Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy Following Delivery

Since you’ve lived through it, this probably comes as no surprise: childbirth can do a number on your pelvic floor. This network of muscles supports your reproductive organs, bladder, and bowels. Delivery can weaken these muscles or even cause dysfunction. 

Like any other form of physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy can help damaged muscles recover faster and stronger. If you’ve gone through delivery — and particularly if you have some telltale signs of a pelvic floor issue — talk to Jean Johnson, MD, at Rejuvenation For Her in Weston, Florida. 

Dr. Johnson specializes in the issues that can come with pelvic floor problems, including urinary incontinence. She may recommend pelvic floor therapy to help you get back to feeling like yourself again. 

Signs you might have pelvic floor problems 

Delivery can cause the muscles in your pelvic floor to separate or get damaged. Sometimes, childbirth leads to a specific condition called pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). If you have this problem, you might experience issues like:

• Urinary incontinence 
• A urine stream that starts and stops
• More frequent trips to the bathroom
• Low back pain
• Straining during bowel movements
• Constipation

You don’t have to have PFD to have pelvic floor problems after childbirth. Sometimes, a weak pelvic floor leads to other issues, like pelvic organ prolapse. In that case, one of the organs in your pelvis slips out of position. This might cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis.

If any of this sounds familiar, talk with Dr. Johnson. She can help you determine if you’re dealing with a pelvic floor issue and, if so, what kind of treatment might be best. 

The big benefit here is that pelvic floor therapy addresses any of the unwelcome symptoms you’re experiencing. 

What to expect with pelvic floor therapy

To avoid PFD, prolapse, and more, experts recommend starting physical therapy shortly after delivery. 

Your physical therapist tailors your appointments to you. Usually, you’ll go through some combination of breathing exercises, core exercises, and pelvic floor engagement exercises. Kegel exercises can help you strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor, for example. 

Your therapist helps you learn how to engage the muscles you want to strengthen. This, in turn, can reduce or even eliminate any symptoms you’re experiencing because of a pelvic floor problem. 

Dr. Johnson helps you develop a plan that works for you. She knows that as a new mom, carving out this time for yourself usually isn’t easy. Prioritizing yourself, though, helps you recover from delivery and feel like yourself again. When you’re the best version of yourself, it helps you be the best mom for your baby. 

Are you ready to explore pelvic floor therapy? Call our office or book an appointment online today.