Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy: How to Heal After Birth

Early intervention is crucial among postpartum women who are experiencing pelvic floor discomfort after birth. Pregnancy and birth require your body to change and conform to new positions to accommodate your growing baby. For optimal results, it’s best to start participating in postpartum pelvic floor therapy as soon as possible.

Postpartum healing can take longer than the first early weeks after birth. Your pelvic floor needs time to get back to its original position and shape. Oftentimes, the pelvic floor needs assistance to heal correctly following birth. If you are looking to have the best postpartum recovery, then it’s time to add pelvic floor therapy to your recovery plan.

Related: How to Promote Pelvic Floor Health: 6 Tips for Optimal Function

postpartum pelvic floor therapy

Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy

Postpartum pelvic floor therapy is a form of physical therapy. A licensed physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor therapy can help you heal your pelvis after pregnancy.

All of the muscles and ligaments in your pelvic floor have stretched and loosened during pregnancy and birth. Pelvic floor therapy can help all of these pieces come back together properly so that you can live comfortably and care for your baby without pelvic pain.

5 Ways Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps with Healing

The following are just some of the ways postpartum pelvic floor therapy can help you with healing after birth. Overall, pelvic floor therapy can improve your quality of life.

Muscle Strengthening and Relaxation

During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor becomes weak from the additional pressure that is put on it by a growing fetus. Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen those muscles again in addition to assisting in the relaxation of other muscles that may have become tight or stiff during the process.

Decrease Pain

Many postpartum women report experiencing lower back pain or pain during intercourse. These pain points can be attributed to your pelvic floor. Postpartum pelvic floor therapy can relieve this pain. 

In addition, it is common for postpartum women to experience incontinence immediately after birth. However, prolonged incontinence can be a sign of a pelvic floor disorder.

postpartum pelvic floor therapy

Help Address Problem Area

The body is incredible in how it can heal itself in many ways. However, some women experience problem areas in their pelvis following birth due to the pelvic floor not healing properly. When you participate in pelvic floor therapy, your physical therapist can help address these problem areas so that your body can experience optimal recovery.

Related: Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

Teach Body Awareness

Body awareness can be powerful in postpartum recovery. Participating in pelvic floor therapy can teach you even more about your body and how to care for it after a baby. You are more than just your pelvis. Join one of the physical therapists at Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas to start your journey to optimal healing.

Heal Diastasis Recti

A common issue that occurs in pregnancy is diastasis recti, also known as ab separation. The growing fetus pushes up against the abdominal muscles and causes them to separate. You might be surprised to learn that pelvic floor therapy can actually help heal your diastasis recti.

postpartum pelvic floor therapy

Common Questions About Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy

Discover what other women are asking regarding postpartum pelvic floor therapy.

How soon after birth can you start pelvic floor therapy?

Your body does need some time to heal before you begin postpartum pelvic floor therapy. However, every woman is different. Some women begin pelvic therapy a few weeks after birth. Reach out to Pillar Physio to schedule an assessment to see if you are ready for pelvic floor therapy.

What are the symptoms of a weak pelvic floor after birth?

You may experience one or more symptoms of a weak pelvic floor after birth. Some of those symptoms include urinary incontinence, lower back pain, prolapse, and hip pain. Your pelvis is an intricate system of muscles, bones, and ligaments. A pelvic floor disorder can manifest in a variety of ways.

Related: 7 Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy After Birth

Is pelvic floor therapy worth it postpartum?

Yes, pelvic floor therapy is worth it after having a baby. In order to experience optimal healing, it is worth the time to partner with a pelvic floor therapist to assist you. Find the right therapist for you at Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas.

How to start pelvic floor therapy after birth?

Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply contact us to get started. First, we have a phone conversation about the problem areas you are experiencing. Next, we will get you scheduled for an assessment with one of our pelvic floor therapists.

During your assessment, you can expect to go over your medical history to help your physical therapist understand what makes you unique. Finally, you will discuss a treatment plan that works for you and begin your journey to healing.

postpartum pelvic floor therapy

Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy is Beneficial for Healing

Giving birth is demanding on the body. Take care of yourself by ensuring you have healed after this life-changing event. The steps you take today will ensure a healthier, pain-free future. Your body will thank you for doing postpartum pelvic floor therapy.

At Pillar Physio – Georgetown, Texas, we have helped countless women in our community find lasting relief. Our therapists use a whole-body approach to ensure that the root of your pain is addressed instead of just treating the symptom. In addition, we use a hands-on approach to provide the best support and treatment plan that your body needs. Contact us today to start pelvic floor therapy.

Related: The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Exercises During Pregnancy

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How to Heal Diastasis Recti: A Postpartum Guide