What You Need to Know Before Returning to Exercise Postpartum (PART TWO)

In Part one of returning to exercise post partum we discussed some general guidelines for returning to movement and some symptoms that might indicate you should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. In PART TWO let’s discuss what your pelvic floor physiotherapist considers when making an individualized plan with you as you return to movement and exercise.  

During your assessment your physiotherapist will start by asking you questions which cover important aspects of your previous activity (even those activities you enjoyed in your youth!), current activities, as well as any injuries you have had in the past.  We would like to know what you did prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and in the time since delivery. We will ask about what activities you want to do in the immediate post partum time and those you want to do in the future. This will help us determine your movement background and the steps we need to take to reach your goals.  

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Other questions and areas to expect your pelvic health physiotherapist to want to know about:

• Bowel and bladder health Your pelvic floor and deep core play a crucial role in supporting these very important functions. Even if symptoms are mild and intermittent, this should be addressed prior to higher intensity loading.  
• Other areas of discomfort or pain Common places women have concerns post partum are neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and feet.  
• Diastasis recti Otherwise know as abdominal separation.  And while it is completely normal to experience, diastasis recti should be addressed as part of your deep core function.
• Scar tissue C-section scar tissue or perineal scar tissue (if there was tearing or episiotomy) can be addressed starting at 6 weeks after giving birth.  
• Lifestyle factors such as sleep, everyday activities, and stress. These factors can play a role in energy levels and ability to engage in a movement program. 

After delivery it is important to make a practical plan that is appropriate for your body and will help you reach your goals. Seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist can get you on the right track to get where you want to be.