Pregnancy and delivery bring extraordinary changes to the body. Postpartum muscle weakness, if not addressed, may become symptomatic later in life as incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, and back pain.
Before your baby’s arrival, physical therapy can help with:
- Back or sciatica pain
- Groin pain
- Tailbone pain
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Varicose vein discomfort
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment may include: myofascial release and massage to relieve muscle tension, gentle movements to correct misaligned pelvis and stretch tight muscles, individualized exercises, and brace fittings.
After your baby arrives, with the help of our physical therapists, new mothers are encouraged to focus on backs, bellies, and bottoms:
- Backs - sacroiliac joint, tail bone, coccyx, or pubic pain may persist after delivery; and mid-back or neck pain may begin because new mothers are lifting, feeding, bathing, and carrying their baby.
- Bellies - the belly muscles consist of three layers. During pregnancy and delivery, these muscles may separate, leading to weakness, lack of core support, and lack of pelvic organ support.
- Bottoms – tension in these muscles from delivery may cause “tension myalgias,” including pain in the pelvic floor, incomplete voiding, or constipation. Episiotomy or fascial tearing during delivery may lead to painful scars, resulting in sexual pain.
Physical therapy may include modifications of childcare activities, massage, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and proper exercise techniques. Forty percent of women who are doing “Kegels” to strengthen the pelvic floor and muscles are doing them incorrectly. Ultrasound or manual therapy may be prescribed to soften or gently stretch scars. Physical therapy can also help with interstitial cystitis, painful periods, endometriosis, vaginal spasms, and vulvar pain.