Being pregnant and having a vaginal delivery may weaken or stretch some of the supporting structures in the pelvis. Pelvic floor disorders are more common among women who have had vaginal deliveries and the risk increases with each delivery. The delivery itself may damage nerves, leading to muscle weakness and dysfunction.
Physical therapy during pregnancy can treat any pregnancy pain or discomfort and optimize delivery and other postpartum dysfunctions. It is beneficial for all new moms to have their pelvic floor evaluated by a physical therapist specialized in postpartum care. This kind of early intervention can help address any concerns, and ultimately enable new moms to return to functional and active lives while possibly preventing future pelvic floor dysfunction.
Issues down there? You’re not alone.
More than 50% of pregnant women experience pelvic girdle pain and over 25% of these women then continue to have chronic postpartum pelvic pain. Many women find that both before and after childbirth they don’t have the same control that they used to have. Between 40% to 60% of women will experience back pain during pregnancy.
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Disorders
Dyspareunia: Pain during sexual intercourse at sexual entry (penetration) or deep pain during shearing.
Diastasis recti: Abdominal muscle separation.
Prolapse: One of more of the pelvic organs descending out of their normal position into the vaginal canal.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Misalignment or abnormal movement of the two large joints in the lower back on either side of the tailbone.
Scar conditions: Vaginal or C-section delivery.
Mixed incontinence: Occurs when symptoms of both stress and urgency types of incontinence are present.
Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction: Overactivity, lack of coordination and muscle weakness.
Symptoms
Urinary frequency or urgency.
Flow disruption including hesitancy, stopping and starting of the urine stream or incomplete emptying.
Pain during urination.
Fecal Incontinence and urgency.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Pain in the back from the waist to tailbone – including flanks and buttocks.
Pain in the pubic or perineal region, lower back, hips, groin or thighs.
Poor body mechanics and physical difficulty with child care duties.
If you need a specialized physical therapist, I highly recommend Rosie Radford. Rosie is very competent, kind and compassionate about her work. Rosie is truly professional and puts you at ease knowing how difficult and personal these issues can be. Rosie had genuine concern for my treatment and well-being. Most importantly, Rosie’s treatment worked!
