Demystifying Pelvic Floor Therapy
During pregnancy and following
childbirth, your body may be trying to get your attention. However, the
fatigue, aches and pains that are associated with giving birth may become
something you overlook because of the demands of motherhood. While you are
pregnant, the weight of your baby pushes downward on your bladder, rectum and
pelvic floor muscles causing these organs and muscles to weaken. Many women
post birth (vaginal or c-section) experience urinary incontinence, anal
incontinence, perineal pain (tear in the skin between the vagina and anus) or
chronic pelvic pain. These changes may occur months, or even years in some
instances, after giving birth. Since it takes some time for your reproductive
system to heal after birth, being in tuned to the discomfort you feel during
and after pregnancy is important so you can find the right doctor and treatment
that will ease your pain. Your OBGYN can assess your symptoms and refer you to
a specialist, such as a urologist or gastroenterologist for further testing. In
some cases, your doctor will send you to see a pelvic rehabilitation
specialist, a physical therapist specializing in the field of pelvic
discomfort, to help you feel better.
What To Expect From Pelvic
Physical Therapy Treatment
Your pelvic rehabilitation
specialist will help you target the muscles that are weak by giving you
exercises to do at home to strengthen them. Electrical stimulation or massage
therapy on the outside pelvic region or inside of the vagina may be performed
during physical therapy sessions as well. This idea may not sound appealing to
everyone; however keep in mind that your PT is trained in strengthening muscles
and treats these practices with professionalism. The end result will be more
than worth it if these methods can help you on the road to recovery.
You do not have to suffer
silently in discomfort. Remaining proactive with your health will allow you to
feel empowered and relieve your pain so you can feel like yourself again
post-pregnancy.
Reliable Resources For
Information
American Physical Therapy
Association
Herman Wallace Pelvic
Rehabilitation Institute
International Pelvic Pain
Society
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