Pregnancy is natural, but it can still take a toll on the body. You may notice that your body does not feel the same after your pregnancy, perhaps because you lost some strength or are dealing with an injury linked to labor and delivery.
Regardless of why, you might consider physical therapy after your pregnancy. If you are interested in this therapeutic technique, you may have a lot of questions. This is what you need to know.
Physical Therapists Often Provide Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is an area of focus for many physical therapists. For women who have recently gone through childbirth, pelvic floor therapy can address myriad issues. You may need pelvic floor therapy to address things like urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic prolapse, pelvic pain, and painful sexual intercourse.
Physical therapists address pelvic issues by strengthening the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. They can also help with coordination and behavioral modifications that help you make decisions for your health. Heat, ice, and electricity can all provide help for women who need it.
Physical Therapists Assist with Musculoskeletal Changes
After pregnancy, many women exhibit joint mobility issues, muscle imbalances, core weakness, or spinal movement limitations. Physical therapists provide assistance with pelvic pain, low back pain, tendonitis, upper back pain, core weakness, and diastasis rectus abdominals. They also help women heal after C-sections and episiotomies.
Physical therapy treatment for issues like these involves realigning the joints and spine, strength training, correcting the abdominals, adding cold, adding heat, and using ultrasound. Your physical therapist will also help you with strategies you can work on at home and not just in the office.
Physical Therapists Help Women Rebuild
Building muscle is a critical component of regaining strength after pregnancy. Many women experience muscle damage or weakness after pregnancy, and it becomes important to rebuild. Childbirth and pregnancy can take more out of your body than you imagine, and you may feel that you have gone through an athletic event that requires recovery and rebuilding.
Many people worry that pregnancy will take such a toll on their body that they will never recover muscle and joint function, but physical therapy may be able to help with this process.
Call a Physical Therapist Today
A physical therapist can help you adjust to life as a new mother or deal with the aftermath of your pregnancy. No matter the case, you might have a lot on your plate regarding this new adjustment. Contact a physical therapist for more information.
