Physical therapy is gaining broader acceptance as a frontline treatment for childbirth-related pelvic floor disorders, signaling a shift in how providers approach postpartum recovery.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) is a common complication following vaginal childbirth, affecting the muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Left untreated, it can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.
Pelvic floor symptoms are common in the third trimester, with up to 42% of women reporting prolapse or incontinence. Approximately one in ten women who have vaginal deliveries end up requiring surgical intervention to manage their PFD.
Studies show the pelvic floor can stretch to more than three times its normal length during vaginal delivery. This level of strain may lead to tearing, nerve damage, and lasting dysfunction, which can present as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, back or pelvic pain, and reduced sexual function.
Physical therapy focused on peripartum musculoskeletal and neuromuscular changes is increasingly recognized for its role in preventing long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) is non-invasive, carries minimal risk, and reflects standard care models in fields like orthopedics.
Led by physical therapist Nikki J. Ron, a collaborative framework is emerging that unites therapy services with obstetrics and urogynecology. The intent is clear: normalize early intervention to support healing and reduce the need for more invasive care later.1
As PFPT gains traction, more healthcare systems are moving toward multidisciplinary care models integrating rehabilitation into standard postpartum protocols. Early intervention improves physical outcomes and supports mental health and long-term quality of life. The continued adoption of pelvic floor rehabilitation may soon redefine what’s considered comprehensive postpartum care.
Sources:
- Advancing Care for Childbirth‑Related Pelvic Floor Disorders.” Mayo Clinic, 30 May 2024, mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/obstetrics-gynecology/news/advancing-care-for-childbirth-related-pelvic-floor-disorders/mqc‑20567811.
