5 Ways a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Can Help Alleviate Postpartum Low Back Pain
Postpartum low back pain is a common complaint among new mothers, often arising from the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. While seeking relief, many women overlook the valuable expertise of a pelvic floor physical therapist. In this blog post, we will explore five ways a pelvic floor physical therapist can assist in alleviating postpartum low back pain and promote a smoother recovery.
Comprehensive Assessment: A pelvic floor physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate your pelvic floor muscles, core strength, posture, and overall movement patterns. They will identify any muscle imbalances, weaknesses, or dysfunctions that may contribute to your low back pain. By understanding the underlying causes, they can develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation: Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in treating the pelvic floor muscles, which are intimately connected to the stability and function of the low back. These muscles can become weakened, strained, or imbalanced during pregnancy and childbirth. Your therapist will guide you through specific exercises and techniques to rehabilitate and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, promoting proper alignment and reducing stress on the low back.
Core Strengthening and Stabilization: A strong and stable core is crucial for supporting the low back and maintaining proper posture. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will provide targeted exercises to engage and strengthen the deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis and multifidus. By improving core strength and stability, you can alleviate strain on the low back and promote a more balanced musculoskeletal system.
Postural Correction and Body Mechanics: Poor posture and improper body mechanics can contribute to low back pain postpartum. Your therapist will assess your posture and movement patterns and provide guidance on correcting any misalignments. They will teach you proper body mechanics for activities such as lifting, carrying your baby, and breastfeeding, ensuring that your low back is properly supported and protected.
Manual Therapy Techniques: In addition to exercises, a pelvic floor physical therapist can utilize manual therapy techniques to alleviate low back pain. These may include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy. These hands-on techniques can help release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation in the low back region, providing immediate relief and facilitating the healing process.
Conclusion: When experiencing postpartum low back pain, seeking the expertise of a pelvic floor physical therapist can be highly beneficial. Their comprehensive assessment, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, core strengthening and stabilization exercises, postural correction guidance, and manual therapy techniques can help address the underlying causes of your low back pain and promote a smoother recovery. Remember to consult with a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist who specializes in postpartum care to ensure you receive personalized treatment and support throughout your journey to a pain-free low back.
If you are located in St. George or Southern Utah and want more help, schedule with us today!
*Pelvic floor physical therapy is covered by all major insurances. Many people have met their deductible or out-of-pocket max after having a baby. This means that most people will have a small co-pay or not end up paying. Call our office today and we can look up your insurance benefits 435-767-1252
