During the months that follow the delivery of your baby, it's likely that you'll experience a number of bodily changes, some of which can be unpleasant and even painful. There is something you can do, however, to minimize these effects, and that's to attend post-partum physical therapy. How can physical therapy help you? Consider the three main ways mentioned below.

Treat and Prevent Urinary and Fecal Incontinence

Up to 50% of new mothers will experience a change in urinary control following birth, and it's not uncommon for many new mothers to experience fecal incontinence following birth, as well.

Obviously, urinary and fecal incontinence can be embarrassing and frustrating to deal with, but there are a number of ways that physical therapists can help you to regain control of your pelvic muscles and decrease instances of urinary and fecal incontinence. A physical therapist knowledgeable in treating post-partum women can help to stimulate the muscles that're most affected, and teach you exercises that you can do at home to tighten and strengthen.

Treat and Prevent Pelvic Pain

Whether you delivered vaginally or by cesarean, pelvic pain is a common complaint among new mothers.

Pelvic pain can occur for a number of reasons in new mothers, but scar tissue from cesarean sections and vaginal tears can cause the most pain. To avoid excess scar tissue, and to prevent pelvic pain from returning in the future, it's a good idea to seek the help of a physical therapist. A skilled physical therapist will know how to massage the areas affected so they don't become tight, and can also teach you different techniques that you can practice yourself in the comfort of your own home if you feel your scar tissue tightening.

Manage Hip and Back Pain

There's no doubt that women who've just delivered a baby are experiencing a number of aches and pains. Some of the most common, however, target the hips and back and can make it difficult to enjoy your new role as mother.

After carrying your bundle of joy for nine months, your body has changed to allow for your baby's growth and delivery. This can lead to a number of joint and muscle misalignments and can be not-so-pleasant, even after your baby has arrived. With a number of physical therapy techniques, such as aquatic therapy or other therapeutic exercise, you can get your body back into pre-baby shape and leave the aches and pains behind.   

To learn more about how physical therapy can help you as a new mother, schedule a consultation appointment today.

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