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.
Doesn’t that long list show you just how many conditions pelvic floor physical therapy can treat related to pregnancy and the postpartum period?!
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.
Jenni has a free masterclass called “The Four Step Framework to Recovering From Pregnancy."
You can also use specially designed products to find relief and support to your pelvic floor. These are two brands I highly recommend:
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.
Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS is a double board certified ObGyn and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, and founder of Babies After 35. In her roles as a clinician, educator and researcher at UTMB-Galveston, she focuses on the care of people with maternal and/or fetal complications of pregnancy. Dr. Clark has taken a special interest in pregnancy after the age of 35, which according to age alone, is considered a high-risk pregnancy.
Follow Shannon on TikTok @tiktokbabydoc, Facebook @babiesafter35, and Instagram @babiesafter35.
Check out the products for TTC through parenthood in the Babies After 35 Amazon shop, online courses and other services that come "Dr. Clark-approved"!
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