Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

*Updated 10/2022

What is pelvic floor physical therapy?

Most people have heard of physical therapy (PT). 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! I’ve become slightly obsessed with it educating on the benefits of pelvic floor PT. 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 key factor in pregnancy and childbirth.

Pregnant and postpartum individuals should be aware of the role of pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction in the development of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Pregnancy and labor and delivery are risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse in the future. Urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence (AI), or sexual disfunction are associated with POP. These conditions can significantly affect one's quality of life, which makes learning how to prevent pelvic-floor trauma during labor and addressing the health of the pelvic floor muscles in the postpartum period key in preventing pelvic floor dysfunction subsequent POP.

‍Benefits of pre- and postnatal pelvic floor PT:

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

Conditions managed with pelvic floor PT:

• 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

Meet Jenni Gabelsberg!

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In this discussion with pelvic floor physical therapist, Jenni Gabelsberg, we go into detail about all things pelvic floor PT!

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 pelvic floor physical therapist for pregnancy and postpartum wellness can benefit you for years to come! ‍Pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to problems throughout your lifetime. By learning how to optimize your strength and stability during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, 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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