Rehabilitation for Pre- and Post-Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about significant changes to a woman’s body, including the stretching of the abdominal wall, increased lumbar lordosis (a deeper curve in the lower back), growth of the breasts and uterus, and added weight in the front of the body. As the baby grows or shifts position, nerves may become compressed, and the pelvic ligaments and joints loosen, causing strain. Additionally, pressure on the urethra, bladder, and pelvic floor increases.

During childbirth, different methods may be used, including normal labor, induced labor, forceps, vacuum assistance, episiotomy, or cesarean section. After vaginal delivery, between 53-79% of women experience some form of pelvic floor laceration.

Common Pregnancy and Postpartum Ailments:

• Low Back/Pelvic Girdle Pain: Previously, lower back and pelvic girdle pain was seen as a normal, self-limiting part of pregnancy, but it is actually more common and severe than in the general population.
• Incontinence: Many women experience urinary incontinence post-pregnancy, which can be effectively treated with pelvic health physiotherapy.
• Dyspareunia (Painful Intercourse): Women with pelvic floor muscle tears (especially 2nd to 4th degree) are significantly more likely to experience painful intercourse.
• Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA): This condition, which involves the separation of the abdominal muscles, affects nearly all women at 35 weeks of pregnancy, with 39% still experiencing it at 6 months postpartum.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): This occurs when organs (such as the uterus or bladder) descend into the vaginal canal, often requiring medical intervention.
• Post-Cesarean Section Recovery: Scar tissue from a C-section can cause restrictions in movement, leading to lower back pain and complications if not properly addressed.

How Pelvic Health Therapists Can Help:

Whether you’re looking to restore your pelvic health or quickly return to an active lifestyle, our specialized Pelvic Health Therapists can assess and treat the above conditions through targeted care. They are trained to examine your low back, pelvic girdle, and pelvic floor using both external and internal techniques.

Treatment Approaches Include:

• General Exercises: Prescribed exercises to maintain fitness throughout pregnancy. Pregnant women without complications should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week to reduce pregnancy-related complications.
• Lower Back/Pelvic Girdle Pain: Our therapists assess and treat lower back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy using manual therapy and exercises.
• Incontinence: A thorough internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles is performed to identify whether they are weak or tight, and to determine the cause of incontinence.
• Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Pelvic health therapy helps address tight pelvic floor muscles that cause painful intercourse. Studies show that pelvic rehabilitation can treat 80-90% of cases of incontinence and dyspareunia.
• Diastasis Recti (DRA): Our healthcare professionals evaluate the integrity of the abdominal muscles to help manage back and pelvic girdle pain after pregnancy.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): For women experiencing POP, our therapists offer treatments that result in an 80% improvement rate. The earlier treatment starts, the better the results—grade 1 prolapse can be treated with pelvic health therapy, while grades 3 and 4 may require surgical intervention if left untreated.
• Post-C-Section Recovery: After two weeks post-C-section (if the scar is clean), our therapists help with scar management, soft tissue mobilization, and techniques to reduce chronic pain. Pelvic health therapy can speed up healing and improve functional recovery.

What to Expect on Your First Visit:

• Detailed History: Our therapist will take a thorough medical and pregnancy history.
• Posture and Pelvic Girdle Assessment: Evaluation of posture and pelvic alignment.
• Internal and External Pelvic Examination: A comprehensive exam to assess pelvic floor strength and function.
• Patient Education: Understanding how pelvic health rehabilitation can aid in recovery.
• Treatment Plan: Based on assessment results, a treatment plan will be explained, including any necessary exercises or interventions.

Treatment Options Include:

• Manual Therapy: For lower back, hip, and pelvic pain relief.
• Stretching and Strengthening: Targeting pelvic and pelvic floor muscles.
• Soft Tissue Release: Techniques like trigger point and myofascial release to address adhesions, scar tissue, and muscle tightness.
• Electrical Stimulation: If required, for pelvic floor strengthening.
• Home Exercise Program: A tailored program to continue your recovery at home.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned after pregnancy, call us today. Our trained healthcare professionals are here to help guide you toward a healthier, more comfortable post-pregnancy life.