Pelvic Floor Recovery 101
Did you know, your postpartum recovery begins with your pelvic floor (the group of muscles that support the bowel, bladder and uterus).
After birth, the pelvic floor is weakened and stretched and needs to be specially cared for in order to fully recover and to help avoid any physical problems. For some mums, the pelvic floor muscles can be over-active and in spasm, unable to relax – women need to be aware that our team not only strengthens, but also provides you with the skills to relax these muscles too.
“Research shows that one in three women experience urinary incontinence in the first year after having a baby and up to three-quarters of these women continue to experience this in the following 12 years after giving birth.
A further one in 10 women experience faecal incontinence and another one in 12 will have a pelvic organ prolapse.” *Ref: NHS England
Don’t feel worried if this is you, mum. There are steps you can take to begin to heal and strengthen your pelvic floor.
Who Needs to be Checked by a Women’s Health Physio?
Up to half of all women experience weakness in both the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and up to a third still have a tummy gap at eight weeks post-birth. This can cause instability or poor core strength leading to women developing pelvic or back pain or bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. These conditions should not be something you should just put up with as a result of having a baby. We are here to help you get your pelvic floor and tummy muscles working properly and return to full fitness.
When should I have my appointment?
It’s recommended that women have an initial assessment after their 6-8 week GP check, but we also treat women who gave birth years ago that may still have a tummy gap or related pelvic floor issues.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We will spend an hour with you noting down a detailed pregnancy and birth history, and undertake a detailed assessment of the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and any previous injuries.
The assessment will include:
- Full postural screen
We will look at your posture, pelvis and general muscle and joint function.
After your appointment, you should have a clear understanding of your physical strength and what exercises you can do.
- Pelvic floor muscle assessment
A pelvic floor assessment is the best way for us to determine the health of your pelvic floor. It is always your choice whether you decide to proceed with this component.
This assessment typically checks: Pelvic floor function, tear recovery, scar tissue quality, anal sphincter function, bladder, bowel and uterus position, avulsion assessment, sexual function, and prolapse risk.
If there are any issues that require further treatment or support, we should be able to identify them in this first appointment and get the support you need. We will also assess your pelvis and look for any pelvic instability or injury.
- Abdominal muscle exam to check for any separation
This is to check for the level of stomach muscle separation and also see if you are able to engage your transversus abdominis (TA). This will help to give an idea of your core strength.
- Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction.
Will I receive follow up care?
- We will share education and advice on safe activities such as lifting your baby or pushing a buggy.
- Our team can create a bespoke rehabilitation programme with your goals and lifestyle factors in mind.
- And finally, we will provide a written report of the findings of your assessment.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE YOU ARE FULLY SUPPORTED ON YOUR JOURNEY, MUMS!
All Women’s Health Physiotherapy treatments are specifically tailored to each individual. Appointments last 60 minutes and cost £60. Click the button below to book online, or get in touch if you’ve got any questions.
