There may be confusion between the roles of a physical therapist and a personal trainer; even the letters at the end of our names are very similar (PT for physical therapist and CPT for certified personal trainer). And to be honest, there is some overlap between the two professions. When you have an injury or are experiencing pain or a loss of body function, I highly recommend starting your healing journey with a visit to your local physical therapy clinic. Especially if the issue you want to fix is diastasis abdominals recti.
Identifying and Minimizing Diastasis Rectus Abdominus (DRA) in Pregnancy
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus (DRA), or abdominal separation, is very common during pregnancy. In fact, a study found that diastasis rectus abdominus “may affect up to 100% of pregnant women and it may persist in the immediate postpartum period in 35-60% of women.” By being aware of the existence of abdominal separation, which needs to occur to some degree to make room for the baby, you can start to prepare your core for birth and postpartum during pregnancy to reduce the effects of abdominal separation after birth.
Healing Postpartum: How Long Does It Really Take To Recover From Childbirth
There is a serious problem with postpartum care in America. What is it you ask? There is none! At least not the kind and amount that women should be getting after birth. Pregnancy is a long 9-month journey of hormonal, postural, muscular, and functional changes. Then you birth a baby, an event that stresses your entire system causing hormonal changes, physical changes, and possibly mental changes.
It’s inconceivable that women can just rest for 6 weeks and then “bounce back” to normal functional activities and exercise. Taking the time to build your foundation and slowly return to high-impact exercise reduces your risk of injury, pain, and incontinence postpartum.
What is Pudendal Neuralgia and Why Does It Happen?
Have you birthed a baby and now noticed some numbness, sharp burning pain, or a swollen feeling “down there”? Or maybe you're having a high incidence of urine or fecal incontinence? This may be Pudendal Neuralgia and unfortunately, this condition happens in about 32% of vaginal births.
Read moreThe 4th Trimester Revealed- What No One Talks About After Birth
The 4th trimester is a difficult period of adjustment where you may not be sure what's going on or how to deal with it. Most moms feel totally unprepared for this trimester. Surrounding yourself with a support system and healthcare professionals like a pelvic floor physical therapist can greatly improve the postpartum healing process.
Preventing & Recovering From A C-Section
Find out what is a C-section, How to Recover, and Chances at a VBAC.
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