Helping moms bounce back after birth with the help of a women’s health physiotherapist

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we celebrate and acknowledge the incredible miracle that a mother’s body undergoes during pregnancy and childbirth!

It would be crazy to think that after nine months of radical body changes and a birth process, one could quickly return to normal postpartum.

Herein lies the pivotal role a women’s health physiotherapist gets to fulfill in postpartum recovery.

Any woman who has been pregnant and given birth will have experienced the strain placed on the abdomen, pelvic floor muscles, lower back, rib cage and, in fact, the entire body.

Postpartum physiotherapy helps to strengthen these muscles and tissues and promotes a quick and efficient recovery for mom.

A physiotherapist will also address scar tissue postpartum either from C-section, episiotomy, or perineal tear.

Stress and strain on the body continues post birth due to lifting and carrying a newborn baby and breastfeeding, and moms can experience pain in the neck, upper and lower back, shoulders and wrists.

Physiotherapy can assist with posture correction, lifting and carrying techniques as well as techniques to alleviate pain.

A main area of focus is rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles postpartum.

No matter whether a baby is delivered via Caesarian section or a natural vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles will have been impacted by the pregnancy.

These muscles can also be weakened or damaged during childbirth, leading to issues such as incontinence, pain during intercourse and pelvic organ prolapse.

A physiotherapist with further training in pelvic health is qualified to assess these muscles internally and then prescribe an individualised exercise programme to ensure optimal recovery thereof.

It is very important that a mom is correctly assessed and taught pelvic floor muscle exercises which ensures she can isolate, contract and relax these muscles.

We can also help with common breastfeeding issues such as cracked nipples, mastitis and engorged breasts.

To all the superhero moms out there, make sure you prioritise your own postpartum recovery by seeing a pelvic health or women’s health physiotherapist who can assist you in your unique postpartum journey with a tailor-made treatment plan. Remember a healthy and empowered mom is a great mom – and you are worth it!

Salt Rock resident Tarryn Graham has a BSc in physiotherapy from Stellenbosch University and has a special interest and further training in women’s health physiotherapy and sexual health. She has 14 years’ experience in women’s health and pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Contact: 083 302 3393

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