Excel PT: Pelvic Health

Excel PT: Pelvic Health

EXCEL PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICIAN UPDATE

A Courtesy Publication for the Medical Community

EXCEL PHYSICAL THERAPY PELVIC HEALTH PROGRAM: EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY

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EXC PHYS

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Excel Physical Therapy Pelvic Health

We al l know that exercise has many health benefits, but many women are unsure of how to approach exercise when they become pregnant. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Women with uncomplicated pregnancies should be encouraged to engage in aerobic and strength-conditioning exercises before, during, and after pregnancy.” In the absence of any medical or obstetric complication or contraindication, physical activity during pregnancy is safe and encouraged. Benefits of exercise during pregnancy include

Michelle Fritz, PT, DPT Excel PT - Blue Bell

lower incidences of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension (preeclampsia), as well as reduction of depressive disorders in the post-partum period. There are also benefits for the fetus that include lower incidence of preterm birth, lower incidence of cesarean birth and lower incidence of lower birth weight babies. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Examples of exercises that have been extensively studied to be safe and beneficial for your patients during pregnancy are walking, stationary cycling, aerobic exercises, dancing, resistance exercises, stretching exercises, and water aerobics. A pelvic health physical therapist can assist in establishing safe exercise parameters throughout the stages of pregnancy and post-partum for your patients. Many pregnant women can develop orthopedic conditions during pregnancy secondary to weight gain, reduced balance and ligamentous laxity. More than 60% of pregnant women experience low back pain during their pregnancy. An evaluation with a pelvic health physical therapist can assist in treatment of mid and low back pain, as well as pelvic pains associated with pregnancy. At Excel, we are able to spend 1 hour sessions one-on-one with our patients which allows us to focus on each patient’s individual needs and ensure safe completion of exercise. Pelvic health physical therapists

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CEL PHYSICAL THERAPY ICIAN UPDATE

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Program: Exercise During Pregnancy

have specialized training in pregnancy and post-partum related conditions, so we can also provide education on laboring positions, pelvic recovery following a vaginal or cesarean birth and appropriate peripartum and post-partum exercises. It is also encouraged that a woman return to physical therapy 6 weeks post-delivery to reduce diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles), as well as to work on pelvic floor, core and back muscle strength, and posture. If your patients are pregnant or post-partum and would like to learn more about appropriate exercise, refer them to Excel PT for pelvic health physical therapy.

References: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015). ACOG committee opinion no. 650: Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartumperiod. Obstetrics &Gynecology, 126(6), e135-42. Doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001214 U.SDepartment of Health andHuman Services (2018). Physical activity guidelines for americans 2nd ed. https://health.gov/paguidelines

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Patient Success Spotlight

“...I returned to PT and have continued to improve my strength and reduce my pain...”

“While pregnant with twins, I saw Michelle for pelvic and hip pain. Having 2 toddlers at home while pregnant with twins definitely had its challenges, and Michelle was able to modify my sessions based on my needs which were ever-changing. The

insights she provided benefited me in becoming more mindful with my movements and allowed me to remain active with my daughters during my last trimester. This was my third delivery and probably the best one because I was able to apply the techniques I learned! 6 weeks post-partum, I returned to PT and have continued to improve my strength and reduce my pain so that I now feel healthy and strong again!” - J.C. Other Conditions That Can Benefit From Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

• Coccydynia • Pelvic Organ Prolapse • Hernia • Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery • Interstitial Cystitis • Chronic Prostatitis • Overactive Bladder • Bladder Pain Syndrome • Erectile Dysfunction

• Vulvodynia • Vaginismus • Dyspareunia • Endometriosis • Pregnancy

• Post-partum (Vaginal or Cesarean delivery) • IBS / Crohn’s / Ulcerative Colitis • Pudendal Neuralgia

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