Postpartum Recovery
In 2018, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published new guidelines which specifically highlighted the importance of care during the postpartum period.
Birth is a life-impacting event, and every postpartum individual can benefit from working with a skilled pelvic health physical therapist to improve their function and reduce problems after birth.
SPH Helps With Postpartum Recovery
Pregnancy and birth can be impacting to the abdominal wall, pelvis and the rest of the body. At SPH, we work with people to help optimize their muscle function after birth, promote safe return to exercise, and minimize problems in the future.
We also work with people dealing with specific problems after birth such as:
Diastasis rectus abdominis
Painful perineal scars or episiotomies
Cesarean birth recovery
Bladder leakage or other bladder problems
Constipation or bowel leakage
Anal sphincter injuries
Pelvic girdle pain
Low back pain
Sciatica
Pelvic organ prolapse
Painful sex or alterations in sexual function
Perineal pain
And much more!
Our Expert Physical Therapists Are Here to Help
At SPH, we always aim to treat the whole person. We start with a comprehensive examination to determine what is happening around the body and within the pelvis that may be contributing to the problems you are experiencing. This can include evaluating your spinal mobility, movement and range of motion, posture and alignment, and much more!
After birth, we always also assess more specifically around your abdominal wall, any scars in the abdomen or pelvis, and the pelvic floor.
Treatment Typically Includes
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Specific exercises aiming to improve strength and optimize coordination for the pelvic floor muscles and the structures around the pelvis.
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Strategies to improve your core stability and postural control.
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Exercise to retrain abdominal function and improve diastasis rectus abdominis, if this is occurring.
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Manual therapies if needed, including myofascial release, and/or dry needling to help improve muscle length and sensitivity around the pelvis.
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Scar tissue mobilization and desensitization.
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Education to build strategies to optimize your bowel, bladder, and sexual habits.
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Postural retraining and specific strategies to improve your body mechanics and movement.
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Specific strategies to utilize when caring for your baby- feeding postures, lifting and carrying.
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Much more ~ customized to you and what we identify together in your first visit and examination.
We also have the capacity to utilize tools and modalities like surface-EMG biofeedback if needed for your program.
We Are Here For You
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SPH is a very welcoming and hospitable environment that makes you feel comfortable - especially as you are dealing with sensitive issues. You can feel confident you are working with some of the most highly trained, respectful, and kind pelvic floor specialists in the region…
Resources For Pelvic Pain