Subtle Changes Your body May Experience after a Difficult Birth
After a difficult birth experience, the body initiates a protective response, an increase in sympathetic drive in the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Increased sympathetic drive leads to changes in:
-Breathing patterns
-Muscle tone & tension
-Pain levels
-Visceral mobility (organs like your bladder, uterus and bowel!)
These changes can impact pelvic floor health as well as overall health by creating excess muscular tension and systematic stress. If you are experiencing pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or hips, increased tension anywhere in the body, or changes in bowel, bladder, and/or gastrointestinal function after your delivery, it is time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist to help your body heal!
How can physical therapy help?
-Specific movements in clinic and at home to optimize breathing patterns, strength, and mobility
-Massage/bodywork to reduce muscle tension, increase scar tissue mobility, and increase visceral mobility
-Extensive education to empower you in your body and give you the tools you need your to heal
-Techniques to improve nervous system balance and stress response
If you or someone you know has had a difficult birth experience, we can help!
(P.S. : once postpartum, always postpartum! It’s never too late to seek help!)