Carrying a new life inside you and bringing it into this world is a fantastic experience. Pregnancy brings many changes to you, emotionally as well as physically. Some changes fade away with time, but some may continue to be there—especially the changes down there. You may feel continuous discomfort in the pelvic region. Or you may have noticed your urine leaking while you sneeze or cough. These could be the pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms.
You may be asking about pelvic floor dysfunction treatment, Pelvic floor therapy is one of the answers to maintaining your pelvic floor health. Especially after pregnancy, when muscles are weak, this therapy can help you regain control and feel better. In this blog, you will find ten benefits that pelvic floor therapy can offer you after pregnancy to regain strength for better pelvic health.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialised form of physical therapy that helps strengthen or relax the muscles in your pelvic region. During pregnancy, the muscles in your pelvic area help carry the baby and then deliver it. The stress puts stress on the muscles, and they may get weaker, causing symptoms such as less control over holding the pee, compromised sexual activity, or pain in the pelvic region.
Pelvic floor physical therapy combines the power of exercises and modalities to promote the normal function of these muscles and treat symptoms. This therapy also includes biofeedback to improve muscle coordination, breathing techniques to reduce strain, and guidance on proper posture and diet.
10 Post-Pregnancy Benefits
Here are ten benefits that pelvic floor therapy gives you after pregnancy:
1. Reduced Pelvic Discomfort/Pain
During pregnancy and delivery, you may strain your muscles down there, which causes discomfort or pain in the pelvic region. Targeted exercise during pelvic floor therapy helps relax the taut muscle bands, promotes better bone alignment, and reduces any signs of swelling.
2. Improved Urine Control
The weight of the baby on the bladder (the organ that stores urine) during pregnancy and weakened muscles compromise one’s control over holding the urine. Pelvic floor therapy helps one regain control by strengthening those weakened muscles and eliminating the leakage.
3. Prevention of Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse means the descent of pelvic organs due to a weak support system (muscles and ligaments). It’s a common concern after childbirth, but pelvic floor therapy, including exercises and electrical modalities, strengthens the muscles and ligaments holding the organs in place. This therapy prevents or manages any such existing conditions.
4. Better Bowel Control
Some women have trouble with bowel movements or experience accidental leakage after having a baby. Pelvic floor therapy promotes muscle health by relaxing or strengthening them. It helps control your bowels, making it easier to go to the bathroom and making bowel movements smooth.
5. Relief from Constipation
After pregnancy, many women experience constipation due to hormonal changes, pain medications, and the physical strain of childbirth. Pelvic floor therapy alleviates constipation by strengthening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for effective bowel movements. Pelvic floor therapy helps regulate bowel movements, providing relief from constipation and improving overall digestive health.
6. Increased Core Strength
The pelvic floor is the key part of your core. Pelvic floor physical therapy strengthens the muscles in your core, improves posture, reduces pain, and allows you to return to physical activities like exercise or lifting your baby safely.
7. Improved Sexual Function
Childbirth can change how your pelvic muscles work, which might make sex less enjoyable or even painful. Pelvic floor therapy helps restore muscle tone and flexibility, which can improve your comfort and enjoyment during sex.
8. Increased Blood Circulation In the Pelvic Region
Pelvic floor therapy significantly improves circulation in the pelvic region, which is crucial for post-pregnancy recovery. Adequate blood flow helps reduce swelling, ultimately promoting faster healing of tissues that may have been strained or injured during childbirth. This improved circulation speeds up the recovery process and contributes to overall pelvic health, ensuring new mothers can regain their strength and comfort more quickly.
9. Recovery from Childbirth
Childbirth is a physically demanding process that can cause tears or cuts, known as episiotomies, in the pelvic area. These injuries may lead to discomfort and prolonged healing times, making it challenging for new mothers to enjoy their postpartum period fully. Pelvic floor therapy supports the healing of these tissues by promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation in the affected areas.
10.Positive Impact on Mental Health
Adjusting to life with a new baby can be overwhelming, and physical discomfort only adds to the stress. Pelvic floor therapy not only helps with physical issues but also contributes to better mental health. By easing pain and discomfort, therapy can help reduce frustration and anxiety. Moreover, achieving better control over bodily functions like bladder and bowel movements can significantly boost your confidence and overall well-being.
Conclusion
In short, pelvic floor therapy is vital for your health if you are a new mother. During pregnancy and childbirth, your body goes through many changes, and you may experience discomfort or pelvic health issues. Pelvic floor therapy helps by providing specific exercises, treatments, and expert guidance to help you regain strength, comfort, and confidence after childbirth. It can help with pelvic discomfort, bladder control, core strength, and sexual function. This therapy is a special pelvic floor dysfunction treatment that goes beyond physical benefits by improving mental well-being and empowering new mothers to embrace their postpartum journey with strength and energy.
FAQs
- How soon after delivery should I start pelvic floor therapy?
Starting pelvic floor physical therapy after 2-3 weeks of delivery is a good choice.
- What are the signs of weak pelvic floor after giving birth?
Urinary or faecal incontinence, downward pressure in the pelvic area, and pain/discomfort are signs that your pelvic floor may be weak.
- Is pelvic floor therapy worth it?
Yes. Even if you do not have any issues, pelvic floor therapy helps prevent any future pelvic health concerns.