The woman who has just given birth is adjusting to motherhood, but her body is adjusting to new physical dysfunctions. We quickly forget that our vital organs have been out of place for months, the muscles have weakened, the pelvis has widened, and the pelvic floor has become tight or weak and potentially scarred down.

It is very important to return to your pre-pregnancy physical state in order to avoid long-term dysfunctions. Breastfeeding new moms have a bigger “mountain” to climb because of increased hormone levels, but there is an easy and comfortable way to address most postpartum dysfunctions with our newly developed postpartum program.

Common Postpartum Symptoms

• Urinary Difficulties and Leakage
• Anal Incontinence
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Constipation
• Pelvic Floor Pain/Pressure
• Scar Pain
• Weak Core Muscles (Diastasis Recti)
• Low Back Pain
• General Body Weakness

It is very important for all new moms to be educated in the following:

• Breathing and Rib Mobility
• Bladder/Uterus/Rectum Mobility
• Visceral mobilization of vital organs to be placed back to pre-pregnancy state
• Assessment for Diastasis Recti
• Strengthening of core, lower abs and back muscles
• Correcting pelvic joint alignments
• Scar mobilization after vaginal birth and C-section
• Manually releasing Pelvic Floor spasticity and trigger points
• Pelvic floor stretching
• Proper lifting techniques
• Progressing into advanced core strengthening
• Return to gym program

How can a Physical Therapist help?

Based on the evaluation results, your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist will individualize treatment to strengthen your Pelvic Floor muscles and to improve their function. You will also gain control over your symptoms and reduce your dysfunctions. Your physical therapist will discuss diet and nutrition, change in behavior, postural training, and develop a plan to return you to your previous level of function.
Dr. Scott Kelly in Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, Sept, 2014 published an article Pelvic Floor Rehab in the treatment of incontinence stated that Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is an important first-line treatment for patients with incontinence.

During Your First Evaluation:

Your physical therapist will complete a thorough review of your medical history, and perform a physical examination to identify the causes of your pelvic pain and any joint issues, muscle tightness or weakness, or nerve involvement.

The exam may include:
• Pelvic girdle screening
• Soft tissue assessment
• Pelvic girdle assessment
• Spinal assessment
• Visual inspection of the tissues
• Reflex testing
• Sensation testing
• Internal assessment of pelvic floor muscles

For more information, contact The Pelvic Health Center of NJ at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.