Something I hear all too commonly in my sessions is: Is this a new profession? I never knew you guys existed! Is this really going to help me? I just accepted that this was how it was going to be for the rest of my life.
It’s comments like this which are the reason I do what I do. Why I come to work, to make a difference in the lives of women who didn’t know that help is out there. So today I am here to tell you what I, as a Women’s Health Physiotherapist can do for you!
In the Early postpartum phase,
In that first month of postpartum your midwives, family doctor, family nurse and your physiotherapist are a part of your medical team. As your physiotherapist here are some of the ways we can be an integral part of your medical team.
- Debrief with you about your birth and create a plan for healing and recovery (we have the privilege of time so our first session can be as long as you need)
- Advice on caesarean scar management
- Episiotomy or perineal tear healing
- Help to monitor for retained placenta
- Help to monitor and prevent deep vein thrombosis. (Deep vein thrombosis has accounted for 19 deaths between 2009 and 2018)
- Monitor and assess for bladder and bowel dysfunction, such as urinary retention, constipation, reduced bladder filling sensation, urinary or faecal incontinence, urinary urgency
- Pain management particularly pelvic, back and neck
- Advice around toileting
- Perineal swelling and vulva varicosity management
- Assessing and advice on general movement allowing you to care for you baby while supporting your healing
- Fitting abdominal binding/compression garments for abdominal recovery
The Postpartum phase (after the first month)
- Assessment and manage abdominal separation
A 12-week physio lead exercise and binding program showed improved trunk strength and endurance at 6 months postpartum - Assessment and management of anal sphincter injury after vaginal birth aka OASI
Women who completed 12 weeks of physiotherapy after 6 weeks post partum had a significant improvement in pelvic floor symptoms comparted to those who didn’t - Education and exercises for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Monitor and assess for bladder and bowel dysfunction, such as urinary retention, constipation, reduced bladder filling sensation, urinary or faecal incontinence, and urinary urgency.
Assessment and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse - Return to running assessment
- At Bump Fitness we specialise in return to pole dancing and aerials
- Individualised exercise programs for women returning to exercise 6 weeks postpartum
- Women who had caesareans and underwent a physiotherapy program found they had less pain, a better ability to exercise and greater satisfaction at 14 weeks postpartum
Returning to Exercise
It’s important to give yourself time to properly heal after delivery. Gentle exercise can start from 6 weeks postpartum once the pelvic floor and organs have started to heal. Under the guidance of a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, you can be sure you’ll safely return to exercise and decrease your risk of injury in the future. We use evidence-based principles and grades to ensure your program is tailored specifically to you and to meet your own goals.
Our physiotherapists at BumpFitness are trained and experienced at helping our new mums find themselves through movement. We work with you to meet your goals and get you back to your new self in this period of transition. Contact us today at info@bumpfitness.com.au to get started!
Until next time,
Courtney
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Maternal deaths in Australia, Maternal deaths in Australia. Viewed 10th December 2020 from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/maternal-deaths-in-Australia2016/contents/reports.
- El-Mekawy H, Eldeeb A, Lythy M and El-Begawy A 2013, Effect of abdominal exercises vs abdominal supporting belt on post-partum abdominal efficiency and rectus separation, Int J Medical Health Sci, vol 7 (1), pp. 75 – 79
- Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2020 Apr 9. (epub ahead of print) doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000849
- Mathé M, Valancogne G, Atallah A, Sciard C, Doret M, Gaucherand P, Beaufils E. Early pelvic floor muscle training after obstetrical anal sphincter injuries for the reduction of anal incontinence. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2016 Apr 1;199:201-6
- Stone J, Skibiski K, Hwang S, Barnes C. Physical therapy in addition to standard of care improves patient satisfaction and recovery post-caesarean section. J Womens Health Physical Therapy, 2021. vol 45(1); 10 – 19
- Tuttle LJ, Fasching J, Keller A, Patel M, Saville C, Schlaff R, Walker A, Mason M, Gombatto SP. Noninvasive Treatment of Postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Pilot Study. J Womens Health Phys Ther. 2018 May 1;42(2):65-75
- Von Bargen E, Haviland MJ, Chang OH, McKinney J, Hacker MR, Elkadry E. Evaluation of Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy on Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.