Pelvic pain is a common issue for new mothers as their bodies adjust to the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth. The pelvic floor muscles are especially affected; during pregnancy, increased weight and hormones can cause them to weaken and stretch, leading to lower back pain, incontinence, bladder urgency, constipation, and other issues.
It’s important for women to be aware of these changes and take proactive steps toward strengthening the pelvic floor post-pregnancy.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways of addressing pelvic pain after childbirth. A therapist can assess the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and create an individualized treatment plan that may include manual massage techniques, stretching exercises, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound treatments.
These therapies help reduce inflammation in the area and stimulate blood flow. Furthermore, they can also help in restoring strength and coordination to the pelvic floor muscles so that incontinence and other issues are more manageable.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for postnatal pain relief, addressing it with physical therapy is a great way to start. Women should seek professional advice from a qualified specialist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and create an individualized treatment plan that fits their needs.
Taking proactive steps towards strengthening your pelvic floor muscles will not only reduce or eliminate pelvic pain but can also have positive impacts on overall health and well-being. It’s important to remember that the recovery process following childbirth may take time, but with patience and dedication, you can get back on track with physical therapy.
New Mothers and Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain in new mothers is a common condition that can cause discomfort and limit the mother’s ability to move freely. It is usually caused by changes in the body during pregnancy, such as an increase in hormones, weight gain, and a shift in posture which can lead to overstretching of muscles and ligaments. In some cases, pelvic pain may persist even after delivery and require treatment.
Fortunately, there are treatments available for pelvic pain after pregnancy that can help reduce or eliminate symptoms. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen weakened muscles; this involves exercises that target specific areas affected by the condition.
Common Causes and Treatment for Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain after pregnancy can happen because of a number of different issues. Common causes include weakened pelvic floor muscles; pubic symphysis dysfunction; diastases recti (separation of the abdominal wall); urinary tract infections, cystitis, or bladder prolapse; sciatica and sacroiliac joint dysfunction; hernias; and postural or ligamentous changes after delivery.
It is important to have your condition properly diagnosed in order to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
To alleviate the pain, women should avoid activities that put strain on their pelvic area such as heavy lifting or running. Additionally, women should stay active by doing low-impact exercises like walking or swimming which will help strengthen the muscles and reduce tension in the pelvic region.
It is important to note that pelvic pain after pregnancy is not uncommon and there are treatment options available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most new mothers can find relief from these uncomfortable symptoms and return to their normal activities quickly.
If you experience any persistent pain or discomfort in your pelvis after birth, we recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider for further assessment.
How Physical Therapy Can Help New Mothers With Pelvic Pain
Staying active is one of the best things a new mom can do to help with pelvic pain after giving birth. This doesn’t mean going out for a 10-mile jog, but rather, engaging in light activities that improve strength and flexibility, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.
Keeping the body conditioned helps alleviate aches and pains caused by childbirth.
Physical therapy can be a helpful treatment for postpartum pelvic pain. A physical therapist will assess an individual’s needs and develop a program tailored specifically to their circumstances.
Exercises prescribed may include stretching exercises, low-impact aerobic activity, strengthening exercises for core muscles, and strategies to manage stress. Physical therapists also provide education on proper posture and ergonomics which can reduce strain on the pelvis.
Talking to us is also important when dealing with postpartum pelvic pain. Not only can we provide useful advice for coping, but we can also provide support and guidance. We can also discuss additional strategies for managing pain such as relaxation techniques or changing positions during certain activities.
By staying active, getting treatment from a physical therapist, and talking about pelvic pain after giving birth, new moms are empowered to take control of their postpartum experience in order to get relief from any associated pains.
With the right combination of exercises tailored specifically to an individual’s needs, parents can ensure that they are doing what is best for them and their baby.
Are You A New Mother Experiencing Pelvic Pain? You Are Not Alone…
Have you been experiencing pelvic pain after birth and just don’t know where to start when it comes to treatment? Empower PT & Pilates offers a Pelvic Floor Pain Assessment, which is a great way to get the conversation started on the next steps in your treatment if you are experiencing pain.
We want to help, so contact our Arvada location today to schedule a time to come see us. Contact our team or schedule a Pelvic Floor Pain Assessment so we can begin looking at different treatment plans for the pain you are experiencing.
All you need to do is tell us a bit about what’s going on through this quick form and we will have a conversation about how we may be able to help.
You can also give us a call at (720) 722-0685.
See you soon,
Dr. Casey
Other Free Resources…
Free Guide – 5 Secrets To End Embarrassing Leaking
Read our blog – What Could Be Causing My Pelvic Pain?
Read our blog – 6 Tips To Help With Postpartum Recovery
Check us out on social media – Empower PT + Pilates Facebook / Empower PT + Pilates Instagram
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