Let’s Talk Postpartum
In our training to be specialized in injury recovery, there are principles we must understand that are applicable to restoring wellness following any disruption to the musculoskeletal system. These principles are critical to wellness:
Restore proper alignment
Improve mobility
Increase strength and endurance
Re-establish core stability
When we rehabilitate injuries, we work with these goals in mind (plus so many more!) to optimize the patient’s return to wellness. This helps us build a foundation for good movement and gradually reintroduce activity on top of this foundation.
So, if we consider a woman “injured” postpartum from the physical trauma incurred during pregnancy and delivery, but her only guidance is 6 weeks of rest and then to return to unrestricted activity, we are really bypassing the fundamentals of a true recovery. Statements such as “that is normal after you have babies” are simply not cutting it anymore.
When we work with postpartum women at Slate, we consider specific concerns or complaints she may have. Often, this is pain (back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain), incontinence (leaking urine with jumping, sneezing, laughing, or coughing), dyspareunia (pain with sex), sensations of pelvic pressure, or feelings of weakness or a lack of core stability. Then, we assess how her body is moving and resting, her alignment, her breathing, and how her core is working.
These all change during pregnancy and need to be rediscovered in a postpartum body.
With this information, we can develop a treatment plan specifically for her to re-establish core stability, treat her primary concerns, and make sure she is moving well as she gradually progresses back into her daily activities, life with her little(s), or any exercises or sport she is returning to.
Other common concerns we help are diastasis recti, upper back and shoulder pain (hello feeding postures!), tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and abdominal wall pain following Caesarean Birth.
Treatment includes a combination of hands-on therapy techniques and exercise recommendations to improve alignment, mechanics, mobility, stability, and reduce symptoms. Therapy is external only, meaning there is not a vaginal exam as part of the assessment. If, following your assessment, your pelvic floor requires a more comprehensive evaluation, we may discuss your options to be referred to a provider who will perform an internal assessment. Following a Caesarean Birth, we are able to work with the incision (scar) to improve tissue healing and mobility, reduce pain and restriction, and limit adhesions or appearance of a “C Section Shelf”.
Rehabilitation can improve core function, reduce mechanical pain in the body, help mom perform her normal activities, and improve the appearance of her abdominal wall. This promotes healthy aging and prevents disruptive conditions that we have seen associated with pregnancy and delivery.
Moms can start treatment when they feel ready. Many choose to start in the early weeks postpartum to facilitate healing well. Many delivered years ago and were unaware of any rehabilitation options, and would now like to dive into it. Both are great options (and anything in between!). The goal is for you to feel empowered and comfortable.
The health of our mothers matters to the health of our communities.