We welcome Dr. Julie Sult, PT, DPT of Fyzical Upper Arlington as our guest blogger, today!

She has a vast amount of knowledge in regards to pelvic floor and why it matters, and how a therapist can help. In addition to what you'll expect when you see a specialist.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Why It’s Important and What to Expect

Pregnancy and childbirth are beautiful, life-changing experiences—but they can also take a toll on your body. One area that often gets overlooked during all the excitement (and, let’s be honest, the chaos) is your pelvic floor. If you're wondering what that is, or why it’s so important, you're not alone. But the good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy can help you maintain or regain strength and comfort both during pregnancy and after giving birth.

In this post, we’ll break down why pelvic floor health matters, how pelvic floor physical therapy can help, and what to expect when you see a specialist.

Why Your Pelvic Floor Matters

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit at the bottom of your pelvis. They support your bladder, bowels, and uterus and play a big role in controlling things like urination, bowel movements, and sexual health. During pregnancy and after childbirth, these muscles go through a lot. As your baby grows, your pelvic floor muscles stretch, and childbirth (especially vaginal delivery) can cause them to weaken or become injured.

But here’s the thing: pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t something you have to just “deal with.” If you’re experiencing issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pressure, or painful intercourse, pelvic floor physical therapy can help you heal and regain strength.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor physical therapy can be a game-changer for both pregnant and postpartum moms. Some of the key benefits include:

 Reducing Pelvic Pain: Whether you’re dealing with lower back pain, pubic symphysis pain, or general pelvic discomfort, pelvic floor PT can help relieve those aches.

 Improved Bladder Control: Many women experience urinary incontinence after giving birth. Physical therapy can help you regain control over bladder function by strengthening the pelvic muscles.

 Easier Recovery After Childbirth: Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a C-section, pelvic floor therapy can assist in the healing process, promote better posture, and even prevent issues like pelvic organ prolapse.

 Improved Sexual Health: Physical therapy can help with painful intercourse, which is common in the postpartum period, by addressing pelvic tension and muscle imbalances.

 Better Posture and Core Strength: The pelvic floor works closely with your core muscles, so strengthening it can help improve overall body strength and posture as you recover from pregnancy and childbirth.

 Managing Diastasis Recti: For women experiencing diastasis recti, pelvic floor therapy can focus on restoring abdominal muscle strength and coordination. This includes exercises and techniques to help bring the separated muscles back together, improve core strength, and reduce back pain.

What to Expect in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

So, what actually happens during a pelvic floor PT session? It’s a lot more gentle and relaxing than it might sound.

1. Initial Assessment: Your therapist will first ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you have. They will get a better understanding of your pregnancy or birthing experience and may assess your posture and alignment.

2. Gentle Touch: Don’t worry, pelvic floor therapy isn’t just about internal exams! While your therapist may use hands-on techniques to assess your pelvic muscles (especially if you’re dealing with more severe issues), the treatment is always done with your comfort in mind. External massage or stretching may also be used to help loosen tight muscles in your pelvis and lower back.

3. Exercises & Education: Your therapist will guide you through pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, to help strengthen and coordinate the muscles. They’ll also educate you on posture, breathing techniques, and lifestyle changes to promote pelvic health.

4. Personalized Treatment: Each session will be tailored to your needs. If you’re pregnant, your therapist may focus on preparing your pelvic floor for delivery, while postpartum treatment will aim at healing and restoring function.

Take Care of Yourself, Mama

Whether you’re expecting or you’ve just had a baby, your pelvic floor health matters. By addressing any issues early with pelvic floor physical therapy, you can set yourself up for a smoother recovery and a stronger, healthier body. It might seem like one more thing to add to your to-do list, but trust us, it’s worth it. Taking care of yourpelvic floor isn’t just about preventing or treating issues—it’s about giving yourself the care andattention you deserve as you navigate this huge chapter of your life.

Key Takeaways

 Pelvic floor physical therapy is essential for both pregnant and postpartum women to addresspelvic floor dysfunction, including incontinence, and pelvic pain.

 For C-section moms, physical therapy is critical in promoting healing, reducing scar tissue, andrestoring abdominal strength with various techniques including scar tissue massage.

 Diastasis recti is a common issue during and after pregnancy, and pelvic floor therapy can help close the gap in the abdominal muscles and restore core strength.

 Early intervention with pelvic floor therapy can lead to a smoother recovery, better posture, and overall improved quality of life. Remember, taking care of your pelvic health is a key part of your postpartum recovery journey—so make sure to prioritize it and seek out professional help when needed. You deserve it!

Dr. Julie Sult, PT, DPT