After childbirth, many of us are told, “Welcome to the club, you can expect to pee your pants now that you’re a mom!” Despite being common, bladder leaking and problems are not normal. Some women experience urinary incontinence which involves leaking with physical activity, coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This is referred to as stress incontinence. Others have difficulty with leaking because of a feeling of urgency, called urge incontinence. Others may experience a combination of urge and stress incontinence. Over half of individuals who suffer from these symptoms do not seek help. We often feel embarrassed, shameful, or may have been misinformed that nothing can help. While there are medical conditions that contribute to symptoms of incontinence, these symptoms can also be related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
COMMON IS NOT NORMAL
Pelvic floor dysfunction is common after childbirth due to the changes that the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves experience during pregnancy and delivery. Both vaginal and c-section births have challenges that can be overcome. When your pelvic floor muscles aren’t working correctly they can create issues. Incontinence (leaking), pain, and a variety of other issues can interfere with your ability to live life normally.
Pelvic floor muscles help with the following functions
- Bowel and bladder control
- Sexual appreciation
- Support of the pelvic organs
- Stabilization of the low back and hips
PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY CAN HELP
At Active PT, one of our pelvic health physical therapists will address your stress/urge incontinence, pelvic pain or dysfunction by treating your pain and improving muscle coordination, strength, and function. After a comprehensive muscle examination, our therapist will create a treatment plan to address your personal concerns and improve your quality of life. Our sessions are one on one, in a private room, and individualized to your specific needs and comfort level. Pelvic health physical therapists receive extensive training, beyond what is offered in physical therapy graduate school, and specialize in the muscles and function of the pelvic floor and the surrounding structures. Women who are pregnant or in their postpartum period have special considerations. To find out if pelvic health physical therapy is right for you, please contact ActivePT for a free 15-minute appointment or call us at 507-322-3460.
