Abdominal Therapy: Prenatal, Postpartum & Post-Surgery

Why Physical Therapy?

The “core” is the deep layer of muscles that runs from the shoulder girdle to the pelvic girdle. It plays a critical role in supporting the body as we move our arms, legs and spine. These core muscles can become weak for several reasons but specifically after carrying a baby or having a surgery.

Your body has just been through months of stress and you have a new life depending on you for survival, but don’t put yourself last! You need more attention than just a 6 week check up at the OB/GYN. First of all, it’s normal and healthy for the abdominals to stretch during pregnancy to make room for a growing baby. After giving birth, it’s not uncommon for these muscles to remain weak and feel different. It is important to strengthen these crucial core muscles that support the spine, hips and shoulders during movement. At Atlantic Physical Therapy, we have therapists trained in post partum abdominal wall care. This includes retraining the core from the bottom (pelvic floor and lower abdominals) to the top. We use breath work, taping techniques and bracing to help support your body as you strengthen your core and your body heals.

Along with diastasis recti, pregnant women & new mother’s may experience:

Upper back, pelvic girdle, and low back pain
Carpal/tarsal tunnel syndrome
Lower extremity edema
Mommy thumb
Postural changes
Plantar Fasciitis

Atlantic PT Center has several amazing therapists that specialize in women’s health. Learn more about them below:

Deepa Salvi – Prenatal & Postpartum Care, Lawrenceville location

Kim Kuiken – Prenatal & Postpartum Care, Pelvic Floor PT, Visceral Mobilization (for gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems), Freehold location

If you have had C-section or other abdominal surgery you should be seeing a physical therapist! Strong abdominal muscles are vital to the body’s ability to maintain an upright posture for sitting, standing and walking.

Following abdominal surgery, these muscles don’t always just “come back” on their own. Often it is difficult for a person to even get the abdominals to contract after surgery, so compensatory strategies develop. This leads to a forward or backward leaning position resulting in increased strain on the lumbar spine musculature or increased compression on the spinal joints.

Severe debilitating lumbar spine issues often develop years after an abdominal surgery, but this can be avoided. Talk to your doctor about when it is safe to begin physical exercise following your abdominal surgery or C-section. Once you are cleared, our trained therapists will help you with your posture and scar mobility. They will teach you how to use your breath in conjunction with your deep core muscles and pelvic floor so you can safely and comfortably to:

get out of bed
carry your baby
squat down to feed with your pet
lift a grocery bag
get up from the couch
return to your exercise routine and sports

Abdominal therapy might still be needed even if you haven’t had surgery or carried a baby.

A weak core in general can be the cause for back pain or spinal dysfucntion.

You may also be experiencing other symptoms that could be helped by PT, but might not be related to the abdominals. Tight hip flexors, weak glutes, or other issues could be the root cause of many different symptoms. You may be able to see one of our experienced PT’s in your local office without a prescription and they can evaluate and address these issues.

We also have specialized PT’s for the Pelvic Floor which can sometimes be the link in low back pain cases.

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