csecTION BIRTH RECOVERY

WATCH KATIE’S STORY IF YOU’RE A FELLOW CSECTION BIRTH MAMA

CSECTION BIRTH

Why is PT after csection necessary?

I hear it so often, women wondering why they would benefit from pelvic floor PT if they had a csection birth- I find most moms believe that because they did not birth vaginally they feel their pelvic floor was not affected. This couldn’t be further from the truth! You still carried your baby(ies) and your pelvic floor worked hard to support you throughout your pregnancy.

Additionally, there are 7 layers cut to get baby out during a csection birth. Your abdominal muscles and uterus being some of them. Both of these directly related to the pelvic floor, that’s why it’s important to see a specialist like me!

Not to mention, the amount of problems you can prevent in 10 years by seeing me starting around 1-2 weeks postpartum through week ~16. The most common concerns that I see when moms don’t do PT after their csection are:

  • low back pain

  • urge incontinence

  • difficulty connecting with their lower abdominals and deep core

  • pain with sex

  • csection scar “shelf” or overhang

  • lacking sensation in their abdomen

  • hip pain

What do you do in PT after a csection birth?

Think of PT for csection rehab in 3 phases

phase 1

  • 1-5 weeks postpartum for 1-2 treatment sessions

  • full body lymphatic drainage massage for swelling

  • pelvic mobilization techniques for constipation and post-laboring realignment

  • cupping therapy to the low back, upper back

  • regaining sensation in the abdomen

  • engaging and contracting all layers of your core

  • re-learning correct breathing, yes I said “correct”!

  • teaching you how to walk up the stairs, get off of the couch, get into the car, etc without pain

Phase 2

  • 6-12 weeks postpartum for ~3 treatment sessions

  • continuation of progressing phase 1 techniques PLUS

  • cupping therapy to your csection scar

  • scar mobilization to your csection scar

  • applying your newfound core strength to progressive core and full body exercise

Phase 3

  • 12-16 weeks postpartum for 1-2 treatment sessions

  • continuation of progressing phase 1 & 2 techniques PLUS!

  • returning to exercise specific goals like running, pilates, or strength training

  • working through any other full body concerns like your neck pain, back pain, etc

  • Work on specific Diastasis Recti core work! Your risk is higher having a csection birth.

WHAT TREATMENT LOOKS LIKE: