Physiotherapy plays an important role in postnatal physical recovery. For new mothers who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction or who want to speed up muscle strengthening after giving birth, postnatal physiotherapy is often the recommended option.

Why is postnatal physiotherapy recommended for mothers?

After giving birth, many mothers experience physical changes. It is therefore a good idea to consult a physiotherapist for postnatal rehabilitation. Therapy can relieve various ailments related to pregnancy and labour. It is also recommended if you have had a caesarean section. Among other things, postnatal physiotherapy treats:

• Back pain;
• The after-effects of caesarean section incisions, episiotomy or perineal tears;
• Diastasis recti (separation of the large abdominal muscles);
• Weakness of the pelvic floor;
• Pelvic pain;
• Prolapse of the pelvic organs;
• Scars;
• Incontinence (and/or leakage).
  

What does a postnatal physiotherapy programme involve?

To find the rehabilitation programme that best suits your needs, your gynaecologist and physiotherapist will work together. (—-). This programme generally includes:

• Pain management;
• Pelvic and spinal adjustments;
• Massages;
• Exercises;
• Strengthening;
• Stretching;
• Posture adjustment;
• Advice for daily activities;
• Preparation for a safe return to sporting activities.

When should postnatal physiotherapy begin?

• Immediately after giving birth, an abdominal rehabilitation programme is recommended as soon as possible, even if the mother is still in hospital. This is supervised by a physiotherapist.
• If the woman has had a complicated delivery, the gynaecologist may recommend immediate intervention by a physiotherapist to relieve painful symptoms.
• However, if the delivery was uncomplicated, the gynaecologist will refer the patient to a physiotherapist four to six weeks later.
• If the woman has given birth by caesarean section, rehabilitation can begin eight weeks or more after the baby is born.
• A pelvic physiotherapist is also useful after pregnancy and childbirth. The physiotherapist helps to strengthen the pelvic floor and retrain the abdominal muscles.

What is the purpose of postnatal rehabilitation?

The aim of postnatal physiotherapy is to treat conditions affecting the spine and pelvic floor, as well as muscle weakness. Abdominal rehabilitation helps to speed up the body’s postpartum healing rocess.
Postnatal rehabilitation takes place after childbirth, whether vaginal or caesarean. The aim of postnatal rehabilitation is to realign the spine and pelvic floor and strengthen the perineal muscles.

In conclusion, after childbirth, a physiotherapy consultation is more than necessary. It not only provides you with physical and emotional well-being, but also helps to restore your body’s balance after the many changes and stresses experienced during pregnancy and the after-effects of childbirth. So put yourself in the capable hands of specialists, and Medik Home is a major asset in providing you with the assistance you need. Join us.

Beethovencia FRANÇOIS
Physiotherapy Specialist
Blog – Medik-Home