Are you looking for a physiotherapist who can help you recover after childbirth? If so, then look no further.
The postnatal or postpartum period is the time following childbirth. The postnatal period is an important but often overlooked stage in a new mum’s recovery.
Pregnancy and childbirth are both physically demanding experiences. The body undergoes significant changes during these times, and it takes time to get back into shape.
New mums need extra attention and support to ensure their recovery goes smoothly however we understand a new mum is busy with feeding and caring for a newborn so we know that her time needs to be used wisely!
What is postnatal physiotherapy?
Women are recovering from the significant changes in their bodies after pregnancy – in particular to their abdominal (tummy) muscles and pelvic floor muscles.
Musculoskeletal complaints experienced during pregnancy may resolve in the early postpartum period for many women. However, postnatal physiotherapy rehabilitation may be necessary to improve function and reduce pain for those who continue to have pelvic girdle pain, lower back pain, or abdominal separation after giving birth.
Physiotherapy can improve health outcomes for new mothers in the postnatal period by combining manual therapies, therapeutic exercise and specific treatments including pelvic floor muscle training.
Common postnatal concerns:
- Weakness in your tummy and pelvic floor muscles
- Continence issues (bladder and/or bowel)
- Concern about prolapse
- Neck, back or pelvic pain
- Unsure about returning to exercise, particularly high-impact exercise
- Breast engorgement
- Mastitis
- Wrist and hand pain
When should I see a physio postpartum?
Fitwise Physiotherapy recommends you make contact with a pelvic health physiotherapist around 2-3 weeks after your baby is born via Telehealth, and then at 6 weeks after birth for a face to face consultation to check your pelvic floor. Even if you believe you have had an uncomplicated recovery, your physiotherapist can provide you with individually prescribed pelvic floor exercises and advice to avoid future problems.
2-3 Week postpartum check up:
At Fitwise we often do this via video-consultation (Telehealth) with the new mum on the couch in her PJs with her beautiful baby. Much easier than trying to get you and your new baby to an appointment by a certain time! Often there is so much information you are given while in hospital that it can be easy to forget what you are meant to be doing for your recovery!
This telehealth consultation gives you the opportunity to:
- Have your tummy checked (we teach you how to check it!)
- A conversation about your pelvic floor and what you should be doing to help its recovery
- Looking after your tummy after a caesarean delivery
- Have a conversation about good back care when looking after your baby (and potentially toddler wrangling as well!)
- Discuss what you can be doing when it comes to exercise
6 Week Postpartum check up:
At your 6 week face to face check-up we are able to:
- Check how your tummy is healing – (DRAM or RAD check)
- Check your pelvic floor muscles – Do you have the right technique with your exercises? How strong are they? Do they have enough endurance? Are they ready to go back to gym/running/pilates?
- Formulate a plan for your body to regain strength and resilience and you back to the activities you love safely
What is a Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD or DRAM) assessment?
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles are significantly stretched to accommodate your growing baby. The fascia in the middle between the abdominal muscles (6 -pack muscles) stretches resulting in a gap or “diastasis.” We measure the depth and width of any separation that may have formed during your pregnancy.
We then work with you to improve strength and function, design an individualised postnatal physiotherapy treatment program and advise you on the most suitable post-natal classes or exercise to help you return to your favourite activities!
Final thoughts on Postnatal Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists will help you regain your pelvic floor strength, restore abdominal muscles, and recover from any other aches and pains caused by breastfeeding or carrying your baby.
We also offer exercise classes to help you correct your posture, which may have changed due to pregnancy and childbirth.
We’ll conduct a thorough examination that will assist us in developing a post-natal physiotherapy treatment plan to aid your recovery further and allow you to return to doing the things you enjoy.
Book an appointment with our experienced postnatal physiotherapists at Fitwise Physiotherapy for your postnatal assessment today!
