The postpartum period is often focused on caring for a newborn, but it's also an important time for mothers to heal and recover. Many women experience symptoms after childbirth, including:

• Urinary leakage
• Pelvic pressure
• Core weakness
• Low back pain
• Pain with activity
• Difficulty returning to exercise

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help address these concerns and support recovery after both vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. San Juan Regional Medical Center’s Adult Rehabilitation Outpatient Center has a pelvic health physical therapy program. Physical Therapists Amy Link and Bria Rubie specialize in pelvic health physical therapy. They often work with new mothers to address concerns following childbirth. 

“If you're six weeks postpartum, come on in,” said Rubie. “We can help with tissue healing, even just exercises to get back into what you would like to do.”

Rubie and Link assess posture, breathing patterns, core strength, pelvic floor function, and movement mechanics to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient. The goal is not only to reduce symptoms but also to help women feel strong and confident in their bodies again.

“A lot of times people think that pelvic floor therapy is just doing Kegels, but that is not the case at all. We may give Kegels as a small part of our program, but we're also focusing a ton on things you can do to get your pelvic floor muscles working the way they should,” Link explained. 

One common issue Link and Rubie see is women remaining in a "pregnancy posture" long after delivery. Changes in posture, combined with weakened abdominal muscles and tight back or hip muscles, can contribute to ongoing symptoms.

“We will see women postpartum where the back is really arched, the pelvis is shoved forward, we have really weak abs, a really tight back, and really tight glutes. And so, that imbalance can directly affect the pelvic floor because if the abs are lengthened and really weak, that is going to make it so the pelvic floor is having a hard time working,” Link said. 

In those cases, therapists focus on exercises that strengthen and stretch the tight, weakened muscles. This is helpful not only for postpartum moms, but anyone who may be experiencing forward posture. 

“Whenever we're more balanced and our shoulders are stacked, our thorax is stacked over our pelvis, and our pelvis is stacked over our feet in the way it should be, our pelvic floor will work better, and our organs will be happier as well,” Link explained.

With guided exercises, education, and support, many women can safely return to the activities they enjoy while improving long-term pelvic health.

If you're postpartum and experiencing symptoms—or simply want to support your recovery—pelvic floor physical therapy may be an important part of your healthcare journey. Contact San Juan Regional Medical Center’s Adult Rehabilitation Outpatient Center at 505.609.6575 or visit us online at https://www.sanjuanregional.com/rehabilitation-outpatient-center.