PFPT: The Dirty Details

Truth: Until I joined the right mom group on Facebook, I had never heard of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT). Even then, I didn’t know what to expect until I actually had my first appointment. PFPT has made a world of difference for me, and I want to make sure all moms are in the know. It can help in so many ways, and it is not as scary as it sounds. In some countries, it’s actually standard for ALL mothers to see a pelvic floor physical therapist (also known as a women’s health physical therapist) in the weeks after giving birth to assess potential damage to and assist in the recovery of your pelvic floor. The below information is based on my personal experience after going through 2 months (and counting) of PFPT.*

Why PFPT?

After having a baby, you can have lots of different symptoms that your OBGYN may brush off but are not necessarily pleasant or normal. You might see a PFPT if you suspect that you have pelvic organ prolapse (feelings of pressure, bulging), if it’s painful for you to have sex or use the bathroom, or if you suffered a severe tear/traumatic birth. They can also help you with other common postpartum ailments like diastasis recti.

Prepare to Get Schooled

During your first visit, your PT will likely show you models and diagrams to explain exactly what your pelvic floor actually is. There will probably be mostly talking during this session, and you will get the chance to explain all of your symptoms. There may also be some questionnaires depending on what your symptoms are that will help the PT assess your level of pain, how much your symptoms are interfering with your life, and overall set a baseline that will help them measure your improvement over time. There is going to be A LOT of information, so I recommend keeping some notes in your phone of their thoughts, suggestions, etc. or asking for copies of any flyers/diagrams they show you so you can stay on top of your care.

Up Close and Personal

In addition to talking it out, prepare to have an internal assessment and regular internal “work” done. Your PFPT will gently pinpoint several different internal muscles, checking for placement, tightness, etc. They will also help you do a kegel correctly and see if you are able to give a strong squeeze, hold it, and fully relax. If you do have tight muscles or sensitive scar tissue, you can expect subsequent internal work during your sessions. It might be awkward at first, but don’t worry - they do this all day long! The PT will try to work out your tight muscles so that they are less tense and desensitize your scar tissue. This can cause some soreness, like the kind you’d feel after a workout. The actual exams may also be uncomfortable, especially if the reason you’re visiting the PFPT is for pelvic pain. Try to do some deep breathing to get through it if it does become painful for you, and make sure you are communicating any pain to your PT.

Homework

No matter how often you are seeing your PT, you can’t change your life with 2 hours a week! The PT will likely give you exercises to do at home and advice on how to carry out daily tasks in a safer way. Make sure you try to stick to your “homework” – following the advice given to me during my sessions has made such a difference for me! I used to be in almost constant pain, but I’m slowly improving and feeling more normal as the days go on. My PT also stressed the idea of going at my own pace and listening to my body; if any of the exercises she has given me cause pain, I STOP and let her know that I won’t be continuing that until it becomes comfortable. The exercises will likely be some variation of kegels, light yoga poses, diaphragmatic breathing, and maybe light abdominal exercise, but it will all be tailored to your individual needs. This is never going to be a one-size-fits all thing.

If you are feeling down about lasting pain or other symptoms after birth, I strongly encourage you to seek out a PFPT for help. I didn’t believe I would ever get better until I started seeing my PFPT, and I have now gained hope for the future and a clearer idea of my own physical boundaries at this time.

*Please note, I am not a medical professional, and this is NOT medical advice. All information in this post is based on my own personal experience, and your experience may vary.

#truthmom