Postpartum recovery is going to look different for every woman. Adapting to a new routine after giving birth can be challenging, and sometimes our bodies don’t bounce back as quickly as we might expect. Pelvic floor pain, as well as lower back and hip pain, are all common complaints among women who have recently given birth. All of these pains can be the result of pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition that affects roughly 1 in 4 women in the United States.

The muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor form a sling that supports the bladder, uterus, bowel and rectum in a woman’s body. After childbirth, these muscles often do not return to their normal strength. When the pelvic floor muscles are too relaxed, this leads to pain in the pelvic area. It can also cause mild to moderate incontinence and pain during sex.

Experts recommend pelvic floor physical therapy as a low-risk, highly effective method of treating pelvic floor pain after birth. Studies have shown that up to 80% of women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction reported an improvement in their pelvic pain symptoms after physical therapy.

How can physical therapists treat pelvic floor pain after birth?

A licensed physical therapist can use a number of trusted methods to improve the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles. Some of these may include:

• Manual therapy — A physical therapist can use hands-on techniques to stimulate and move the muscles in the affected area. This can be done using their hands, or with special instruments. Manual therapy is designed to relieve pain by increasing circulation in the muscles and relaxing tense and tight muscles.
• Therapeutic exercises — Exercises designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and restore their natural flexibility are a crucial part of pelvic floor physical therapy. Your therapist will guide you through these exercises and instruct you on how each exercise affects the muscles of your pelvic floor.
• Electrical stimulation — This form of therapy uses electrical pulses to stimulate the muscles of your pelvic floor. This helps to relieve pain, as well as helping your muscles to regain their natural muscle memory.

Where can I turn for physical therapy to treat my pelvic pain after birth?

For trusted physical therapy experts in Franklin, Wisconsin, look no further than the experts at Franklin Rehabilitation. Our team uses the latest evidence-based clinical tools to assess and treat orthopedic, neurological, and other painful conditions. We work on a patient-by-patient basis to make sure that you receive the right care for your individual needs.

A free screening at our clinic will help our team assess the source of your pelvic pain after you’ve given birth. From there, we will work with you to design a plan of physical therapy that is suitable for your needs and your schedule.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.