C-section scars: Did anyone tell you this?
I’ve had 3 c-sections and no one ever told me this! If your postpartum follow up visit was like mine, your c-section incision was most likely visually assessed and, as long as there were no issues with healing, you were sent on your way to gradually return to daily activities. Thankfully, I was a PT and knew the importance of scar massage! If you’ve had a c-section you already know it’s a major abdominal surgery, however, women are not typically given the best guidance on how to help themselves heal. I often see women for treatment who have had issues related to c-section going on way too long! Some of the potential…
Low Back Pain and Bladder Leaks
There is a significant correlation between low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction, so much so, that one study even reported that 95% of women with low back pain had some form of pelvic floor dysfunction!1 And many other studies have shown similar connections between the two. Pelvic floor dysfunction can present as pain, pelvic heaviness/pressure, bowel or bladder issues. If you have low back pain you are much more likely to develop pelvic floor dysfunction, such as bladder leakage, and if you have bladder leakage, you are much more likely to develop low back pain. The common factor between low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction is…
Notice that your stomach is not as flat as it used to be after having a baby?
It might be due to diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation).Now no one’s stomach is flat all the time and someone can be at an ideal weight and still have a stomach that pooches more. Although diastasis recti is often referred to as a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, when treating it we need to consider the factors that caused it. It’s not purely an abdominal strength issue! The connective tissue between the muscles is overstretched by increased intra-abdominal pressure, leading to an area of weakness. We need to address how the body regulates intra-abdominal pressure in order to improve this condition. Alignment of the pelvis, ribs, and spine are…
Pre/postnatal Nutrition
Approximately 15% to 25% of women have iron deficiency during pregnancy. Being a vegetarian, that information would’ve been very helpful to know as I am more at risk of developing iron deficiency. And that’s not the only nutrient that pregnant women are more at risk of becoming deficient in: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K1, and B6, folate, choline, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc are also common. Whoa, that’s a problem! Especially since many pregnant women are not counseled on pre/postnatal nutrition. Taking a prenatal vitamin may not be enough. Fast forward to postpartum when our bodies have been depleted of nutrients and it’s trying to heal. Thinking back to…
Pelvic organ prolapse may not be due to weakness
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles may not be the answer Pelvic organ prolapse has often been defined as a condition related to weakness of the pelvic floor and described as a “falling down of the pelvic organs.” This has created a sense of fear for many women; feeling that their bladder, uterus, or rectum might just fall out😬 Now there are times when there is damage to muscle or ligament that can definitely decrease the support structure for the organs, however, in many cases the cause may be tension. New research points at a tensegrity model to explain why pelvic organs may shift out of place. In a tensegrity…
You gave birth, now what: Why baby isn’t the only one who needs care
You’ve prepared for the past 9 months. Looking forward to the arrival of that little bundle of joy. You may have taken prenatal exercise classes, changed your diet to get better nutrition, tried to decrease stress more, all to ensure that you stay well so baby stays well. So, why does that all end once baby is born? Doesn’t mom’s wellness matter anymore? Of course it does! Mom just went through a lot and may have had some unexpected things happen too. Birth results in many physical and emotional changes and challenges that often last beyond the birth experience. Not only is mom dealing with bodily changes but also mood…
How do I know if my pelvic floor muscles are tight or weak?
Symptoms of pelvic floor tightness and weakness can be similar so it can be hard to tell. And pelvic floor muscles that are tighter can also be weak. Here are some common symptoms to help determine what might be going on down there.Symptoms of pelvic floor muscle weakness: Symptoms of pelvic floor tension: Treatment for pelvic floor tightness and pelvic floor weakness is often very different so it’s important to know what the cause of the symptoms is. In pelvic physical therapy we determine the cause for long term resolution of these issues. We use a full body approach, as there can be many different factors involved depending on the…
Preventing Tearing During Birth
How can you prevent tearing during vaginal birth?Although there’s no guarantee, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of perineal tearing, especially 3rd and 4th degree tears, during vaginal birth. Click on the video above to see one tip that can help reduce your risk of tearing. Want to reduce your risk even more? Contact April@pelvicbalance.com for a free consultation.
5 Ways to Improve Postpartum Healing
This isn’t your basic advice about stocking up on pads or cold packs. These are tips that will take you beyond the first 6 weeks, when the true healing starts to take place. These are the things no one else tells you but can make all the difference in how you feel now and in the future. Make a plan with your support person to ensure self care It’s easy to put your own care on the back burner when you have a new baby. I’ve been guilty of this myself. However, you’re not only doing a disservice to yourself but also your family. Just like the…
3 Things You Need To Know About C-section Recovery
Find out what no one is telling you when it comes to healing following c-section.
