Why Women’s Health Physical Therapy is Vital for Postpartum Recovery
Giving birth is an amazing feat, but it can also be a challenging experience for women. Along with the joy of welcoming a new family member, mothers also have to deal with postpartum recovery, which can sometimes take a toll on their physical and mental health. That is why women’s health physical therapy is a crucial aspect of postpartum recovery that should not be overlooked.
What is women’s health physical therapy?
Women’s health physical therapy is a branch of physical therapy that specializes in treating conditions related to women’s health, including pelvic pain, incontinence, and musculoskeletal disorders. In the context of postpartum recovery, women’s health physical therapy focuses on helping new mothers regain their strength, mobility, and function after giving birth.
Why is women’s health physical therapy important for postpartum recovery?
Pregnancy and childbirth put a lot of strain on a woman’s body. Even a healthy pregnancy can cause physical changes and postural imbalances that may lead to pain and discomfort. In addition, vaginal delivery can result in perineal tears, episiotomies, or C-section scars that need time to heal. Women’s health physical therapy can help new mothers address these issues and improve their physical function throughout the recovery process.
What are the benefits of women’s health physical therapy after childbirth?
Women’s health physical therapy can help new mothers in many ways, including:
Reducing pain and discomfort
Women’s health physical therapy can help relieve pain and discomfort in the back, hips, pelvis, and perineal area. This can make it easier for new mothers to care for their newborn and return to their normal activities.
Improving muscle strength and flexibility
Women’s health physical therapy can help new mothers regain their muscle strength and flexibility. Strengthening exercises can target the pelvic floor, lower back, and abdominal muscles, which are all essential for good posture and body mechanics.
Preventing incontinence and prolapse
Women who experience urinary or fecal incontinence after childbirth may benefit from pelvic floor muscle training, which is a common component of women’s health physical therapy. Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, urethra, and rectum, reducing the risk of incontinence or prolapse.
Improving sexual function
Women’s health physical therapy can also help improve sexual function after childbirth. By addressing pain or discomfort during intercourse and improving pelvic muscle strength, new mothers can regain their confidence and enjoy a healthy sex life.
When should new mothers seek women’s health physical therapy?
New mothers can benefit from women’s health physical therapy at any time after childbirth. In fact, some obstetricians may recommend it as part of their routine postpartum care. However, new mothers should consult with their healthcare provider to determine when it is safe to start physical therapy, especially if they had a complicated delivery or surgery.
Conclusion
Women’s health physical therapy is an essential component of postpartum recovery that can help new mothers regain their physical function and improve their quality of life. By addressing common postpartum issues such as pain, incontinence, and prolapse, women’s health physical therapy can help women feel more confident and empowered after childbirth. If you are a new mother, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about the benefits of women’s health physical therapy to see if it’s right for you.
