Becoming a mother is an exciting and miraculous journey. From pregnancy to childbirth, every step is a unique experience. However, the postpartum period can bring a host of challenges as the body recovers from labor and delivery. Postpartum physical therapy in Minnesota (MN) is here to help you regain strength, functionality, and confidence after childbirth. In this in-depth guide, we'll highlight the importance of postpartum physical therapy, explore some of the best clinics in MN, and share helpful exercises you can do at home.
Why Postpartum Physical Therapy?
Postpartum physical therapy is designed to address the physical challenges that new mothers may face following childbirth. These challenges can include muscle weakness, incontinence, and pelvic pain, among others. By working with a trained physical therapist, new moms can learn strategies and exercises to strengthen their body and regain control.
Some common postpartum issues that can be addressed through physical therapy include:
Diastasis Recti: This is a separation of the abdominal muscles that can lead to core weakness and back pain.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Postpartum physical therapy can help strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles that may have been weakened or damaged during pregnancy and childbirth.
Urinary Incontinence: New moms may experience involuntary leakage of urine due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or other factors.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This condition occurs when the pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder, drop from their normal position due to weakened muscles and ligaments.
Back Pain: New moms may experience back pain due to weakened core muscles, hormonal changes, or carrying their new baby.
Top MN Postpartum Physical Therapy Clinics
- Twin Cities Physical Therapy & Wellness (Minneapolis/St. Paul): This clinic offers a comprehensive postpartum physical therapy program to help new moms address any lingering pain, incontinence, or dysfunction.
- The Women's Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic (Rochester): Known for its excellent care, Mayo Clinic's Women's Health Clinic provides specialized physical therapy services for postpartum patients.
- Viverant (multiple locations): With several locations in the Twin Cities metro area, Viverant offers postpartum physical therapy services tailored to each patient's specific needs.
Home Exercises for Postpartum Recovery
In addition to seeking professional help from a physical therapist, there are several exercises new moms can start doing at home to facilitate their recovery.
pelvic floor exercises
Also known as kegel exercises, these help in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, reducing incontinence, and improving sexual function. Start by contracting the muscles as if you were stopping the flow of urine, hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times daily.
Bridges
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Gently engage your abdominal muscles and lift your hips off the floor, keeping your feet and shoulders firmly in place. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. This exercise helps in strengthening the lower back and glutes.
Heel Slides
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Slowly slide one heel along the floor, extending your leg while keeping your lower back and pelvis stable. Return the leg to the starting position and repeat on the other side. This exercise helps to improve hip mobility and stabilize the core muscles.
Recovering from childbirth can be a challenging process, but with the help of postpartum physical therapy in MN, new moms can regain their strength, functionality, and confidence. Not only do these therapy programs address specific issues like muscle weakness and incontinence, but they also provide guidance on exercises that can be done at home. By seeking the help of a trained physical therapist and incorporating these exercises into a daily routine, new moms can look forward to a smoother and healthier postpartum journey. Don't forget to share this guide with fellow new moms and explore other guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy to continue learning and promoting a strong recovery!
