Post-Partum Care: Physical Therapy for Moms

If there’s one thing we know for sure it’s that pregnancy is a time of change. A number of changes happen to a woman’s body during and after a pregnancy. While some of these changes can take months to return to normal, there are some things that are never quite the same after childbirth.

Therapeutic exercise before and during pregnancy can assist and accelerate a women’s recovery after the delivery. By participating in regular physical activity before childbirth, a women is more likely to avoid severe fatigue and reclaim her pre-pregnancy weight.

For women who have just had a baby, a follow up with a physical therapist can develop a personalized plan to help alleviate post-partum discomforts such as:

• Back Pain
• Scarring
• C-Section, Episiotomy, or Perineal Tear
• Pelvic Floor Weakness
• Incontinence
• Pelvic Pain

Physical therapy programs for pregnant and post-partum women incorporate a variety of exercises to help strengthen weakened muscles following cesarean or vaginal delivery, regain control of the pelvic floor, and minimize pelvic pain.

For women who are not experiencing pain or discomfort post-partum, a physical therapist can help a new mother establish healthy habits, exercises and skills to prepare for the constant physical demands of raising a young child.