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The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Recovery from C-Sections

Auria Pelvic Health
Feb 204 min read

At Auria Pelvic Health, we believe in a transformative, whole-body approach to healing. When it comes to recovery after a cesarean section (C-section), this philosophy is especially important. A C-section is a major surgery, and while it helps bring new life into the world, it can also leave a woman’s body in need of significant healing.


That’s where pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) comes in—empowering women to heal from the inside out and reclaim their strength, vitality, and confidence.


In this blog post, we will explore the pivotal role pelvic floor PT plays in C-section recovery, highlighting the benefits and why it is essential for long-term wellness.


Understanding the Pelvic Floor and Its Role in Postpartum Recovery


The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the organs in your pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These muscles also play a critical role in controlling urinary and bowel function, as well as supporting sexual health. After childbirth—whether vaginal or C-section—the pelvic floor undergoes significant stress and may become weakened, imbalanced, or even injured.


While C-sections are a surgical delivery method that involves cutting through the abdominal wall and uterus, the pelvic floor still plays an important role in postpartum recovery. Women who deliver via C-section may experience pelvic floor issues such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or difficulty with sexual function. Pelvic floor PT can help address these issues and accelerate healing.


How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Supports C-Section Recovery


Pelvic floor PT is not just about kegel exercises. It’s a specialized form of therapy designed to support and restore pelvic health through a combination of manual techniques, exercises, and education. At Auria Pelvic Health, we take a holistic approach, treating the root causes of your symptoms and empowering you with the tools you need to feel your best.


Here’s how pelvic floor PT can assist with recovery after a C-section:


1. Reducing Scar Tissue and Adhesions

After a C-section, scar tissue and internal adhesions can form where the incision was made. These can cause pain, tension, and discomfort in the abdomen and pelvis.

Pelvic floor PT often involves manual therapy techniques, such as myofascial release and deep tissue massage, to break down scar tissue and promote better circulation. This can help reduce discomfort around the incision site and prevent the formation of long-term adhesions that may limit movement.


2. Restoring Core Strength

The core muscles, including the pelvic floor, are deeply affected by pregnancy and childbirth, and a C-section can exacerbate these changes. Pelvic floor PT addresses the core as a whole by strengthening both the deep abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor. This not only improves posture and stability but also aids in the recovery of abdominal strength, helping you regain control over your body.


3. Alleviating Pelvic Pain

Even though a C-section delivery is surgical and does not involve vaginal delivery, many women experience pelvic pain afterward. This can be due to muscle tension, nerve irritation, or pelvic misalignment. Pelvic floor PT can help ease pelvic pain by improving muscle function, relieving tension, and promoting proper alignment.


4. Improving Bladder and Bowel Control

During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles can be stretched or weakened, which can result in issues like urinary incontinence or bowel dysfunction. While C-section delivery may not directly impact the pelvic floor as much as vaginal birth, many women still experience these symptoms postpartum. Pelvic floor PT helps strengthen the pelvic muscles and restore proper bladder and bowel function, so you can regain control and live without limitations.


5. Promoting Safe Physical Activity

Once you’re cleared to exercise after your C-section, pelvic floor PT can help guide you in returning to physical activity safely.


The pelvic floor muscles need to be strong enough to support high-impact activities like running, jumping, or lifting. Working with a pelvic floor therapist can help you avoid injury while rebuilding strength and stamina.


6. Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-being

The physical recovery after a C-section is only one part of the process. Many women also experience emotional and mental challenges postpartum. Physical discomfort can compound stress, leading to feelings of frustration, fatigue, or even depression. Pelvic floor PT is a supportive, empowering experience that can also have positive mental health benefits. By actively participating in your healing, you can regain a sense of control and well-being, which can have a profound effect on your overall emotional recovery.


Why Auria Pelvic Health?


At Auria Pelvic Health, we’re dedicated to addressing the root causes of pelvic health issues. Our approach goes beyond simply alleviating pain; we empower our patients to prevent future complications and reclaim their vitality. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a C-section or looking to optimize your overall pelvic health, we offer expert care with a focus on long-term wellness.


Pelvic floor physical therapy is an essential part of C-section recovery. It helps reduce pain, restores function, and empowers women to return to their lives without limitations. We are here to support you at every step of your healing journey.


If you’ve had a C-section and are looking for expert pelvic floor therapy to support your recovery, contact Auria Pelvic Health today. Let us help you heal, regain strength, and feel your best!



Auria Pelvic Health

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 412

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone: 213-699-3996


You deserve to feel your best—let us help you get there.




Article Written By Dr. Sasha Speer, DPT


 
 
 

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