Postpartum physical therapy
Strength, function & body image
Congratulations! You delivered your beautiful baby!!
Now, what can we do about you feeling like a bowl full of jelly?
Postpartum physical therapy is just as important as prenatal strengthening, if not more so! Just being pregnant compromises your abdominals and pelvic floor, regardless if you delivered vaginally or had a cesarean, no matter if you labored for 28.5 hours (I'm raising my hand) or for 6 hours (me again). Even if you are months or years postpartum, it is relevant to rehabilitate your core and pelvic floor, and YOU ARE WORTH IT. Now that you have a tiny baby or tot to take care of, it is of the utmost importance that you give yourself the gift of therapy to heal your body, so you can then in turn, give your child or children the best care.
If you did not experience complications during labor and delivery, you can begin some specific exercises just a few days after giving birth. These exercises are gentle yet effective, and targeted towards strengthening and reintegrating your core and pelvic floor. As you get stronger, the exercises will become more challenging. Because breastfeeding and holding a tiny baby can wreak havoc on your upper body, we focus on stretches and manual work for your neck, chest, shoulders, and wrists. Manual work may include:
~myofascial release
~gua sha
~soft tissue mobilization
~deep friction massage
~low velocity joint mobilizations
~neuromuscular rehab techniques such as PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
Modalities that may be used are:
~kineseotape
~electrical stimulation
~ultrasound
~cupping
~heat
~ice/cold
Symptoms that PT can help you address postpartum:
~stress incontinence (leaking urine with sneezing, jumping, etc.)
~urge incontinence (strong need to use the bathroom suddenly and urgently)
~pelvic pain
~pain with sex
~diastasis ("splitting of abs")
Why rehab yourself after baby? First off: you are worth it. Secondly, strengthening your core and pelvic floor improves your physical function. As you gain strength, you will feel more at ease getting in and out of bed, on and off the floor to play with baby, going on walks with a front pack or sling, and lugging all that heavy and awkward baby equipment like the car seat and stroller.
And even if your "Little" isn't so little anymore, your body can still be rehabilitated, at any age. You are STILL worth it Mama!
Now, what can we do about you feeling like a bowl full of jelly?
Postpartum physical therapy is just as important as prenatal strengthening, if not more so! Just being pregnant compromises your abdominals and pelvic floor, regardless if you delivered vaginally or had a cesarean, no matter if you labored for 28.5 hours (I'm raising my hand) or for 6 hours (me again). Even if you are months or years postpartum, it is relevant to rehabilitate your core and pelvic floor, and YOU ARE WORTH IT. Now that you have a tiny baby or tot to take care of, it is of the utmost importance that you give yourself the gift of therapy to heal your body, so you can then in turn, give your child or children the best care.
If you did not experience complications during labor and delivery, you can begin some specific exercises just a few days after giving birth. These exercises are gentle yet effective, and targeted towards strengthening and reintegrating your core and pelvic floor. As you get stronger, the exercises will become more challenging. Because breastfeeding and holding a tiny baby can wreak havoc on your upper body, we focus on stretches and manual work for your neck, chest, shoulders, and wrists. Manual work may include:
~myofascial release
~gua sha
~soft tissue mobilization
~deep friction massage
~low velocity joint mobilizations
~neuromuscular rehab techniques such as PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
Modalities that may be used are:
~kineseotape
~electrical stimulation
~ultrasound
~cupping
~heat
~ice/cold
Symptoms that PT can help you address postpartum:
~stress incontinence (leaking urine with sneezing, jumping, etc.)
~urge incontinence (strong need to use the bathroom suddenly and urgently)
~pelvic pain
~pain with sex
~diastasis ("splitting of abs")
Why rehab yourself after baby? First off: you are worth it. Secondly, strengthening your core and pelvic floor improves your physical function. As you gain strength, you will feel more at ease getting in and out of bed, on and off the floor to play with baby, going on walks with a front pack or sling, and lugging all that heavy and awkward baby equipment like the car seat and stroller.
And even if your "Little" isn't so little anymore, your body can still be rehabilitated, at any age. You are STILL worth it Mama!