Women commonly experience muscle and joint pain postnatally and the following are contributing factors:
- Weakness of the lower abdominal and pfm in both vaginal and caesarian deliveries
- Long periods spent sitting whilst feeding the baby can contribute to tightness in the upper body
- The presence of the hormone relaxin in the weeks post delivery and whilst breast feeding loosens ligaments which are then more vunerable to spains and strains
- Unaccustomed lifting and bending over cots, car seats etc.
What do we treat?
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness, prolapse and stress incontinence
- Lower back pain
- Thoracic spine pain
- Neck and upper shoulder pain and stiffness
- Tendanitis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfuntion
What will be involved in the treatment?
For pelvic floor muscle weakness:
- This may involve an internal examination to assess the strength of your muscles
- The physiotherapist may use a special machine called a Myedin to assist with muscle contraction
- Home exercises for the pelvic floor and lower abdominals will be given
- Advice will also be given on how to cope with stress incontinence (leaking when coughing or sneezing).
Other conditions - treatment may include:
- Advice on back care whilst feeding and lifting your baby
- Advice on posture
- Exercises to improve muscle control around the pelvis and spine
- Mobilisations and streyches for stiff joints and the spine
- massage
- Electrotherapy
