Physical Therapy Services After Pregnancy

While pregnancy comes with great rewards, it can take a toll on your body and mind. After all, you did just grow an entire human in there. 

The mindblowing ability of the human body continues to amaze you though as you bounce back postpartum. However, you may be among the women who need a little help bouncing back to your pre-pregnancy self. If you do, embrace the experience because you may come out even stronger from it. During pregnancy, you connect with your body in new ways, similar to experiences in physical therapy. 

Women can use physical therapy during the postpartum period (and pregnancy) to strengthen or address any discomfort in the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, or other areas of the body.

What is postpartum physical therapy?

Postpartum physical therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy can treat postpartum conditions, muscle loss, musculoskeletal concerns, or physical discomforts that follow pregnancy. The postpartum stage comes with ongoing physical changes, fluctuating hormone levels, and a lack of sleep, all of which can result in physical and emotional changes. In fight or flight mode, taking care of your baby is the top priority, but to show up as the best mom, you need to take care of yourself too. 

Physical therapy can offer a gateway into physical exercise that can help you feel like you again. During pregnancy, your body likely experienced weight gain, ligament changes caused by secreted hormones, and trauma to the pelvic area (especially during delivery). As a result, conditions such as urinary incontinence, low back pain, diastasis recti, pelvic pain or dysfunction, and other conditions can occur. Postpartum physical therapy can be effective for these conditions and more.

What typically happens during postpartum physical therapy sessions at Release in Tysons?

At Release Physical Therapy in Tysons, VA you can start by choosing a compassionate and highly trained physical therapist to guide you on the road to recovery. Finding a physical therapist you trust and connect with is so important in treatment. All of our physical therapists actively listen and customize treatment plans just for you. You can expect to start your Release experience with a 1:1 private consultation.

During this time you can share your experiences and symptoms as well as your history. With a comprehensive understanding of your physical state, your Release Physical Therapist can customize a treatment plan that’s effective and sustainable. Your treatment plan may include pelvic floor muscle training, relaxation techniques, posture and body mechanics, and more. Work with your Release Physical Therapist to find a balance between physical therapy and life, putting in the work in person and at home. Throughout your journey, your Release Physical Therapist will be by your side making any adjustments along the way. Our postpartum physical therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy in Tysons can help you get back to feeling like your pre-pregnancy self faster.

Does every new mom need postpartum physical therapy?

Undoubtedly, nearly every mom has experienced changes in their pelvic floor from pregnancy and delivery. Physical therapy can work to strengthen the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. You might not view physical therapy as a need until you’ve experienced the results firsthand. Recovering during postpartum can be exhausting, literally. Physical therapy can help you feel more comfortable,  stronger, and energized, thus helping you care for your baby. Whether you have pain or discomfort, or not, you can benefit from postpartum physical therapy. We encourage you to start with a 1:1 consultation to better understand what physical therapy can do for you.

Conditions Treated by Postpartum Physical Therapy

Your Release Physical Therapist can assess your postpartum conditions to devise a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. Conditions that are within the postpartum wheelhouse can include, but are not limited to the following.

• Urinary incontinence: Up to 30% of females experience urinary incontinence at the six-month postpartum milestone. It can be caused by a weakened pelvic floor. 
• Diastasis Recti: During the second and third trimester, abdominal muscles stretch out. When the tendinous structure that runs down the middle of the rectus abdominis widens and separates, the condition diastasis recti will occur. 
• Low back pain: Back pain can be incredibly uncomfortable. Especially when you’re holding a baby around the clock. Abdominal muscles can weaken during pregnancy. Simultaneously the curve in your lumbar spine becomes more pronounced. As a result, low back muscles are shortened. All of these changes can reduce the ability of core muscles to support the spine which can lead to back pain postpartum.

Benefits of Post-Pregnancy Physical Therapy in Tysons, VA

Post-pregnancy or postpartum is a time us women experience tremendous growth as individuals. As you recover from pregnancy and delivery, you are also facing the reality of sleepless nights and a sweet baby who needs you for everything. Fueled by the love you have for your baby, you continue to find ways to make everything possible. However, physical discomforts can stand in the way.

Post-pregnancy physical therapy can help you regain strength and overcome postpartum discomforts or conditions. Here are some of the benefits that postpartum physical therapy at Release Physical Therapy in Tysons, VA can offer you.

• Reduced pain or discomfort 
• Enhanced mobility 
• Improve balance and flexibility
• Strengthen the pelvic floor and core
• Regain confidence in your new role as mom to 1 or more 
• Maintain the physical ability to care for your baby

How long after giving birth should I wait to do physical therapy?

After giving birth you can start physical therapy as soon as you feel comfortable. In some cases, you may have heard 6 weeks is the best time to start, but if you are experiencing pain or discomfort or need someone to guide you in your postpartum journey, feel free to get started sooner. Your Release Physical Therapist is always a phone call away. Call us here at Release and we can help you determine when to start your postpartum physical therapy journey.

How long should postpartum physical therapy last?

Postpartum physical therapy should be customized to your specific needs, goals, and abilities. Therefore, the best determination of how many weeks or months physical therapy may be necessary is best decided by your Release Physical Therapist.

What are some good at-home exercises to go along with postpartum physical therapy?

Post-pregnancy movement can boost your energy while strengthening your body. Postpartum women can benefit from pelvic floor exercises, breathing and postural strategies, walking, cat-cow movements, planks, and more. As you incorporate exercises into your at-home routine, move with intention and be gentle with your body. Your Release Physical Therapist can provide you with at-home exercises that are best suited for your personal recovery experience and goals.

What are some reasons why postpartum physical therapy might not be right for someone?

Postpartum physical therapy at Release is tailored to each individual. With personalized solutions, we can help every individual on their path to recovery. 

Grow into the new version of you faster with personalized postpartum physical therapy. . . contact Release in Tysons today!