Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it can take a toll on a woman’s body, especially her pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, and they can become weakened or damaged during pregnancy and childbirth. Postpartum women who experience pelvic floor dysfunction may benefit from pelvic floor therapy in Tampa.
What is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles. The therapy involves exercises and techniques that aim to improve the strength, flexibility, and coordination of these muscles. Pelvic floor therapy can be useful for women who have weakened or damaged pelvic muscles due to pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, or aging.
How Pregnancy and Childbirth Affect the Pelvic Floor Muscles
During pregnancy, the weight of the growing baby puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which can cause them to weaken. Additionally, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can affect the connective tissues in the pelvic area, making them more lax.
During childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched and can be damaged, especially during a vaginal delivery. Women who have had an episiotomy or a tear during childbirth may experience more significant pelvic floor dysfunction.
Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after Pregnancy
Postpartum women who experience pelvic floor dysfunction may have the following symptoms:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking urine when coughing, sneezing, or laughing)
- Fecal incontinence (leaking stool)
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help Postpartum Women in Tampa
Pelvic floor therapy can provide numerous benefits to postpartum women who have pelvic floor dysfunction. Some of these benefits include:
- Reduced Pain: Pelvic floor therapy can help relieve pain in the pelvic area, lower back, and hips.
- Improved Bladder and Bowel Control: Pelvic floor therapy can help improve bladder and bowel control by strengthening the muscles that control these functions.
- Enhanced Sexual Function: Pelvic floor therapy can help improve sexual function by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area and improving muscle tone.
- Faster Recovery from Childbirth: Pelvic floor therapy can help women recover faster from childbirth by improving muscle strength and flexibility.
Pelvic Floor Therapist in Tampa
If you’re a postpartum woman experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, finding a qualified pelvic floor therapist in Tampa is essential. Look for a therapist who has specialized training in pelvic floor therapy and has experience treating postpartum women. Your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and needs, helping you improve your pelvic muscle function and get back to enjoying an active lifestyle. Here are a few that I recommend:
- Bloom Pelvic Therapy
Bloom Pelvic Therapy is a clinic located in both South Tampa and Lutz. The therapist there treat a variety of pregnancy and postpartum conditions such as pelvic pain, low back pain, labor and postpartum preparation, constipation, inability to fully empty bladder, diastasis recti, resuming comfortable intercourse, caesarian section recovery, episiotomy, pelvic pain, and urinary or fecal leaking. Pelvic floor therapy can include as much or as little as you desire. They typically utilize techniques such as external manual therapy, internal manual therapy (although helpful, it is not necessary), and personalized exercises and education to reach your goals. - She Blooms
She Blooms Physical Therapy is a private practice devoted to women for physical therapy and wellness services. Dr. Lynn specializes in preventative and rehab care for pregnancy and postpartum women, as well as treatment of abdominal and pelvic dysfunctions in which symptoms can lead to bladder and bowel disorders, pelvic pain, sexual pain/dysfunction. Care is given in the office or at home. - Fourth Trimester Wellness
Fourth Trimester Wellness is a holistic pelvic floor therapy practice that specializes in prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum care. They help women feel their very best in any stage of life. With use of manual therapy, craniosacral therapy and exercise prescription, they individualize care by treating the whole person.
In conclusion, pelvic floor dysfunction is a common problem among postpartum women, but it can be treated with pelvic floor therapy. If you’re in Tampa and experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction after pregnancy, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified Tampa pelvic floor therapist. With the right treatment plan, you can regain control of your pelvic muscles and enjoy a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Want more Tampa content? Read the articles below:
Top 10 Postpartum Recovery Essentials for Tampa Moms
Holistic Pediatricians in Tampa
Pediatric Chiropractors in Tampa: Promoting Optimal Health for Your Little Ones
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