Pregnancy Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor experiences added pressure due to the growing baby, hormonal changes, and the shifting of internal organs.
This can lead to a variety of symptoms and conditions:
Urinary Incontinence
Many pregnant women experience stress urinary incontinence, where leakage occurs during activities like sneezing, coughing, or laughing. Pelvic floor physiotherapy strengthens the pelvic muscles through targeted exercises, helping to prevent leakage as pregnancy progresses
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
The loosening of ligaments and increased pressure on the pelvis can lead to pelvic girdle pain. Physiotherapists help manage PGP by teaching exercises to stabilize the pelvis, improve posture, and reduce muscle tension. Manual therapy may also be used to relieve pain
Back Pain
As the abdomen expands, the center of gravity shifts, often resulting in back pain. Pelvic floor physiotherapists work with pregnant women to strengthen the core and pelvic muscles, providing better support to the lower back.
Constipation
Hormonal changes and the weight of the growing baby can lead to constipation during pregnancy. Pelvic floor therapy helps by teaching relaxation techniques and improving the coordination of the pelvic floor muscles, facilitating easier bowel movements
Preparation for Birth and Beyond
Pelvic floor physiotherapists also help expectant mothers prepare for labor by teaching techniques to relax the pelvic muscles, which may make childbirth easier and reduce the risk of tearing. Learning proper breathing, positioning and perineal massage can be part of this preparation. Reviewing postpartum perineal support, tissue healing and lifting can also be taught.
Postpartum Conditions Treated by Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
After childbirth, many women experience changes in their pelvic health due to the physical stress of delivery. Postpartum pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on recovery and rehabilitation:
Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
After delivery, some women experience leakage due to weakened pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps restore strength and coordination in these muscles, reducing or eliminating incontinence. Strengthening exercises are tailored to the individual’s condition.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Prolapse can occur when pelvic organs, like the bladder or uterus, descend from their usual position due to muscle weakness. Physiotherapy helps by strengthening the pelvic muscles and improving their support, which can relieve symptoms and help avoid further progression.
Pelvic Pain
Vaginal deliveries, especially those involving episiotomies or tears, can lead to perineal pain and scarring. Physiotherapists use manual therapy to improve healing and mobility in the scar tissue, reducing discomfort and promoting recovery. Pelvic Girdle Pain and Coccydynia (tailbone pain) is also common.
C-Section Recovery
Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays an important role in C-section recovery, even though the pelvic floor may not be directly involved during the delivery itself. IScar tissue healing and mobility, core strength, pelvic stability may all be addressed. Bowel, bladder, prolapse and sexual dysfunctions can also be common post C-Section.
Diastasis Recti
Some women develop diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles, after pregnancy. Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help improve diastasis with exercises that strengthen the core and pelvic muscles, improving stability and reducing back pain.
Sexual Dysfunction
Some women experience pain or discomfort during intercourse after childbirth. This can be due to muscle tightness, scarring, or weakened pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapists can help by addressing these issues through exercises and manual therapy to restore normal muscle function and reduce pain
Bowel Issues (Constipation, Fecal Incontinence)
Some women struggle with bowel control postpartum due to weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapy improves muscle coordination, helping to manage constipation and fecal incontinence by retraining the muscles involved in bowel movements
Return to Sport
Pelvic floor physiotherapist can ensure your pelvic floor and core are strengthened properly aiding recovery and reducing the risk of injury. This can get you back to your favourite sports quickly and safely.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
In both pregnancy and postpartum phases, pelvic floor physiotherapy provides targeted, individualized care to address pelvic muscle function. A therapist assesses each woman’s needs and creates a personalized exercise plan to restore muscle strength, improve coordination, and alleviate pain. Regular sessions, alongside at-home exercises, support recovery and can help prevent long-term issues like chronic pain, incontinence, or prolapse.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Having a pelvic floor assessment by a physiotherapist will provide you with information about your body that can be helpful in terms of preparing for and recovering from pregnancy and birth. During pregnancy your body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes in a short period of time. Along with these changes can come questions and concerns. The physiotherapist's goal is to support women in maintaining or restoring their pelvic health, relieving discomfort, and preventing long-term complications. Here's how it works in each phase: