Benefits of postpartum physical therapy

Your body has just gone through an impressive journey: growing a baby and giving birth. Over months of weight gain, stretching muscles, an ever-changing center of gravity, and your internal organs moving to make way for baby, it’s likely that you didn’t always feel your best. Now that your little sweetie is here, though, you’re probably looking forward to your body returning to normal.

Not so fast. If you’ve ever been in a fender-bender, you may know that even a small bump can cause whiplash and backache that take weeks or months to resolve. Similarly, after the months of nonstop physical changes you’ve just been through, your body may also need extra help to heal. And physical therapy may be the answer you’re looking for.

Why new moms seek physical therapy

After giving birth, many women experience physical changes they’ve never dealt with before. In addition to the physical stress your body has gone through, you may have new issues that contribute to increased pain and discomfort. As you care for your newborn, poor sleep and nutrition, altered body mechanics, and psychological stress may take their toll.

This is a good time to talk to your doctor (or primary healthcare provider) about how physical therapy can help resolve:

• Back pain
• C-section or episiotomy incision, or perineal tear
• Diastasis recti (a separation of the large abdominal muscles)
• Pelvic floor weakness
• Pelvic pain
• Prolapse of pelvic organs
• Scarring
• Urinary or fecal incontinence

What to expect

Pregnancy support

If you’re planning on a baby or recently found out you’re pregnant, Premera has you covered. Check out your maternity benefits, get personalized support, and explore our online Team Mom Kit.

Learn more

Much physical therapy postpartum is the same as you would have at another time of life:

• Therapeutic exercise
• Posture, lifting techniques, and biomechanics
• Hands-on assessment and manipulation
• Soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, deep tissue massage
• Biofeedback

Pelvic physical therapy is useful after pregnancy and delivery. In this type of treatment, a physical therapist can help you strengthen your pelvic floor and re-train your abdominal function.

Physical therapy benefits are part of every Premera healthcare plan. If your doctor agrees that physical therapy is right for you, they’ll let you know how to get started.