POSTPARTUM REHABILITATION

ABDOMINAL SEPARATION

Called Rectus Diastasis.

Most women are worried about Rectus Diastasis or the ‘gap’ between the ‘six-pack’ muscles after pregnancy and birth. During either an ‘Abdominal Separation Screening’ or a ‘Postpartum Screening’ our Physiotherapist’s can assess the gap between your ‘six-pack’ muscles, the tension between them and how you functionally control the pressure in your abdomen. Based on the assessment outcomes our Physiotherapist’s can guide you through further rehabilitation if required.

4-6 WEEK PELVIC FLOOR ASSESSMENT

Our Postpartum Screening appointments are generally offered between 4-6 weeks post birth. During this appointment your Physiotherapist will ask you a series of questions surrounding your pelvic health (bladder/bowel/sexual function/prolapse/exercise), assess your abdominal separation and your pelvic floor muscle function & anatomy. Based on your assessment outcomes your Physiotherapist will discuss any concerns and guide you through your rehabilitation. Your Physiotherapist will also provide exercise clearance for exercises that are suitable for your stage of recovery and anatomy. Clearance from your Obstetrician and/or your GP at your 6-week appointment does not mean your body is ready to return to all types of exercise.

RETURN TO EXERCISE

Return to exercise safely whilst rehabilitating your pelvic floor with the help of our Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists.

Reasons to see a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist:

  • Urinary Incontinence affects 2 in 3 women after birth (Continence Foundation Australia, 2019)

  • Pain during or after sex can affect up to 62% of women after childbirth (Rosen & Pukall, 2016)

  • 50% of women after 1 vaginal delivery will have a pelvic organ prolapse (Continence Foundation Australia, 2019)

Rachel’s 12-Week Postpartum Exercise Program - FITT BEYOND PREGNANCY is the perfect place to start. Written exclusively by Rachel, this program safely return’s you to exercise whenever you feel ready - whether that is 1 week postpartum or 2 years postpartum. Rachel has based her program off the most up to date evidence to ensure you rehabilitate your body and can transition back into everyday exercise following her 12-week guide.