How Physiotherapy Supports Women’s Health: From Pregnancy to Postpartum

Most common problems in pregnant women include discomforts such as lower back pregnancy, pelvic and swelling. They are related to hormonal changes, including gain in weight and alteration of posture. The role and benefit of physiotherapy during pregnancy will be to reduce these symptoms through the maintenance of strength and flexibility.

●Ease back pain: Pregnancy places a load on the lower back, and physiotherapy uses safe exercises and  hands-on techniques that help alleviate the pain, improving your posture.
●Decrease pelvic pain: Many times, pelvic pain may be the prohibiting factor in exercises during pregnancy.  Exercises such as pelvic tilts and very mild stretches will help set the pelvis in a more stable position.
●Management of swelling: Physiotherapy can also be used in the management of lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling of the legs and feet.

Therapists also use this as an opportunity to educate on ergonomics for changing movements with pregnancy to ensure no undue stress through abnormal postures will occur. It is in individualized care that, when consulting a professional physiotherapist, one undergoes a safe, non-complicated pregnancy.

The pelvic floor provides main support to the uterus, bladder and intestines. Due to its influence on the muscles by pregnancy, exercises in pelvic floor physiotherapy are highly effective. Strengthening such muscles while pregnant may:

● Lower the chance of bladder or bowel leakage.
● Help with childbirth by getting the pelvic floor ready for delivery.
● Ease pelvic pain during pregnancy through specific exercises.

Stronger pelvic floor muscles also provide support for the growing uterus, hence reducing discomfort. The physiotherapist will educate the pregnant woman about the way to do pelvic floor exercises adequately and effectively, making sure that they're executed successfully and gradually.

Postpartum physiotherapy helps with recovery and long-term health by addressing issues such as:

● Relief from back pain: By postural modification and pregnancy physiotherapy exercises, mothers attending to new-born children are relieved of back pain.
● Diastasis Recti Treatment: Assessment and treatment of abdominal separation will be done by the physiotherapist through gentle core activation, along with progressive exercises.
● Pelvic Floor Recovery: The rehabilitation of the pelvic floor decreases incidence rates and improves general function.
● Individualized post-natal recovery physiotherapy programs help rebuild strength, improve mobility and restore confidence.

Childbirth often leaves the pelvic floor weakened or injured. Pelvic floor exercises postpartum are critical for:

●  Strengthening muscles to prevent incontinence and prolapse.
● Supporting better posture and reducing discomfort.
● Restoring muscle tone that promotes sexual health.

The condition of the pelvic floor gets checked by a physiotherapist, who thereafter designs an individualized program in order to help in the recovery process. Pelvic floor physiotherapy deters complications and promotes long-term well-being.

Several women who experienced pelvic floor therapy and safe exercises postpartum testified to gaining increased confidence and quality of life, regaining control over their pelvic health.

Diastasis recti refers to the separation of abdominal muscles, usually acquired by women in a post-pregnancy stage. Physiotherapy treatment for diastasis recti will be aimed at healing through:

● Gentle Core Activation: Early exercises emphasize reconnecting the deep abdominal muscles.
● Progressive Strengthening: Safe, gradual progression strengthens the core without exacerbating the condition.
● Postural Correction: Restoring alignment reduces strain on the abdomen and lower back.

It is also very important in physiotherapy to educate pregnant women in body mechanics and how to lift or move safely while carrying out daily activities. The core strengthens balance, lowers the risk of injury and boosts fitness. Core exercises and core strengthening after pregnancy are very helpful in restoring strength and a general feeling of well-being.

Low back pain during pregnancy can be expected, given the changes in posture and weight distribution with ligament laxity. Physiotherapy for pregnancy includes strategies on the following:

● Relieving pain with manual therapy and exercises
● Improving posture with individualized strengthening and stretching
● Educating on proper body mechanics regarding lifting and carrying a baby.

After delivery, physiotherapy aims at realigning and preventing chronic pain so that mothers can better handle their babies with less discomfort. This can also be precluded through regular sessions of physiotherapy to avoid further musculoskeletal problems for lifelong health and mobility.

The timing for postpartum physiotherapy depends on individual recovery and the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean). Generally:

● Gentle pelvic floor exercises can start within days of delivery.
● A comprehensive postnatal exercise program may begin after six weeks, once cleared by a healthcare provider.
● Early intervention through physiotherapy helps manage incontinence, diastasis recti, and other related conditions, promoting a quicker recovery.

Therefore, women are encouraged to listen to their bodies and consult a physiotherapist to determine the best time to begin physiotherapy. This promotes safety, effectiveness and a smoother recovery process.