Postpartum Pain Is Common, and Often Ignored
Postpartum recovery through Virtual PT is now possible with Tribeca Physical Therapy. Life as a mom is tough and demanding, and taking care of a newborn is no easy feat. Because of the exhaustion, most moms tend to stay home, which isn't always helpful, especially if postpartum depression is also part of the picture.
Beyond the emotional side, there's a physical one too: recent research shows that 90% of women have lumbopelvic pain issues, and 75% of those cases are reported postpartum. While it may seem "OK" and common to have lumbopelvic pain after giving birth, there can be serious consequences if it isn't dealt with properly, especially if the pain persists after 90 days postpartum.
Reasons to Adopt an Active Postnatal Lifestyle
1. Increase endurance and improve cardiovascular health. During the third trimester, a heavy belly makes it hard to move around, and even a few minutes of walking can raise your heart rate and tire you out. Postpartum, your body readjusts, as you start moving gradually, your endurance increases and your cardiovascular fitness improves.
2. Prevent injury. As many as 68% of injuries in postpartum runners happen in the lumbopelvic region. According to a case study by JM Thein-Nissenbaum, persistent lumbopelvic pain can delay or prevent postpartum women from returning to an active lifestyle. That's why it's necessary for postpartum runners or active moms to get a pelvic floor evaluation before running again.
3. Strengthen the core. The lower back supports most of the body's weight, and the abs, paraspinal muscles, diaphragm, and pelvic floor make up the "core." During pregnancy, the muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments in the core can be damaged, leading to pain or swelling. After birth, strengthening the core and restoring its shape helps reduce lower back and pelvic pain.
4. Support a return to a healthy weight. Low back pain paired with difficulty returning to a healthy weight within six months of giving birth is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease or disability.
How Tribeca Supports Postpartum Recovery
Here at Tribeca Physical Therapy, our goal is to help postpartum moms return to a healthy weight, reduce and eventually remove lower back pain, and get back in shape both physically and mentally through Virtual PT.
Our Postpartum Recovery Virtual PT offer includes a complimentary 60-minute pelvic floor evaluation, along with 3-6 high-level physical therapy sessions incorporating clinical pilates and pelvic floor exercises for a stronger core.
Tribeca Physical Therapy is open for in-person physical therapy sessions and continues to offer Telehealth PT, or Virtual PT. Call us at (212) 406-8080 or message us to schedule your first session.