Written by: Marissa Lukas
"Being pregnant is so uncomfortable!"
"Don't make me laugh - I'll pee!"
"Things just don't feel the same since I had kids."
Sound familiar? While these issues may be common for many women, they do not have to be viewed as the "new normal" for you. Pregnancy and childbirth can do a number on your pelvic floor. It can cause urinary incontinence, a separation of the abdominal muscles, and pain, among other things. Oh, the things we do for our beloved little ones! The good news is, physical therapy can help.
As a mother of four children, a childbirth educator, and a doula, I have experience both personally and professionally with many of these complaints and offhand remarks. Since receiving care for my abdominal separation (diastasis rectus abdominis) at ATI Women's Health in Joliet, I try to spread the word and help others find strength and relief through physical therapy.
A physical therapist can assess, treat, and educate their patients for various reasons pertaining to the body. More specifically, women may benefit from physical therapy services to treat pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum care, and pre- and post-surgical care. With a range of treatment options available, there is hope for whatever ails you.
Don't settle for just dealing with the changes in your body. Do something about it. Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral for physical therapy, and see what it can do for you. You'll be glad that you did!
