Here at PT in Motion, we're known for taking care of kiddos.
HOWEVER, there's someone that tends to get lost in the mix – moms! AND, we have NOT forgotten you. The 4th Trimester is real and the struggle can be intense. We are here to help.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
What is POP?
- Occurs when one or more pelvic organs drop down into the vagina
- Could include the uterus, bowel and bladder
- Can occur after child birth
Signs/Symptoms
- Heaviness sensation in lower belly and vagina
- Visible bulge in vagina
- Worsening symptoms with increased pressure or exertion
How Physical Therapy Can Help
- Addresses pelvic floor muscle tightness or laxity to decrease prolapse
- Pelvic floor muscle training to decrease prolapse during daily activities
- Pressure management using breath to reduce prolapse during daily and recreational activities
Diastasis Recti (DR)
What is it?
- Condition that occurs when the tendon that runs down the abdominal wall tears.
- Common during pregnancy due to the mother’s abdomen stretching.
- DR can heal on its own, but sometimes it does not and can lead to significant abdominal weakness
Signs/Symptoms/Common Complaints
- Visible gap in the middle of the abdomen
- Upon exertion or pressure to abdomen, bulging in the middle of the abdomen
- Difficulty engaging abdominals
How Physical Therapy Can Help
- Teaching correct abdominal engagement
- Target correct abdominal muscles to help close the gap
- Education on safe body mechanics and how to avoid further gapping
Urinary Problems
Signs/Symptoms
- leaking with activity (jumping, exercise, or picking up kids, groceries, etc.)
- leaking with sneezing/coughing/laughing
- leaking after void or don't feel like emptying bladder
- frequent urination
- feel like you have to push out to urinate
- constipation and difficulty with bowel movements, urgency with bowel movements
How Physical Therapy Can Help
- PT can help with bowel and bladder habits for improved lifestyle and decreased embarrassment
- Also, can help relaxing muscles that may be overactive and tight leading to bowel and bladder dysfunction
- PT can help with the coordination and strengthening if necessary for decreased leaking
Pain with Intercourse or Penetration
(such as getting a PAP smear)
Signs/Symptoms
- Painful pelvic exams pain with penetration
- discomfort with certain positions
How Physical Therapy Can Help
- PT can help to teach to relax muscles that are tight that can lead to pain with pelvic exams and/or intercourse
Musculoskeletal Pain
Some women develop back, hip and neck pain during or after pregnancy due to postural changes and laxity.
Signs/Symptoms
- Can be constant pain
- Can be pain associated with activities such as standing, lifting, bending, etc.
- Can be pain associated with certain positions like sitting or working on the computer
How Physical Therapy Can Help
- Focus on postural strength and body mechanics during daily and recreational activities
- Trains core system to work optimally during and after pregnancy
- Improves mobility, flexibility, strength and stability to help reduce pain
Ready to schedule? Please use the form below to request an appointment.
You can also call any of our clinics — our numbers are available on our Contact page.