top of page
Jaime Leaves.png

Postpartum Care

Pregnancy and delivery take a toll on a woman’s body. 

 

Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist in the postpartum period is important for rehabilitation and preventative pelvic health care. 

​

Having carried and birthed a baby either by cesarian section or vaginally are risk factors to developing pelvic floor dysfunction.

Mother and Baby

Commonly Treated Conditions

  • Incontinence (bladder or bowel)

  • Inability to control the passage of gas

  • Feeling of instability in the pelvis, low back, pubic bone, or sacroiliac joints

  • Hip/pelvis or low back pain

  • Pelvic organ prolapse

  • Perineal pain

  • Pain at the site of a tear, episiotomy, or c-section scar

  • Decreased sensation

  • Pain with intercourse

  • Weakened pelvic floor and core musculature

  • Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)

The Physical Examination

The physical examination includes a whole-body assessment.

​

Components will include:

​

  • Postural assessment

  • Breathing evaluation

  • Range of motion of the neck, back and hips

  • Observations of the abdominal wall and perineum

  • Scar tissue assessment (episiotomy, perineal tears, c-section)

  • An intravaginal and/or rectal examination of the perineum.

​

Postpartum Care.jpg

The methods used are always based on your comfort and consent. I will discuss all options with you during your assessment.

 

An individualized treatment plan is developed based on assessment findings. This may include education regarding posture, breathing, proper toileting techniques, bladder training/urge delay techniques, prolapse reduction techniques, bladder irritants, perineum care, perineum support and evacuation techniques and abdominal massage.

 

Manual techniques to address adhesions and scar tissue that may occur with episiotomies, tears, or C-section scars are a key component of treatment. 

 

Techniques that are utilized include myofascial, mobilizations, visceral manipulation and biofeedback.  An individualized home exercise program will also be provided to release and/or strengthen with a whole body approach including the pelvic floor.

Jaime Angus Physiotherapy Room_edited_edited.jpg

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your assessment will commence with hearing your story. A review of your description of your symptoms and concerns, medical and surgical history, your lifestyle, functional abilities (and limitations), social or emotional issues and your personal goals you would like to achieve with therapy.

 

Specific questions depending on your issues may include:

​

  • Birthing/Pregnancy history

  • Bladder/bowel habits

  • Pelvic/hip/low back/neck pain

  • Pain with intercourse

  • Pelvic Pressure

  • Leakage of urine or stool​

​

These are very personal and sensitive questions for most; rest assured that your comfort and consent are of the utmost importance.

bottom of page