Pelvic floor therapy can help you strengthen the pelvic floor muscles after giving birth. But you may need to wait a certain amount of time before starting therapy so that your body has time to heal and you can avoid injuring already weak muscles.
At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, we help new mothers understand when to start pelvic floor therapy after birth and what you should know about this specialized physical therapy in Edgewater, NJ.
What You Need To Know About Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy
The body goes through significant changes during vaginal childbirth. This process requires the pelvic floor to relax and open, and re-strengthening those muscles can take time. Delivering through a C-section can also relax the pelvic floor muscles to a lesser extent.
Many people recover from pregnancy and childbirth on their own, but some experience pelvic floor dysfunction that requires physical therapy. Starting physical therapy once your doctor has cleared you to do so could help prevent pelvic floor issues and jumpstart your recovery.
Signs of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After Childbirth
Some people encounter more problems with the pelvic floor after childbirth than others. While most will experience pain, soreness, and discomfort in the pelvic area after giving birth, these symptoms should subside in the weeks and months ahead. Long-term pain may suggest that your pelvic floor is not healing correctly.
The following signs may indicate that you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction after birth and could benefit from physical therapy:
- Ongoing pain and pressure in the vaginal area
- Issues with urinating or defecating
- Pain during sex after you have been cleared for intercourse
- Feelings of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
- Scar pain, including C-section or vaginal scars
- Lower back pain
How Does Pelvic Physical Therapy Help With Postpartum Recovery?
Pelvic floor therapy can be helpful for those who are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and those who simply want to aid their postpartum recovery. Because every person’s healing journey is different after childbirth, physical therapists create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific concerns and goals while being mindful of any injuries.
Pelvic floor therapy after birth may include any of these treatments or exercises:
- Strengthening exercises that target the abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and legs
- Relaxation exercises to stretch painful muscles
- Coordination exercises to improve mobility and control
- Scar massage to reduce pain and tenderness for healing scars
- Behavioral modification to address problem postures or habits that may worsen pelvic pain
- Heat or ice to alleviate pain
- Biofeedback for relaxing or strengthening pelvic muscles
- Electrical stimulation to stimulate muscles and nerves and reduce pain
- “Homework” stretches and exercises that the patient can complete in between sessions for continual healing
When Should You Start Pelvic Floor Therapy After Birth?
So, when is the best time to start pelvic floor therapy after giving birth? While many medical professionals suggest waiting at least six weeks, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The postnatal exercise timeline depends on the patient’s specific condition and healing process.
Waiting at least six weeks to eight weeks after childbirth is generally recommended so that the patient can give their body time to heal from this major physical trauma before starting more intensive therapy. In the six weeks after giving birth, the body works on repairing tissues, decreasing inflammation, and normalizing hormones.
Beginning physical therapy too soon could exacerbate pelvic floor issues, while waiting too long could prolong the recovery timeline. It is important to speak with your doctor about the right time to start pelvic floor therapy based on your unique condition.
Request a Consultation for Pelvic Floor Therapy After Childbirth
Knowing when to start pelvic floor therapy after birth can help you get back to feeling like your old self as soon as possible. Whether you are experiencing discomfort during pregnancy or facing pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth, working with an experienced physical therapist can help.
Exchange Physical Therapy Group offers pelvic floor therapy and core muscle rehabilitation specifically for postpartum patients. Request an initial consultation today by calling (201)377-1510.
