After Having A Cesarean, Do I Need Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

May 8, 2024

So you had your baby, congratulations! As a pelvic health physical therapist, I often get the question, “If I had a c-section, do I still need pelvic floor physical therapy?”. The answer is that pelvic PT is not just for those who birthed vaginally, it's also hugely beneficial for those who underwent a c-section. No matter how you gave birth, pregnancy affects the pelvic floor muscles. Also, you had major abdominal surgery so rehab is essential!

First, let’s go over some common symptoms and complaints after a cesarean:

  • Abdominal pain, numbness, or tingling
  • Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation), abdominal weakness
  • Urinary or fecal incontinence
  • Low back pain or pelvic pain
  • Pain with intercourse

These symptoms may be present due to muscle weakness, nerve damage or irritation, muscle tightness, scar tissue, and/or hormone imbalances among other things.

Here are some ways physical therapy can help:

  • Exercises to re-teach activation and coordination of the pelvic floor and deep abdominal (transverse abdominis) muscles
  • Manual techniques, dry needling and cupping to mobilize and improve scar tissue restrictions
  • Pelvic floor muscle coordination
  • Addressing bowel and bladder symptoms
  • Postural education

It is never too late to address cesarean scar dysfunction or pelvic floor symptoms. While it is beneficial to begin mobilizing the scar early, we can still make improvements even years later!

If you think you could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy, contact me at Activcore Littleton for a phone consultation to get your questions answered.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed in this post are based on the opinion of the author, unless otherwise noted, and should not be taken as personal medical advice. The information provided is intended to help readers make their own informed health and wellness decisions.

Dr. Rachel Gerton

Physical Therapist
Rachel Gerton is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) who specializes in pelvic health with a particular interest in helping pregnant and postpartum moms. She also enjoys treating kids and those experiencing pelvic pain. She works at Activcore in Denver, Colorado, located just one mile from the popular Cherry Creek Shopping District. She also works at Activcore in Littleton, Colorado, which is located inside the Womens Health Care Associates OBGYN clinic.
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