Pregnancy & Postpartum

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti can be a common condition that affects women both during and after pregnancy. This is caused by the separation of rectus abdominis muscles, which causes the connective tissue and connective tissue to stretch, leading to weakness in the midsection, and a visible gap in the abdominal muscle. To improve strength, control, function, and strength of the abdominal muscles, pelvic floor therapy is safe and effective.

Prolapse

POP (pelvic organ prolapse) refers to the prolapse of the pelvic organs via the perineum. This is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, and support structures. Because it takes time to build strength, pelvic floor therapy does not work immediately. pelvic floor therapy can be very effective for many women.

Pelvic floor therapy can reduce symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. It may even be a better option than surgery. Book an appointment with us to learn more about prolapse risk, the symptoms to look out for, and what treatment options are available. We are happy to help you with any questions that may arise in your particular situation.

Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction

The pubic symphysis, a cartilaginous joint that connects your right and left pubic bone bones, is called the pubic symphysis. SPD can occur when the joint becomes less stable or even separates. A comprehensive pelvic examination can identify a pubic-symphysis separation or malalignment. Our pelvic floor therapists use gentle, effective techniques for joint mobilization and realignment to the pelvic joints. This includes the pubic and sacroiliac symphysis.

To stabilize the pubic joint, we also recommend progressive strengthening exercises. We provide instructions on how to maintain good body mechanics and prevent injury from occurring in the future. We have excellent results in treating this condition, no matter how severe or long-standing. Our patients are able to return their functional abilities to painless levels. Postpartum patients are able to have successful vaginal deliveries every time, without any reoccurrences. Other areas that offer treatment and care includes:

• Support and care during pregnancy/postpartum
• Staying active during pregnancy
• Return to exercise
• Performance

Incontinence

Incontinence is the loss of bladder control. Incontinence can be as simple as leaking urine from coughing to severe cases where you feel the urge to urinate and can end up not getting to the toilet in time. Incontinence treatment may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms. This can be done by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. Incontinence can be caused by a weak pelvic floor, tightness, and uncontrolled spasming. Your pelvic floor therapist may also use electrodes to assess your pelvic floor activity to stimulate the muscles and improve function.

Birth Prep

Our pelvic floor therapists are able to address many issues related to pregnancy and pre-birth. Our staff are expertly trained pelvic floor therapists who spend many, many hours studying the pelvic floor and how it interacts with the rest of the body. They are musculoskeletal experts and can address your pelvic floor’s role in pregnancy and childbirth as well as any potential issues. We will examine your posture, breathing, and patterns of activity. Then, we can create individualized treatment plans and recommend birthing strategies.

VBAC Prep (Vaginal Birth after C-section)

Pelvic floor therapy can play a crucial role in preparing for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Our therapists can assess the muscles of the pelvic floor to ensure there are no issues that may impede effective pushing during delivery. We also address any residual scar tissue along the cesarean scar and surrounding abdominal tissues, which can improve pelvic floor function and motor control.

Additionally, we provide education on proper pushing techniques and strategies, including the phases of labor, timing for an epidural, and effective positioning to assist with cervical dilation and the descent of the baby. Through an internal exam, we can also help improve the effectiveness of pushing without placing unwanted strain on the pelvic floor muscles and perineum.

Painful Intercourse

Pelvic floor therapy is an effective treatment for reducing or eliminating sexual and vaginal pain. Our safe, gentle techniques focus on addressing the underlying causes of pain and discomfort, helping women to experience pain-free, enjoyable intercourse.

Our therapists work to reverse issues and unravel the web of pain by increasing pelvic blood flow, releasing trapped nerves and adhesions (scar tissue), relaxing and stretching tight tissue, correcting postural imbalances, restoring mobility, and melting away painful tender points and trigger points. Our goal is to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, restoring overall health and function to the pelvis.

C-Section Rehab

Pelvic floor therapy can be a powerful tool in addressing the pain and discomfort that can occur after a cesarean delivery. Our experienced therapists use a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, scar tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and stretching and strengthening exercises, to help reduce pain at the incision site, normalize pelvic floor muscle tone, decrease tissue hypersensitivity, improve core and back muscle strength, and retrain muscles affected by pregnancy and delivery for optimal function.

Whether you had your c-section recently or years ago, pelvic floor therapy can help you achieve greater mobility, function, and strength in the abdominals, back, and pelvic floor. Don’t let pain hold you back, contact us today to learn more about how we can support you on your recovery journey.

Return to Exercise Postpartum

Exercise after giving birth is part of a healthy lifestyle. Postpartum exercise has been shown to be beneficial at all stages of life. There are many benefits to postpartum exercise:

• Tone and strengthen your abdominal muscles
• Boosts energy
• May help prevent postpartum depression
• Improves sleep quality
• Relieves stress
• Can help you shed any extra weight you might have gained during pregnancy

It is difficult to make the necessary adjustments when you become a mother. The internet can also be confusing and overwhelming with information about postpartum exercise. Let’s talk about returning to exercise after childbirth.

SI Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac dysfunction (SIJ), a lower back/pelvic condition, can be caused by joint stiffness (hypomobility), or slackness(hypermobility), at the sacroiliac bones in the pelvis. This condition can affect men and women of any age, but it is more common in females. Patients suffering from SI joint pain may find pelvic floor therapy very helpful. Your pelvic floor therapist will evaluate your SI joint dysfunction to determine the extent of your pain. These findings will determine the treatment plan for you.

Low Back Pain

Your pelvis and tailbone are supported by muscles that include your back muscles, stomach muscles and glutes, and a small group of muscles located at the base called your pelvic floor. If you are not getting these checked out you are missing an important piece of the puzzle to your low back pain.

We’ve known for a long time that low back pain and the pelvic floor are closely related. Many of our patients notice sciatica and other low back symptoms but they don’t realize that it could be due to their pelvic floor until they have their initial evaluation. To provide sustained relief from lower back pain, it is important to examine both the pelvic floor as well as the lower back.

Hip Pain

A pelvic floor specialist might be able to help you if you have hip pain as the muscles of your hip are directly connected to your pelvic floor. Your hip muscles, pelvic floor muscles and core muscles must all work together to allow your body to move efficiently. Each muscle group should be strong and flexible. Your body could rely on the other muscles for stability or movement, eventually causing more pain or dysfunction. To determine if the primary cause of hip pain is in one of these areas, a pelvic floor therapist will perform an internal assessment. An individualized plan can restore mobility, stability, function, and functionality of the pelvic floor and other hip muscles. You can return to the activities that you love by correcting any underlying muscle imbalances.

Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain, also call Coccydynia, can be treated by our expert pelvic floor therapists. Coccydynia is the pain from the small bone just above your anus at the end of your spine. It can be quite painful! This is a common problem that we treat all the time. Coccydynia can affect women of all ages and we can help them get the correct pelvic floor PT treatment to resolve their pain. Don’t let your tailbone pain get you down. Let’s make you feel better! Schedule your appointment today.