Postpartum Pelvic PT

Pelvic floor physical therapy can be extremely beneficial postpartum. Check out a few of the most common questions we are asked and their answers below to learn more about how we can help!

What does a typical pelvic floor assessment look like?

Typically an initial appointment with a pelvic PT includes a history where questions are asked about symptoms, pregnancy and the type of birth you had. Then, depending on the symptoms you present with, muscle strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance will be checked externally and/or internally (vaginally). Finally, the PT will review the findings from the initial appointment, discuss a plan for future appointments and teach you exercises to start doing at home. 

How soon after giving birth can I see a pelvic PT?

Most people wait until they’ve had their 6 week postpartum appointment with their provider before seeing a pelvic PT. This is because clearance for internal assessments and certain exercises may not happen until this time. There are some people who choose to start pelvic PT sooner than 6 weeks and those appointments are often focused on breathing techniques, deep core stability exercises and postural training for positions such as feeding and lifting a baby.

What symptoms do pelvic PTs treat postpartum?

Pelvic PTs can treat many different symptoms postpartum. Some of the common symptoms we treat at Harbor Strength PT include: urinary incontinence (leaking urine), urinary frequency or increased urinary urgency, pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain, upper back pain, pelvic pain or pain with intercourse and abdominal separation (diastasis recti).

I had a c-section, do I still need pelvic PT?

Yes! Pelvic PT can be very helpful postpartum whether you had a vaginal or Cesarean birth. During pregnancy, there is often increased pressure on the pelvic floor due to the weight of the baby. This can lead to different stresses on the pelvic floor muscles than prior to giving birth. It can also be very helpful after having a c-section to have a pelvic PT assess your scar mobility and teach you breathing and scar mobilization techniques to help with your recovery. 

If you think you may benefit from pelvic PT postpartum, please reach out to Maggie at maggie@harborstrengthpt.com to learn more!!