Postpartum Physiotherapy: Recover your body after childbirth
What is postpartum physical therapy?
Postpartum is a time of great physical changes in a woman's body. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor, abdominal musculature and pelvic structure are subjected to extraordinary stress and strain that require active and supervised recovery. However, this remains an unresolved issue in many cases, as many women do not receive the specialized care they need after giving birth.
Postpartum physiotherapy is the most complete and effective approach to help the body recover safely after childbirth, both vaginal and cesarean, preventing short and long term problems such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or chronic pelvic pain.
What changes does the body undergo after childbirth?
Pelvic floor
The pelvic floor is the structure most affected after vaginal delivery. The muscles, ligaments and fasciae that compose it are stretched to the extreme during the delivery, which can cause weakness, tears or a loss of muscular coordination that manifests itself in the form of urinary incontinence, pelvic heaviness or pain. Also, after a cesarean section, the pelvic floor may be affected by the weight of the baby during the nine months of pregnancy.
Abdominal diastasis
Diastasis abdominis is the separation of the rectus abdominis in the midline of the abdomen, a very common phenomenon during pregnancy that in many cases does not resolve spontaneously after delivery. If not treated correctly, it can cause low back pain, a feeling of instability in the trunk, digestive problems and a loss of abdominal function that affects daily life. Postpartum physical therapy is essential to assess and treat diastasis in a safe and progressive manner.
Cesarean section or episiotomy scars
Both cesarean and episiotomy scars can cause adhesions, altered sensation and pain. Scar work is an essential part of postpartum physical therapy that makes a significant difference in your recovery.
When to start?
The ideal after a vaginal delivery is to start after the quarantine period, and in the case of a cesarean delivery after 3 weeks, the scar can already be worked on. However, it is never too late to start, since many of the problems resulting from childbirth can be effectively treated months or even years later.
How do we treat it in ERM Fisioterapia?
At ERM Physiotherapy we take a medical history of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, we assess the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and posture to design a personalized recovery plan for each woman. We apply specific pelvic floor exercises to make it competent, treatment of abdominal diastasis with radiofrequency, hypopressive and deep core activation exercises, work on the cesarean or episiotomy scar to release adhesions and recover sensitivity, and postural education to adapt the body to physical demands.
How do you know if you need postpartum physical therapy?
If after childbirth you have urine leakage, a feeling of heaviness or lump in the vaginal area, pain during sexual intercourse, persistent lower back or pelvic pain, painful or tender scars, or simply want to ensure that your recovery is complete and safe, postpartum physical therapy is for you. Don't wait for symptoms to become chronic, your body has made an extraordinary effort and deserves a recovery to match.
