The Power of Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy
We would wager to guess that until someone is pregnant, they don’t give their pelvic floor any thought. They may not even know it exists as its own important body part. But once you are expecting, pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy is a powerful tool.
The Jewell Chiropractic team supports your wellness from prenatal through postpartum. Our welcoming Portland, OR, office is a safe space to receive the care you need. And with services for infants and children, too, we can help the whole family. Book your next appointment online today to keep feeling your very best.
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a type of physical therapy. It focuses on the muscles that support your pelvic organs and that are crucial for bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and preventing prolapse. Your pelvic floor is responsible for a lot of vital jobs!
A pelvic floor therapy assessment will look at your posture, symptoms, pain points, breathing, and overall movement. Depending on the therapist and your comfort level, there may also be an internal exam to determine the type of support and exercises appropriate for your needs. You always have the right to refuse or stop any part of the assessment or therapy that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Your therapist will also help you identify lifestyle changes and adaptations that might help with pelvic floor strength. Everything from the office chair you use to how you exercise can impact this critical area of your body.
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles are under tremendous stress. The growing uterus and fetus put pressure on the muscles, and pregnancy hormones weaken them. These changes can lead to significant, impactful problems, including the following:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Fecal Incontinence
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Painful Sex
- Difficulty Urinating or Defecating
- Chronic Low Back Pain
Many people assume these are the natural consequences of having a baby, but they don’t have to be! You can have a life where you sneeze or jump on a trampoline without peeing your pants.
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy is excellent at preventing and treating these problems. A trained pelvic floor therapist will assess your muscles and teach you how to strengthen and relax them. Your provider may also use techniques like massage or biofeedback to help you see improvement and symptom reduction.
Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy During Pregnancy
Pelvic floor therapy is a powerful tool during pregnancy and beyond. Unfortunately, many expecting people don’t know that it exists and how helpful it can be. With a trained practitioner, this therapy is safe throughout pregnancy, but it is more effective the earlier you start.
- Less Tearing During Delivery
- Reduced Pain During Intercourse
- Shorter Labor
- Less Incontinence
In addition to the postural work and exercises in pelvic floor therapy, your provider will also help you with breathwork. Focused breathing techniques support your pelvic floor during labor and delivery for less trauma to the body and easier postpartum recovery.
Pelvic Floor Therapy in Portland, OR
Jewell Chiropractic serves clients from all over the Portland Metro area. Our services include not only pelvic floor therapy but also chiropractic care, massage therapy, and classes for parents. We invite you to reach out with any questions. And when you’re ready, you can book online at your convenience.
