PHYSIOTHERAPY ESSENTIALS

A thorough, one-hour face-to-face initial appointment with a pelvic health physiotherapist where we usually:

• Gather relevant details of past medical and obstetric history.

• Identify and manage any pelvic health concerns (e.g., leakage or constipation).

• Assess and manage any musculoskeletal pain (e.g., hip pain).

• Abdominal wall assessment

• Postural assessment

• Education, tips and tricks to help guide physiotherapy treatment.

• Re-assessment of pelvic floor muscles and other musculoskeletal exercises to confirm technique.

• Progression of exercises if appropriate.

• Follow-up discussion and education for pelvic health concerns.

• Relevant discussion of pelvic floor muscle techniques for vaginal deliveries.

• Discuss the benefits of perineal massage.

• Education for postpartum recovery (e.g., when to recommence pelvic floor exercises, how to get out of bed, lifting restrictions, etc.).

An important telehealth appointment (phone or video) done from the comfort of your own home at 2 weeks postpartum.

• Discuss birth and early postpartum recovery.

• Provide advice for any concerns/complaints that you may be experiencing (e.g., sore back, mastitis, or sore wrists).

• Reminder of relevant early postpartum recovery essentials like horizontal rest, posture when holding baby, etc.

An essential postpartum check to see how your body is healing so that intervention can be implemented early before scar tissue sets in.
This appointment often includes:

• Assessment of pelvic floor post-delivery

• Assessment of abdominal separation (DRAM)

• Discussion of any bladder, bowel, or pelvic health concerns

• Discussion of exercise and movement goals including individualised assessment guide rehabilitation