Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Prenatal & Postpartum Physiotherapy

Basics You Should Know

1. Assessment: A physiotherapist will assess a pregnant woman's musculoskeletal and pelvic health to identify any existing issues or potential problems that may arise during pregnancy.​

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2. Preparation for Labour: Physiotherapists can teach specific relaxation and breathing techniques to prepare for labour. They can teach and perform perineal stretching/massage to reduce chance of tearing and risk of an episiotomy. They also practice pushing techniques and advise on labour positions that can help to make labour more efficient.

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3. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Pelvic floor exercises are often a key component of prenatal physiotherapy. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help prevent urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems that can occur during pregnancy and after childbirth.

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4. Pain Management: Physiotherapists provide hands on treatment and teach exercises to manage pain and discomfort during pregnancy. This can include methods to reduce back pain, sciatica, and other pregnancy-related pains.

5. Exercise and Education: Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop a personalized exercise and education program. This may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve posture, and pregnancy specific techniques to alleviate common pregnancy-related issues such as pain when turning in bed, low back pain, and pubic symphysis pain.

1. Assessment: After childbirth, a thorough assessment is performed to evaluate the new mother's physical condition, especially focusing on the pelvic floor health, abdominal muscles, scar rehabilitation and posture.

2. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Postpartum physiotherapy often includes pelvic floor rehabilitation to treat pelvic floor concerns, such as urinary leakage, postpartum intercourse pain, and help women regain strength, which can be weakened during pregnancy and childbirth.

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3. Diastasis Recti Abdominis (separation of the abdominal muscles): physiotherapy can perform hands on technique and teach individualized core exercises to restore abdominal strength in a safe and effective manner. 

4. Pain Management: If a woman experiences pain or discomfort following childbirth, physiotherapy can provide hands on treatment and strategies to alleviate these symptoms.

5. Scar Tissue Management: In cases of C-sections or episiotomies, physiotherapists can provide scar tissue mobilization technique to reduce discomfort, scar adhesion and improve tissue healing.

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6. Return to Exercise: Physiotherapists can guide women on when and how to safely return to physical activity and exercise postpartum, taking into account individual recovery timelines. 

It's essential to consult with a qualified physiotherapist who specializes in prenatal and postnatal care to receive personalized guidance and treatment. We are here to help women have a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy and delivery experience while promoting a faster and smoother postpartum recovery.