Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles Post Pregnancy
Many women find a reduction in their pelvic floor muscle control after pregnancy. This area can be re-strengthened with the help of a Physiotherapist. A Physiotherapist can provide specific pelvic floor re-training exercises. As well as a Core Stability exercise program to rehabilitate this area. One of the Physiotherapists at Core Physio was able to help a client, Kate* who was suffering from urinary incontinence after giving birth.
Here is Kate’s* story:
Kate* came into the Melrose Park practice to see a Physiotherapist due to complaints of urinary incontinence. She also had pain, heaviness, and discomfort in the pelvic floor region. Before her pregnancy, Kate* occasionally experienced incontinence. She found that this increased during the third trimester of her pregnancy. She was suffering from a loss of bladder control, experienced sexual pain as well as chronic lower back pain. After the delivery of her baby, she was given exercises to strengthen her pelvic floor muscles. She practiced them regularly but was not sure if she was doing them correctly.
After an examination, it was found that there were issues in Kate’s* pelvic floor region. She had poor strength squeeze, lift as well as very poor endurance and coordination. During her initial Physiotherapy sessions, Kate* received feedback and training. She was asked to stop doing pelvic floor muscle exercises for 2-3 weeks and to work on stretching exercises and massage instead. As a result, she saw an improvement in her symptoms. Further treatment then focused on returning to her pelvic floor retraining exercises in a slow and steady staged process. The aim was to improve the power and endurance of her pelvic floor muscles without increasing her pain and associated symptoms.
Kate* now feels less pain and discomfort, especially after she does household chores and looking after her daughter. Her lower back pain has also improved significantly. Future Physiotherapy sessions are planned to keep working on these areas as well as a core stability strengthening program.
Click here to find out more about pregnancy & postnatal Physiotherapy.