, which can improve bladder and bowel control and reduce symptoms of incontinence.

• Healing perineal tears: Many women experience tears to the perineum during childbirth, which can cause pain and discomfort during postpartum recovery. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help promote healing of these tears through techniques such as perineal massage and scar tissue mobilization.

• Reducing pelvic pain: Pregnancy and childbirth can cause pelvic pain, which can make it difficult to move around or engage in activities of daily living. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help reduce pelvic pain through techniques such as manual therapy and relaxation exercises.

• Addressing pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles, which can reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

• Improving sexual function: Many women experience painful intercourse or reduced sexual sensation following childbirth. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address these issues by reducing pain and discomfort and improving pelvic floor muscle function.