Should You See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Postpartum? Here's Why It's Important
Written by a pelvic floor physical therapist at Empower Your Pelvis, in Kansas City, Missouri (Lee Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)
After welcoming a new baby into the world, your body undergoes incredible changes. While much of the focus is on your baby’s health, it’s just as important to take care of your own body—especially your pelvic floor. Pregnancy and childbirth can place a lot of stress on this area, which plays a crucial role in bladder, bowel, and sexual function. So, should you see a pelvic floor physical therapist postpartum? The answer is a resounding yes, and here's why.
Why Postpartum Pelvic Floor Care Matters
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs, including your bladder, uterus, and rectum. During pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles can become stretched, weakened, or even injured. Whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, many new moms experience symptoms like:
Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine when you sneeze, cough, or laugh
Pelvic pain: Discomfort in the pelvic region, lower back, or hips
Prolapse: A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area, where one or more pelvic organs shift from their normal position
Pain during sex: Postpartum discomfort or pain with intercourse, often due to pelvic floor tension or weakness
Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you address these issues early on, improving your recovery and overall well-being.
What to Expect from Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized treatment that focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the muscles of your pelvic floor. Your therapist will create a personalized plan based on your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Here's what you can expect during your sessions:
Comprehensive Evaluation: Your physical therapist will assess the strength and function of your pelvic floor, check for muscle imbalances, and evaluate any pain or discomfort you're experiencing.
Customized Exercises: You'll learn specific exercises to restore pelvic floor strength and control. These may include gentle stretches, Kegel exercises, and core strengthening movements.
Education and Advice: Your therapist will offer guidance on safe ways to move, lift, and exercise postpartum, ensuring you're protecting your pelvic floor during daily activities.
Hands-On Techniques: Depending on your needs, your therapist may use manual therapy techniques to release muscle tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
How Soon Should You Start Postpartum Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Many women are surprised to learn that they can start pelvic floor physical therapy as early as 6 weeks postpartum, once they've been cleared by their healthcare provider. Early intervention can help prevent long-term complications and speed up recovery. Even if you’re several months (or years!) postpartum and still experiencing symptoms, it’s never too late to seek help.
The Benefits of Seeing a Pelvic Floor Therapist Postpartum
Investing in postpartum pelvic floor care can provide a wide range of benefits, helping you feel stronger and more confident in your recovery journey. Some of the key advantages include:
Improved Bladder Control: Say goodbye to those unexpected leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or lift your baby.
Reduced Pain: Pelvic floor therapy can alleviate pain in the pelvic region, hips, and lower back.
Faster Recovery: With the right exercises and techniques, you'll improve muscle tone and function, aiding in faster postpartum recovery.
Enhanced Sexual Health: Therapy can help resolve pain or discomfort during sex, allowing you to enjoy intimacy again.
Prevention of Future Problems: Strengthening your pelvic floor now can help prevent issues like prolapse or chronic pelvic pain later on.
When to Seek Help from a Pelvic Floor Therapist
While some postpartum symptoms may resolve on their own, others can persist or worsen over time. You should consider seeing a pelvic floor therapist if you experience:
Urinary incontinence: Leaking urine when you cough, laugh, or exercise
Pain with intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sex, especially if it doesn't improve over time
Pelvic pressure or heaviness: A feeling of something "falling out" or heaviness in the pelvic area
Bowel issues: Difficulty with bowel movements, including constipation or fecal incontinence
Lower back or hip pain: Ongoing pain in your lower back, hips, or pelvis
Remember, it's never too early or too late to prioritize your pelvic health. Whether you’re weeks or years postpartum, pelvic floor therapy can make a difference in your quality of life.
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Your Postpartum Health
Your postpartum journey is unique, and taking care of your pelvic floor is a crucial part of that journey. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to prevent future issues, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you feel empowered and confident in your recovery. Don’t wait—take the first step toward better pelvic health today.
Get Professional Help
If you're looking for “pelvic floor therapy near me”, consider scheduling a consultation at one of our locations in Kansas City-Overland Park, Kansas, or Lees Summit, Missouri. Click here to book your appointment.
Join the Postpartum Recovery Program
Ready to make a change and address common problems after birth? Join the Postpartum Recovery Program for comprehensive support and solutions.
With wellness in your pelvis-
Amanda Fisher, PT, DPT
Owner, Empower Your Pelvis, a pelvic floor physical therapy clinic in Kansas City (Lee’s Summit, MO and Overland Park, KS)