Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Most people have heard of physical therapy. It is quite common to go to physical therapy for sports injuries, after a surgical procedure, and many other reasons. But there is one type of physical therapy that you might not know much about--pelvic floor physical therapy! Ever since learning about it, I’ve become slightly obsessed with it. Why? Because many new parents are concerned about preparing themselves for a smooth pregnancy and delivery, and yet most do not know how the pelvic floor muscles are related to pregnancy and delivery. Pelvic floor physical therapy is therapy to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, and can include stretching and strengthening of pelvic floor muscles, the hips, and low back.

The benefits of pre- and postnatal pelvic floor physical therapy can include:

• Improved joint mobility
• Correction of muscle imbalance
• Improved body balance
• Better postural alignment
• Greater relaxation
• Stress relief

Patients who will benefit from pre- and postnatal therapy include those with:

• Backache
• Generalized spine pain
• Hip pain
• Joint disorder/difficulty walking
• Lumbago
• Lumbosacral radiculitis
• Lumbar sprain/strain
• Muscle spasm
• Musculoskeletal strain
• Low back/ pelvis pain
• Groin/ thigh pain
• Neck pain
• Pelvic instability and/or pain
• Piriformis syndrome
• Sacroiliac ligament strain
• Sciatica
• Broad Ligament Pain
• Diastasis Recti
• Endometriosis
• Posture Dysfunction
• Pubic Symphysis Separation/Subluxation
• Round Ligament pain

Doesn’t that long list show you just how many conditions pelvic floor physical therapy can treat related to pregnancy and the postpartum period?!

Meet Jenni Gabelsberg!

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In this discussion with pelvic floor physical therapist, Jenni Gabelsberg, we go into detail about what pelvic floor physical therapy is, why it matters, the benefits, and the process.

Looking for even more?

Jenni has a free masterclass called “The Four Step Framework to Recovering From Pregnancy."

Special products

You can also use specially designed products to find relief and support to your pelvic floor. These are two brands I highly recommend:

➡️Baby Belly Band by Cabea

➡️Belly Bandit

Seeing a physical therapist for wellness and optimal functioning can benefit you for years to come!

‍Pelvic floor weakness can lead to problems during throughout your lifetime. By learning how to optimize your strength and stability during pregnancy, you are not only equipping your body to handle childbirth in the best way possible, but you are also preparing it for future changes.

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