Pelvic Pain After Birth: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

Introduction

The arrival of a new baby brings immense joy, but it can also introduce new challenges for a mother’s body, particularly when it comes to pelvic health. It is common for women to experience pelvic pain after birth and other discomforts in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. This is often due to the stretching or weakening of pelvic floor muscles – a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Understanding the nuances of postpartum pelvic health is crucial for new mothers as they navigate the physical recovery process after giving birth.

How Your Pelvic Floor Is Affected After Birth

During pregnancy and vaginal birth, the pelvic floor muscles go through significant stress as they stretch to accommodate the growing fetus and then the passage of the baby through the birth canal. This can sometimes lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, resulting in symptoms that may include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or postpartum pelvic pain. Moreover, other structures such as the pelvic bones, sacroiliac joints, and abdominal muscles also bear strain and may contribute to the discomfort experienced after delivery.

Understanding Pelvic Pain After Birth

Pelvic pain after birth, also known as postpartum pelvic pain, can manifest in various forms. Some women may feel pain localized to the pelvic bone or joint pain in the sacroiliac joints, while others may endure pelvic girdle pain, which is broader and can impact the stability and function of the pelvic region. Vaginal deliveries, particularly those that are prolonged or involve interventions like forceps, can exacerbate this condition.

However, even months after delivery, postpartum pain can persist, with some women experiencing different levels of pain ranging from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating conditions like pelvic floor pain or tailbone pain. Understanding the underlying causes and treatment options, including physical therapy, can support women in their recovery journey.

Common Causes of Pelvic Pain After Birth

Here are some of the most common causes of pelvic pain after birth that women may experience:

• Stretching/Weakening of Pelvic Floor Muscles: The labor and delivery process puts significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles, often leading to their weakening or damage which can cause pain and discomfort.
• Pelvic Bone and Joint Stress: The pelvic bone and sacroiliac joints are under considerable pressure during childbirth, especially in vaginal deliveries, which can lead to postpartum joint pain.
• Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): PGP is a common condition associated with pregnancy and childbirth involving pain across the pelvic joints.
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: After birth, the muscles that support the pelvic organs may be weak, potentially leading to a prolapse, which can cause pelvic floor pain.
• Urinary Incontinence: Weakened pelvic muscles may lead to a loss of bladder control, contributing to pelvic discomfort.
• Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction: The relaxation and stretching of the ligaments can cause instability and pain in the pelvic joint during pregnancy, which may persist postpartum.
• Tailbone Pain: The tailbone may be bruised or injured during vaginal birth, leading to postpartum coccydynia (tailbone pain).

Understanding these common causes can help new mothers seek appropriate treatment options to alleviate postpartum pelvic pain.

Common Signs and Symptoms

After giving birth, many women experience a variety of symptoms related to pelvic discomfort. These typically include:

• Persistent Ache: A continual dull ache in the pelvic region that can range from mild to severe.
• Sharp Pains: Sudden, sharp pangs in the pelvic floor, joints, or pelvic bone that may be triggered by specific movements or actions.
• Discomfort During Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual activity, a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Lower Back Pain: An association with pelvic pain after childbirth, often due to the strain on abdominal muscles and posture changes.
• Issues with Bladder Control: Symptoms such as urinary incontinence or a frequent need to urinate, signaling weakened pelvic muscles.
• Painful Bowel Movements: Discomfort or pain during bowel movements can be related to the condition of pelvic muscles.

Recognizing these signs and symptoms can prompt new mothers to seek medical advice and explore potential treatment options such as physical therapy for the pelvic floor, which may effectively address these postpartum pelvic issues.

What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles, which support the pelvic organs and span the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles can become weakened, tight, or impaired due to pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, or other conditions leading to dysfunctions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help Relieve Pelvic Pain After Birth

Pelvic floor therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that focuses on targeting and strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor. One of the main benefits of pelvic floor therapy is that it can help restore proper function to the pelvic floor muscles. Through targeted exercises and techniques, a pelvic floor therapist can help strengthen and retrain these muscles, improving their ability to provide support to the pelvic organs. This can alleviate pelvic pain and other associated symptoms.

Different Types of Pelvic Floor Therapy Techniques

Pelvic floor therapy is a form of physical therapy aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to alleviate symptoms and improve function, especially after childbirth. This specialized therapy includes a variety of techniques such as pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) to enhance muscle tone, body awareness training for better muscle control, behavior modifications to reduce symptoms, breathing techniques for relaxation, and biofeedback to improve muscle response.

Each approach is customized to the individual’s needs, focusing on preventing or addressing pelvic floor dysfunction postpartum. Consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist is crucial for assessing conditions and creating a personalized treatment plan to promote pelvic health.

Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy After Birth

Pelvic floor therapy after birth offers numerous benefits to new mothers, including the reduction of pelvic region pain, restoration of pelvic floor muscle strength and functionality, improved bladder control, prevention of pelvic organ prolapse, and an enhanced quality of life.

Focusing on targeted exercises and manual therapy, it addresses various postpartum issues such as pelvic floor pain, pubic pain, tailbone pain, urinary incontinence, and the weakening of pelvic muscles that can lead to organ prolapse. Consequently, pelvic floor therapy plays a crucial role in postpartum recovery, enabling mothers to manage discomfort and reclaim their health and comfort.

When to Start Pelvic Floor Therapy After Birth

Determining when to start pelvic floor therapy after birth is essential for postpartum recovery. Generally, women are advised to initiate gentle pelvic floor exercises within the first few days after birth, if comfortable. This early intervention can promote healing, especially after a vaginal birth where the pelvic region has experienced significant pressure and stretching.

However, more intensive pelvic floor physical therapy typically starts after the initial postpartum checkup. This usually occurs around 6 to 8 weeks after delivery, once your healthcare provider gives the go-ahead. At this visit, a thorough assessment can identify specific pelvic floor issues, such as weakness, pelvic girdle pain, or discomfort in the sacroiliac joints.

Tips for Finding a Qualified Pelvic Floor Therapist

Finding the right pelvic floor therapist after giving birth is crucial for effectively addressing postpartum pelvic issues. Here are some tips to consider if you want to have pelvic floor physical therapy after birth:

1. Certification: Look for a therapist with specialized training in pelvic health. Certification from a recognized body ensures expertise in treating pelvic floor dysfunction.
2. Experience with Postpartum: Select someone with experience in postpartum pelvic care, as they understand the challenges associated with childbirth.
3. Recommendations: Personal recommendations from friends, family, or your healthcare provider can be invaluable.
4. Insurance Coverage: Verify if the therapy services are covered under your insurance plan to avoid unexpected expenses.
5. Comfort Level: Your comfort with the therapist is paramount. During the consultation, assess if you’re at ease discussing intimate issues.
6. Multi-disciplinary Approach: Some conditions may require a team approach. Check if they collaborate with other specialists when needed.
7. Post-Treatment Support: Ensure they offer guidance on continuing exercises at home to maintain pelvic health.

Remember, the right therapist plays a vital role in your path to recovery from postpartum pelvic pain.

Having Pelvic Pain After Birth? Consider Consulting Vitality Therapy

Pelvic pain after giving birth is a common concern for new mothers. The strain of vaginal deliveries and the passage of a baby through the birth canal can lead to various postpartum pelvic conditions. The services offered by Vitality Physical Therapy focus on the pelvic floor and can offer substantial relief.

Vitality Physical Therapy encompasses various treatment options aimed at strengthening pelvic floor muscles. Such therapy can alleviate pelvic girdle pain, and tailbone pain, and even address pelvic floor dysfunction, which could lead to urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

For those experiencing persistent pelvic pain months after delivery or discomfort related to the pelvic joint and sacroiliac joints, consulting with our team of physical therapists can be beneficial. A targeted approach that includes working on abdominal muscles and pelvic floor issues can help in the restoration of the pelvic region’s function and prevent long-term complications.

Conclusion

Pelvic pain after childbirth is a frequent and oftentimes distressing issue that should not be overlooked. By engaging in practices designed to rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles, women can significantly improve their postpartum recovery experience. The focused rehabilitation of pelvic muscles, including resolving conditions like pelvic girdle pain and tailbone discomfort, is critical for ensuring a return to normal function. Physical therapy that targets the pelvic bone area, including the sacroiliac joints and surrounding regions, can help to effectively manage levels of pain and aid in the healing process after a vaginal birth.

FAQs

How long does pelvic pain last after birth?

The duration of pelvic pain after birth can vary widely among new mothers. While some may experience discomfort for just a few days or weeks, others may find it persists for several months after delivery. Typically, the pain should lessen within the 6-12 week postpartum period known as the ‘fourth trimester.’ However, if pain continues beyond this timeframe or is severe, it is crucial to seek medical advice to rule out any complications.

Why is the pelvic floor so tight after giving birth?

After childbirth, particularly following vaginal deliveries, the pelvic floor muscles may become tight and tense due to the stretching and strain they endure during the process. The muscles may contract as a natural response to the trauma of passing a baby through the birth canal, potentially leading to feelings of tightness. In some cases, pelvic floor dysfunction can occur, where the muscles do not coordinate properly, causing a range of symptoms such as pain and discomfort.

How do you treat postpartum pelvic pain?

Postpartum pelvic pain can be treated through various methods. One effective treatment option is physical therapy, where licensed and experienced physical therapists work with women to help reduce pain levels in the pelvis. Physical therapy often includes exercises that focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which can help improve control and alleviate pain. 

While pain medication may provide temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Therefore, physical therapy is often recommended for lasting pain relief. By customizing treatment plans based on individual needs, physical therapists can help women manage and alleviate postpartum pelvic pain.