Discover the ways we support moms in the Charleston area through pregnancy, birth and postpartum through pelvic floor physical therapy.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Pregnancy:
Preventative Pregnancy Care: You don't have to be symptomatic to be proactive for your health in pregnancy. Here is how we work preventatively to care for you during pregnancy:
Pain in Pregnancy: We can help to reduce or get rid of pain affecting the joy of pregnancy. Things we address are:
- Establish care and a baseline for strength of the entire musculoskeletal system, including the pelvic floor
- Address any "pre-existing" weaknesses or pains
- Establish an exercise routine with evidence based recommendations
Pain in Pregnancy: We can help to reduce or get rid of pain affecting the joy of pregnancy. Things we address are:
- "Sciatica": this can be sharp/shooting pain in the glute area or down the leg
- Round ligament pain: can be a sharp/shooting pain that is worse with movement
- Pubic symphysis pain: can be a sharp/shooting pain at the front of the pelvis that is worse with standing on one leg and getting in/out of the bed/car, etc.
- SIJ joint pain: generalized pain, or sharp/shooting pains in the sacrum
- Lower back pain: any form of lower back pain
- Hip/groin pain: any form of hip/groin pain
- Upper body pain/Carpal tunnel: may be in the neck/shoulders or numbness/tingling to the hands
- Plantar fasciitis/foot pain: achy pain at the bottom of the feet that affects prolonged standing or walking
Common pelvic floor problems in pregnancy:
- Leakage, particularly with exercise/cough/laugh/sneeze/lifting
- Constipation
- Feelings of vaginal heaviness
- Tailbone pain
Birth Preparation:
The most powerful prevention program we have for pelvic floor dysfunction is our birth prep program. We help moms prepare for vaginal birth through:
- Improving pelvic, sacral and hip mobility for baby's positioning
- Improving pelvic, sacral and hip mobility for mom's positioning
- Hands-on feedback for pushing techniques
- Partner sessions for labor and delivery positioning, pain management techniques and birth education
- Postpartum preparation session (before baby is here!)
We can also help moms prepare for a planned cesarean birth through:
- Education regarding early compression garments for recovery
- Education regarding early movement to protect scar healing
- Teach pelvic floor relaxation techniques for bowel movements
- Educate on when/how to begin scar rehabilitation/mobilization
We believe every mother should attend at least 1 pelvic floor physical therapy session after birth, no matter what kind of birth.
Postpartum Visit: Vaginal Birth
Postpartum Visit: Vaginal Birth
- Allow space to process your birth
- Pelvic floor muscle exam assessing for tissue healing, muscle tear or injury, weakness, and risk for prolapse or incontinence
- Abdominal assessment for diastasis recti and ensure tissue healing
- Guidance on movement and return to exercise based on musculoskeletal exam and risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hands-on feedback for proper pelvic floor/core engagement with daily movements and lifting of baby/carrier.
- Recovery of pregnancy changes to the head/neck, midback, lower back, hips, and feet through manual therapy and exercise
Postpartum Visit: Cesarean Birth
- Allow space to process your birth
- Scar assessment for tissue healing, presence of adhesions and/or pain
- Pelvic floor muscle exam assessing for changes secondary to pregnancy that may include weakness or tension
- Guidance on movement and return to exercise based on musculoskeletal exam and scar tissue healing
- Hands-on feedback for proper pelvic floor/core engagement with daily movements and lifting of baby/carrier
- Recovery of pregnancy changes to the head/neck, midback, lower back, hips and feet through manual therapy and exercise
Common Pelvic Floor Problems Post-Birth:
- Urinary incontinence, especially with exercise/lifting/sneezing/coughing
- Fecal incontinence, especially following a Grade 3-4 tear
- Tailbone pain or injury
- Pain or discomfort with intercourse
- Sensations of a bulge/heaviness from the vagina or a diagnosis of prolapse
It does not matter how many years ago you had your baby. If you've had any of the above symptoms persist post-birth, we can help at any time. It is not too late to recover.
Postpartum Recovery:
Pain with Sex After Baby
Changes in sexual function can change after baby for a number of reasons. You may experience pain or sensation changes in pleasure/orgasm. Changes can occur from:
- Lactation causing a reduction in vaginal estrogen leading to dryness and discomfort
- Vaginal, perineal and other types of tears from a vaginal birth that cause pain with insertion
- Increased tension of the pelvic floor muscles secondary to a cesarean birth and prolonged healing of the abdomen
- Increased tension of the pelvic floor muscles in general due to weakness postpartum
- Difficulty with orgasm or decreased sensation at the clitoris
- Pain with orgasm due to pelvic floor muscle overactivity
