When to See a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist During Pregnancy
Are you pregnant and considering seeking treatment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist? In this blog, we will look at what pelvic floor physiotherapy is and how it can help patients both before and after childbirth.
What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy specifically targets the pelvic area, which consists of the bladder, uterus, and rectum. This specialized form of physiotherapy therefore aims at strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor. It also helps enhance pelvic floor health in general.
When Should a Pregnant Person Start Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Here at Legacies Health Centre, we recommend seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist as early as possible during your pregnancy and six week post partum. An early assessment by a physiotherapist can indeed help identify existing weaknesses or imbalances in your pelvic floor area. This in turn will allow them to suggest proper preventive care and treatment plans during pregnancy and postpartum. Your physiotherapist will also educate you on how to maintain healthy pelvic floor function during every stage of your pregnancy.
What Happens During Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for a Pregnancy?
Here’s what you can expect from your pelvic floor physiotherapy sessions:
- Initial assessment – During the first assessment, your physiotherapist will thoroughly check the strength, function and health of your pelvic floor muscles.
- Follow-up internal examination – If needed, following the initial assessment, your physiotherapist may also recommend a gentle internal examination to further assess the health of your pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
- Patient education – Your physiotherapist will also educate you on how to achieve and maintain proper pelvic floor health. They will teach you certain breathing techniques and provide advice on your diet and other lifestyle factors.
- Exercise programs – You will also be prescribed a personalized exercise program that will help strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles. These exercises will also help improve the function of your pelvic floor muscles.
- Posture correction and realignment – By showing you how to improve your posture and alignment, your physiotherapist will also help alleviate stress on your pelvic floor muscles.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Alleviation of pelvic organ prolapse – By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor physiotherapy minimizes the risk of organ prolapse.
- Improved healing – Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps patients heal faster from childbirth. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced tearing or episiotomy during childbirth.
- Enhanced sexual function – Pelvic floor physiotherapy is instrumental in maintaining good pelvic floor health before and after childbirth. This in turn promotes better sexual function.
- Improved and prevent continence – Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This helps improve both urinary and bowel continence before and after childbirth.
- Pain management – During pregnancy, pelvic floor physiotherapy can help alleviate pain, including back pain, hip pain, and pelvic girdle pain.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in the Lower Mainland
Are you pregnant and currently experiencing pelvic floor issues? Contact Legacies Health Centre today! Our pelvic floor physiotherapists are here to offer patients personalized guidance to support them throughout their pregnancies and during postpartum. Book your appointment with us online today at one of our clinics in Burnaby, North Vancouver, North Surrey and South Surrey.
Paramjot Dhillon | Physiotherapy
Paramjot Dhillon, a Master in Physiotherapy with 11+ years of experience, specializes in exercise prescription, soft tissue mobilization, and posture correction. She is a Certified Hand Therapist and certified in Functional Dry Needling and Pelvic Health, with additional training in concussion management, vestibular rehabilitation, and TMD.
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