4 reasons why new moms should turn to virtual PT for their pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy

Having a baby is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences that a woman can have in her life. But the pregnancy takes a significant toll on the body, with the effects still lingering after childbirth. Once your child is born, it’s not easy to find the time, energy or motivation to focus on your physical health.

Nearly every part of your body is impacted during pregnancy and childbirth, especially your pelvic floor. It’s important that your body is healthy and functioning to the best of its ability. But new moms don’t have time in their exhausting schedules to go to a physical therapy clinic. The good news is that women’s health issues, like pelvic floor dysfunction, can be treated from your own home with virtual physical therapy.

We’ll discuss how new moms can develop pelvic floor dysfunction, how physical therapy can help and reasons why virtual pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy is beneficial.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissue that spans from your pubic bone to your tailbone, or coccyx. It works as a “hammock” to hold your bladder, bowels and uterus. Your pelvic floor muscles help you carry out essential bodily functions, such as urination and bowel movements. They also play a role in sexual function. 

When your pelvic floor muscles become weak, it can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction or disorders, which can cause:

• Urinary incontinence.
• Bowel strain or constipation.
• Pelvic pain.
• Discomfort during intercourse.

Why new moms develop pelvic floor dysfunction

Women are likely to develop pelvic floor disorder symptoms both during pregnancy and after giving birth. A study of postpartum women showed that 73.6% of the participants experienced pelvic floor disorder symptoms.

The pelvic floor muscles are weakened during pregnancy because they are weighed down as they support the growing baby. Your hormonal changes also cause the muscles in your cervix to become softer to prepare the body for giving birth. 

During a vaginal delivery, the muscles are stretched as the baby makes their way out of the vagina. The pressure is also increased during active pushing. If a woman has a cesarean delivery, the tissue in the pelvic floor can still be affected by the incision.

4 reasons why new moms should do virtual pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy

Moms can do nearly everything through the computer, from making pediatrician appointments to buying baby food. They can even get the physical therapy they need to help alleviate postpartum symptoms, such as pelvic floor dysfunction. Virtual physical therapy involves online sessions with a physical therapist through video calls on a mobile device. 

Pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy uses targeted exercises to help strengthen the pelvic and core muscles. The exercises help to reduce incontinence and constipation. They can also help alleviate pelvic pain that can interfere with your ability to carry out your responsibilities.

Here are four reasons why new moms should do virtual pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy:

• Convenience — Being a mom is a 24/7 job. Trying to fit anything into a packed schedule besides taking care of your family is nearly impossible. That’s on top of any schooling or job that you have. But virtual pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy is a flexible treatment option. You can do it from the comfort of your home — whether that means after your child goes to bed, between diaper changes or during your lunch break.

• Judgment-free space — It’s not always easy to share the personal issues that you’re having with your body, especially when the issues pertain to particularly intimate areas like your pelvis. But with virtual pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy, you can openly discuss symptoms in a judgment-free space from behind a screen as opposed to an unfamiliar environment with strangers.

• Education — Virtual pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy can help you learn about how to alleviate your pelvic pain and incontinence. It can also show you how to reduce the risk of developing the issues again, especially if you plan to have another childbirth. A physical therapist can teach you techniques for better bladder control as well as ergonomic adjustments that may affect your pelvic health, such as your posture in your chair.

• Home exercise program — One of the major benefits of virtual physical therapy is learning exercises that you can complete at home on your own time. You can also have access to video demonstrations that can walk you through exercises between virtual physical therapy sessions. By following a personalized home exercise program designed by your physical therapist, you can prioritize your pelvic health while still focusing on your family.

Agile Virtual PT provides pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy for new moms

Being a new mom is all about focusing on your child, but you can’t neglect your own health either. If you’re dealing with pelvic floor issues that are preventing you from carrying out your routines, it’s time to try out pelvic floor dysfunction physical therapy. At Agile Virtual PT, we help you treat your symptoms with a convenient, judgment-free and educational option through your computer. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.