A Deep Dive Into Postpartum Recovery from Pelvic Health Professionals in Howard County, Maryland
Rehab 2 Perform (Columbia, MD location) is off of route 29 and 32, minutes from I-95, neighboring The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and Lake Elkhorn. If you have questions about pelvic floor therapy or sports rehab, email Columbia@Rehab2Perform.com. Or, you can CLICK HERE to schedule a visit TODAY!
So, you’ve just rocked the whole “bringing a human into the world” thing, and now you're navigating the wild ride that is postpartum recovery. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been down this road before, it’s easy to feel a little unsure about what your body needs to fully bounce back. Enter pelvic floor therapy—your new best friend in postpartum recovery.
I get it: the thought of yet another appointment on top of diaper changes, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to be “you” again might feel overwhelming. But trust me, taking care of yourself is so important right now. Dr. Madi with R2P helps us dive into why pelvic floor therapy (PFT) is a total game-changer when it comes to postpartum recovery.
First, What Exactly is the Pelvic Floor?
Before we get into the therapy part, let’s break down what we’re even talking about here. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that acts like a hammock, holding up some pretty important organs (think bladder, uterus, and rectum). These muscles go through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth, and they need some TLC to get back in shape.
Madi explains that pelvic floor therapy helps restore, strength, and function, and can address postpartum issues like diastasis recti, pelvic pain, and leaking (hello, sneezing without fear). It can even get you back to activities like running or fitness classes—safely and confidently.
Postpartum Recovery & Pelvic Floor Therapy: A Dream Team
Now that we know what the pelvic floor is all about, let’s talk recovery. Here’s how pelvic floor therapy can help you heal, step by step:
Early Days: Rest, Breathe, and Reconnect: Those first few weeks postpartum? They’re all about rest and reconnecting with your body. You’re not going to jump straight back into workouts (even if you’re tempted!), but this is the time to start thinking about gentle breathing exercises. A pelvic floor therapist can teach you how to engage your core muscles, even while lying in bed or cuddling with your baby. It’s all about rebuilding that connection.
Diastasis Recti: The "Mom Pooch" Dilemma. Many moms (even years after childbirth) deal with diastasis recti, where your abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. While DR is common, it doesn’t have to be permanent! A pelvic floor therapist will work on strengthening your core in a way that helps close the gap and reduce that “mom pooch.” Think of this as the foundation for getting back to any higher-intensity activities down the road.
Pelvic Pain? No Thanks! Experiencing pelvic pain postpartum is super common, but it doesn’t have to be your new normal. If you’re feeling discomfort during everyday activities (or, ahem, intimacy), pelvic floor therapy can help loosen tight muscles, improve blood flow, and make everything a little more comfortable. Relief can be just a few sessions away.
Return to Running & Fitness: The truth is, every mama’s timeline is different. Pelvic floor therapists like Madi will evaluate your readiness based on strength, stability, and healing. The last thing you want is to jump back into running or intense workouts too soon, risking injury. You’ll work on gradually building up your strength, focusing on safe exercises that respect where your body is at now. With the right approach, you’ll get back to feeling strong and confident on that run again—without the worry of leaks or injury.
Make Time for Yourself Today: Contact Dr. Madi at Rehab 2 Perform in Columbia, MD
You might be thinking, “Do I really need this? Can’t I just rest and let things heal naturally?” While rest is definitely important, pelvic floor therapy gives you a targeted plan for recovery. It’s like having a guide that says, “Okay, here’s what we do next to make sure you’re not only healing but thriving.” Plus, pelvic floor issues don’t always go away on their own. If left untreated, they can lead to long-term problems like pelvic organ prolapse (no thanks!). Taking action early with PFT sets you up for better long-term health and wellness.
Mamas, you deserve to feel so strong! So, don’t forget: you’re worth the investment. Take the time for pelvic floor therapy, and give yourself the care you need to not just recover, but thrive in this new chapter of life. Schedule a visit TODAY!
