Pelvic floor therapy is often associated with vaginal births, but it is equally, if not more important, for moms who have just undergone a cesarean (c-section). While some people might associate the procedure as being a “shortcut”, no pun intended, to avoiding some of the challenges associated with childbirth, it still takes a tremendous toll on the body. Here are several reasons why pelvic floor PT is vital for post-C-section recovery.

• The pelvic floor muscles are more affected during pregnancy than the delivery. As the baby grows, the body starts to grip these muscles more in order to accommodate the size of the baby. This is why these muscles still need to be assessed and addressed.
• When a C-section happens, 7 layers of muscles are cut through in order to remove the baby from mom’s uterus. As a result, the incision forms right about our deepest core muscles as well as scar tissue through all of these layers making it harder to be able to fully engage our transversus abdominis and oblique musculature.
• The scar that forms after this surgery is right above all of our pelvic organs, the bladder, uterus and rectum. If there is any restriction, resulting in limited mobility to the fascia, a connective tissue layer that surrounds all the organs in the body, it can cause friction that can affect all of the organs below resulting in pelvic floor dysfunction.
• A restricted C-section may play a huge role in pain during intercourse. Because this scar is very close anatomically to the outermost layer of the vaginal opening, if there is restriction in the scar, it can result in gripping in that area because of the tension the scar may have.

Pelvic floor therapy is for vaginal birth and c-sections alike. By addressing any pelvic floor muscular restrictions and increasing mobility and sensitivity in your c-section scar, PT promotes faster and more efficient recovery to help prevent any further complications subsequent births could potentially lead to. If you have had a c-section, call us for a free consultation today so we can help support you in your postpartum journey and optimize your long term health and well being!