Outline
- Understanding Postpartum Periods
- What Are The Postpartum Physiotherapy Conditions
- How Physiotherapy Can Treat Your Postpartum Conditions
- Takeaway
Understanding Postpartum Periods
The postpartum period starts right after the baby is born and usually lasts six to eight weeks. It ends when your body has almost returned to its pre-pregnant state. The weeks following childbirth are crucial for you and your baby’s long-term well-being, so it’s important to ensure that your postpartum care is reliable and continues for a good period. 1
Most moms and babies face the highest risk of health complications in the first month after birth, so getting good postpartum physiotherapy care is essential for improving the short-term and long-term health of both the mom and the baby.
This period has three phases:
- The acute phase (first 24 hours after delivery)
- The early phase (up to 7 days)
- The late phase (up to 6 weeks to 6 months).
Each phase has its unique health considerations and challenges as the mother’s organ systems recover. 7
What Are The Postpartum Physiotherapy Conditions
Having a baby affects you physically and emotionally. After giving birth, a woman’s body goes through many changes that affect her bladder, vagina, breasts, back, and stomach muscles. 3
New mothers often complain of Pain, bleeding, leaking urine, difficulty with sex, feeling very tired, and feeling sad. These problems might last a short time or a long time. There are symptoms of some common medical conditions. 2
The most common postpartum conditions include:
- Diastasis recti
- Low back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic floor muscle injury 3
How Physiotherapy Can Treat Your Postpartum Conditions
Physiotherapy can significantly improve postnatal health outcomes by effectively correcting or reducing your symptoms through various treatments such as;
- Therapeutic modalities
- Behavioral education,
- Electrical stimulation,
- Manual therapy, 6
- Biofeedback,
- Exercises, 5
- binding,
- taping,
The Benefits Of Physiotherapy Interventions: Physiotherapy treatment may help improve your postpartum health by;
- Reducing the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety
- Improving your sexual health and sexual dysfunction
- Enhancing your psychological well-being
- Improving and maintaining your fitness
- Promoting weight loss
- Improving mood 4
Takeaway
During the postpartum period, adequate care is essential for you and your baby as you both may face health complications. Physiotherapy effectively treats some postpartum conditions, so speak to your physiotherapist about your signs and symptoms to ensure a smooth return to your pre-pregnancy state and comfortable daily activities.
References
Chauhan G, Tadi P. Physiology, Postpartum Changes. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555904/
Critchley, C. J. (2022). Physical therapy is an important component of postpartum care in the fourth trimester. Physical therapy, 102(5), pzac021.
Keeler, Jessica; Albrecht, Melissa; Eberhardt, Lauren; Horn, Laura; Donnelly, Chantal; Lowe, Deborah . (2012). Diastasis Recti Abdominis. Journal of Womenʼs Health Physical Therapy, 36(3), 131–142. doi:10.1097/JWH.0b013e318276f35f
Lopez-Gonzalez DM, Kopparapu AK. Postpartum Care of the New Mother. [Updated 2022 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565875/
