Pelvic Floor Therapy After Delivery
The new standard of care following pregnancy and delivery
In order to be able to take the best care of your baby, you need to take care of yourself first. In Europe, the standard of care for every postpartum mom is to receive pelvic floor strengthening after she delivers a baby. The goal is to strengthen and rehabilitate the muscles of the pelvic floor thereby reducing the occurrence of postpartum incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. It will also work towards helping restore sexual function.
Postpartum women are especially vulnerable to pelvic floor dysfunction due to the physical act of childbirth. Whether a baby is delivered vaginally or via c-section, the changing hormones, impact from carrying a growing baby for 9 months, and injury from childbirth can all cause problems that Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help address. Common postpartum problems include urinary and/or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sacroiliac joint instability, diastasis rectus abdominis, and core weakness.
Common reasons new mothers need pelvic floor therapy
- Diastasis recti
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Sacroiliac joint instability
- Fecal incontinence
- Core weakness
Diastasis Recti (partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis, or “six-pack” muscles, which meet at the midline of your stomach) is very common and occurs in 33-60% of pregnant and postpartum women.
60% of postpartum women reported stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
64.3% of women reported sexual dysfunction in the first year following childbirth.
Weakening of the muslces and tissues in the pelvis. This allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop or press into or out the vagina.
Instability and too much movement of the sacroiliac joint can cause the pelvic to feel unstable and lead to pain.
Inability to control bowel movements.
The core gets weak or tight when the muslces are not properly strenghened or mobilized.
BACK PAIN
77%
of women have lower back pain that interferes with daily tasks.
DYSFUNCTION
64.3%
of women report sexual dysfunction in the first year following childbirth.
INCONTINENCE
60%
of women report incontinence with coughing, sneezing, laughing or jumping.
RECTI DIASTASIS
30 – 60%
of women experience partial or complete separation of the abdominis muscles.
FAQs
What offices offer pelvic floor physical therapy?
We offer physical therapy at our Manhattan Beach and Rolling Hills offices. Speak to our staff members, call us or chat with us to book your first appointment.
Will my insurance cover physical therapy?
Physical therapy is typically covered by insurance, but it is recommended to discuss your specific benefit coverages directly with your insurance.
Do I need a referral from my OB/GYN?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may need a referral from your primary care physician or one of our doctors.
When is the best time to start physical therapy?
At your 6-week postpartum check-up.
Meet, Natalie Padveen

Care Values
As your pelvic floor physical therapist, my goal is to provide you a safe environment where your most personal medical issues can be addressed comfortably. I want to provide as much education as possible and empower my patients to take an active role in their care. It is in this way that you will best reach your goals and achieve the results you seek. If feel that it is important to include the patient in every aspect of their care, providing them with as much education as possible, so that they can make informed well educated decisions. I feel that the patient needs to be just as responsible as the therapist in working hard to attain their desired goals.
Appointment Availabilities:
Long Beach office, Manhattan Beach office
Languages:
English, Spanish
School:
McGill University, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy | 1992
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