Edit Content
Search
[give_form id="19690"]

Ask The Doc: Physical Therapy After Childbirth

QUESTION: I’VE HEARD THAT IN EUROPE IT IS STANDARD FOR MOST WOMEN TO BEGIN PHYSICAL THERAPY TO STRENGTHEN THEIR PELVIC FLOOR AS SOON AS THEY HAVE GIVEN BIRTH.

DO YOU THINK WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD BE SEEING A PT AFTER HAVING A BABY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE HAVING SYMPTOMS OR NOT?

Answer: Absolutely! I support this practice for any woman after having a baby, including both vaginal and C-section deliveries. Think about it, during the pregnancy, the body changes so drastically, so quickly! Ligaments loosen; alignment changes, hormones fluctuate, and anywhere from 20-50 lbs may be gained. Then, you either push a baby out of your vagina or have a major abdominal surgery. To think that the body just heals and is “back to normal” 6 weeks postpartum is just ridiculous. In the OB practice where I work, there are 4 of us pelvic floor PTs integrated with the doctors and midwives to help serve this population so women can return to pre-baby function with greater ease and comfort. In my opinion, this should be the standard of practice for all women. At a minimum, doctors and midwives should at least be making each woman aware of this treatment and let them decide if pelvic floor PT should be a part of their postpartum rehabilitation.

Are you an expert in incontinence care? Would you like to join the NAFC expert panel? Contact us!

About Our Expert: Victoria Yeisley, DPT, has been exclusively practicing pelvic floor physical therapy for the past eight years, with an emphasis on prenatal and post-partum care. She currently lives in Chicago, IL, and practices at Northwestern Medical Group OBGYN, where she is integrated into the OBGYN healthcare team, as well as working at Chicago Physical Therapists, a private practice. Victoria is passionate about the care and support of women during the childbearing years and her goal is to increase the awareness of the importance of women’s health and treating pelvic floor dysfunction throughout the lifespan. She is currently pregnant with her first child and expecting in June of 2016!

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Dr Gill Men and OAB

Overactive Bladder in Men

Despite being incredibly common, Overactive Bladder is something that isn’t talked about nearly enough, and that’s especially true when it comes to men. Today’s guest is Dr. Bradley Gill, chief of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest and Mentor Hospitals and a board-certified urologist, and he’s here to help us understand about the unique ways it impacts men’s lives and what can be done about it.

UTIS Menopause Podcast

UTIs, Incontinence and Menopause – More of a Connection than You Might Realize

Do you have pain or burning when you pee? If so, you might have a urinary tract infection. They’re remarkably common. About 50% of women will develop one in their lifetime, and they get even more common as women get older and go through menopause. If you’re one of the 50% unlucky enough to come down with a UTI, this podcast is for you…

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Carer Blog Banner

Comfort Meets Confidence: Washable Incontinence Underwear Designed for Men

When it comes to bladder leaks, most men are familiar with disposable pads or guards. They’re the go-to solution—widely available, easy to use, and instantly replaceable. But what if there were a better option?

What many don’t realize is that washable incontinence underwear has come a long way. Thanks to innovations in fabric technology and thoughtful design, today’s washable options offer dependable protection in a form that looks and feels like regular underwear—without the drawbacks of disposables.

Dr Gill Men and OAB

Overactive Bladder in Men

Despite being incredibly common, Overactive Bladder is something that isn’t talked about nearly enough, and that’s especially true when it comes to men. Today’s guest is Dr. Bradley Gill, chief of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest and Mentor Hospitals and a board-certified urologist, and he’s here to help us understand about the unique ways it impacts men’s lives and what can be done about it.