Postpartum physiotherapy

After birth the body deals with the changes it went through during pregnancy. It gradually returns to condition, and the return takes different amounts of time. The changes resolve slowly and spontaneously.

During pregnancy the ligaments loosened, the abdominal muscles separated, and the spine, pelvis and arch of the foot were under increased load. If the woman breastfeeds, the breasts become heavier still and the thoracic and cervical spine, the chest muscles and the ribs become overloaded.

In physiotherapy we can help a woman return to condition faster with suitable exercises, by releasing tense muscles and strengthening weakened ones. Training the deep stabilization system and practising correct posture is also useful. As supplementary therapy we use kinesiotape or manual lymphatic drainage.

The pelvic floor after childbirth

During pregnancy and vaginal birth the pelvic floor muscles were under great load. They may also be injured during birth. Many women suffer after childbirth from urinary and faecal incontinence, descent of the pelvic organs, or a feeling that the vaginal entrance is too loose.

Women often consider these problems “normal” and only address them once they have developed further. Postpartum care should include an examination of the pelvic floor muscles, an assessment of their function, and subsequently exercise.

Even if a woman has no significant difficulties, it is worth working on the pelvic floor muscles to prevent future problems with leakage or organ descent.

Scar care

If tearing or an episiotomy occurs during vaginal birth, it heals with a scar. It is advisable to care for it by showering and gradually with gentle massage.

Physiotherapy is also desirable after a Cesarean section, when the mother recovers longer from a demanding procedure and has to be careful. The scar must be cared for by showering and later by gentle massage, and the activity of the abdominal muscles, which were disturbed during the procedure, gradually restored. Emphasis is placed on practising handling the baby and ordinary daily activities so that the mother does not overload herself and the scar can heal as well as possible.