The Role Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Plays After Childbirth
The pelvic floor consists of a splint of ligaments, muscles and tissues that resemble sheets. Your pelvic floor functions in a manner similar to a trampoline. That is, it will bounce in response to weight only to discharge again.
Without your pelvic floor you would be unable to control your bowel movements or empty your bladder properly. While your pelvic floor is designed to hold weight, doing so for a prolonged period of time, which is common during pregnancy, may cause issues.
The pelvic floor muscles may become weak or even overstretched during or after a pregnancy. The good news is soreness, bulging and bruising can be avoided by engaging in specific exercises. Here, we will discuss the role that pelvic floor physiotherapy plays after childbirth.
What happens to the pelvic floor after pregnancy?
It is possible for the pelvic floor to become overstretched during labour. A severe tear, for instance, can cause your pelvic floor to become overstretched. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 new mothers will deal with postnatal stress incontinence.
Pelvic injuries may cause issues with voiding your bowels. You may have trouble fully emptying your bladder or may deal with leakage and other such issues. Unfortunately, damage to key pelvic muscles is fairly common during a vaginal delivery.
Why are pelvic floor exercises important after childbirth?
The muscles of the pelvic floor are intensified via pelvic floor exercises. The lower back joints, pelvis and hips are stabilized when pelvic floor exercises are performed on a regular basis.
The muscle training exercises are designed to augment the support of the muscles under the bowel, bladder and uterus as well. As such, the pain that many women experience after a pregnancy is reduced by performing specialized pelvic muscle training exercises.
Pelvic floor exercises are usually taught by a licensed and trained physiotherapist in order to help women during and after pregnancy.
What does a pelvic floor physiotherapist do?
A pelvic physiotherapist will perform an internal and external examination of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor ligaments and muscle groups stretch from the pubic bone to the coccyx and from the ischial tuberosity to the other side.
Pelvic floor therapy is designed to help the patient recover more quickly from their pregnancy and also help reduce pain. The reconditioning that occurs is very effective and safe for new mothers. The end goal is to boost the functionality and strength of the patient’s pelvic floor muscles.
If the muscles are weak and dysfunctional then strength will be boosted via resistance. If the issue is primarily with muscle contraction then the physiotherapist will gently stretch the patient’s muscles instead.
Many bowel and bladder issues that the patient experiences can be remedied with pelvic floor therapy. Your therapist will ask you to cough and also perform a kegel while assessing your pelvic floor.
They may also ask you to bear down, and will manually check for any tight areas. They may also use some lubricant and surgical gloves in order to perform an internal assessment of your pelvic muscles in order to determine if an adjustment is needed.
Your therapist will take a complete history of your sexual, bowel and bladder function. They will also check your medical history as well as your fitness level and activities.
Once the exam is complete they will develop a personalized training and exercise regiment in order to help you recover. They will provide you with advice to optimize your bowel and bladder habits as well as your fitness levels.
The treatment modality itself may consist of manual muscle therapy, biofeedback and/or custom-tailored exercises.
What are the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy will help aid your bladder if you are having trouble voiding your bladder completely or you are having issues with flow or leakage. It will also help relieve pelvic pain, soreness and burning sensations.
Some women experience pain during sexual intercourse after pregnancy. Pelvic floor therapy may help reduce pain and discomfort – and other forms of sexual dysfunction as well.
Some patients may also have trouble with their bowels. Bowel-related issues can be resolved, or at least reduced, by following the exercises that are provided by your pelvic floor therapist.
Many patients also notice a marked reduction in abdominal pain and cramps.
Pelvic organ prolapse is also a serious issue that may occur after pregnancy. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help prevent or treat pelvic organ prolapse. As can be seen, many postpartum issues can be treated by a licensed and trained pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Being honest and forthright with your therapist will allow them to quickly and effectively diagnose and treat your medical health issues. It is important to perform the necessary due diligence in order to find a reputable therapist in your area who has a proven track record of success and who will ensure that your recovery is not only complete but that you can avoid subsequent pelvic floor disorders in the future as well.
Taking the First Step
Pelvic floor problems that affect the bowels and bladder may be embarrassing to some people. However, pregnant women should see a physiotherapist in order to treat issues while they are still minor.
‘Mummy tummy’ can also be prevented via pelvic floor physiotherapy, and you can enjoy pelvic pain relief quickly during and after you give birth. Many expectant mothers also complain of a frequent urge to defecate or urinate, which can be problematic.
Some also have issues related to constipation. Such issues can be treated by following the course of treatment provided by your therapist. By gaining better bowel and bladder control you will be able to recover faster and return to your normal lifestyle within a few weeks.
While pregnancy itself can be challenging, some people underestimate the challenges that are faced by new mothers after they have given birth. Working closely with a licensed pelvic floor therapist will help you enjoy the joys of motherhood by accelerating your postpartum recovery.