Bringing a baby into the world is life changing! While much attention is given to pregnancy and delivery, the healing process after birth is just as important.
Many women experience symptoms that they assume are normal after childbirth, but that does not mean they have to live with them.
Pelvic floor therapy for postpartum recovery is a safe, effective, and empowering way to restore strength, function, and confidence!
At Empower Physical Therapy Andover, women receive compassionate, one on one care designed specifically for the postpartum body. Our pelvic floor specialist, Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT, is highly experienced in postpartum recovery and understands the physical and emotional demands that follow childbirth. Whether you delivered vaginally or by cesarean, your body deserves proper rehabilitation.
If you are searching for pelvic floor therapy in the Andover area, this guide will help you understand how treatment works and why it can make such a meaningful difference in your recovery.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor After Pregnancy
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. These muscles play a key role in bladder control, bowel function, core stability, and sexual health.
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor supports the weight of a growing baby. Hormonal changes increase tissue laxity, and abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate your baby. During delivery, especially vaginal birth, the pelvic floor muscles experience significant strain.
Even women who deliver by cesarean section can develop pelvic floor dysfunction due to pregnancy related changes and abdominal surgery.
After childbirth, the pelvic floor may be weak, tight, uncoordinated, or painful. Without proper rehabilitation, symptoms can persist for months or even years.
Common Postpartum Symptoms Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Treat
Many women in our area experience symptoms after childbirth but hesitate to talk about them. These concerns are common and treatable.
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
- Pain with intercourse
- Low back pain
- Diastasis recti
- Core Weakness
- Scar discomfort after cesarean delivery
- Difficulty returning to exercise
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, postpartum pelvic floor therapy can help restore normal function and reduce discomfort.
Why Pelvic Floor Therapy Works for Postpartum Recovery
The body does not automatically return to its pre pregnancy state after delivery. Muscles that were stretched or weakened need guided strengthening. Tissues that are tight or scarred need mobility work. Movement patterns must be retrained.
Pelvic floor therapy works because it addresses the root causes of dysfunction rather than masking symptoms.
At Empower Physical Therapy Andover, Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT performs a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
- Assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination
- Evaluation of breathing mechanics
- Examination of abdominal muscles separation
- Posture and movement analysis
- Core strength testing
This thorough approach allows for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your body and your goals.
Restoring Pelvic Floor Strength and Coordination
One of the most well known components of pelvic floor therapy is strengthening. However, proper strengthening involves much more than simple contractions.
Many women perform pelvic floor exercises incorrectly or over recruit surrounding muscles. Others have muscles that are too tight rather than too weak.
Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT teaches you how to properly activate and relax your pelvic floor muscles. Treatment may include:
- Targeted muscle training
- Breathing coordination techniques
- Core stabilization exercises
- Functional strengthening movements
Improving coordination between the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor creates a stable foundation for movement.
Addressing Diastasis Recti and Core Weakness
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles separate to accommodate your growing baby. This separation is known as diastasis recti. While some separation is normal, persistent weakness can contribute to back pain, pelvic instability, and difficulty returning to exercise.
Postpartum physical therapy focuses on safely restoring abdominal strength without placing excessive strain on healing tissues.
At our Andover location, your program may include:
- Deep core activation
- Gradual load progression
- Postural correction
Rebuilding core strength improves both pelvic floor function and overall stability.
Managing Postpartum Incontinence
Leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise is common after childbirth, but it is not something you have to accept as permanent.
Pelvic floor therapy for urinary incontinence retrains the muscles responsible for bladder control. Through guided strengthening and coordination exercises, many women experience significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms.
Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT creates a comfortable and supportive environment where you can openly discuss these concerns and receive evidence based treatment.
Reducing Pelvic Pain and Scar Discomfort
Some women experience pain after delivery, including perineal discomfort, tailbone pain, or cesarean scar sensitivity.
Scar tissue can restrict mobility and contribute to tightness or pulling sensations. Manual therapy techniques and guided mobility exercises can improve tissue flexibility and decrease pain.
For women experiencing pain with intercourse, pelvic floor therapy can gently address muscle tightness and improve relaxation strategies.
Pain should not be considered a normal long term part of postpartum recovery. Targeted therapy can restore comfort and confidence.
Returning to Exercise Safely
Many women are eager to return to running, strength training, or group fitness classes after childbirth. However, jumping back into high intensity exercise too quickly can worsen symptoms such as leakage or pelvic pressure.
Postpartum pelvic floor therapy provides a structured progression back to activity. Your readiness is assessed based on strength, coordination, and impact tolerance.
At Empower Physical Therapy Andover, your plan is tailored to your lifestyle. Whether your goal is returning to competitive athletics or simply keeping up with your children, your therapy program supports safe progression.
The Emotional Impact of Postpartum Recovery
Physical symptoms after childbirth can affect emotional well being. Feeling disconnected from your body or frustrated by limitations is common.
Working with a knowledgeable provider who specializes in postpartum recovery can provide reassurance and confidence. Education is empowering. Understanding what is happening in your body and how to improve it reduces fear and uncertainty.
Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT is committed to providing compassionate care that respects your individual journey.
When Should You Start Pelvic Floor Therapy
Many women begin pelvic floor therapy around six weeks postpartum after medical clearance. However, some benefit from earlier guidance, especially if symptoms are significant.
Even if you are months or years postpartum, it is not too late to seek treatment. The body is capable of change and improvement at any stage.
If you live in Andover and are experiencing persistent postpartum symptoms, an evaluation at Empower Physical Therapy can help determine the best next steps.
Why Choose Empower Physical Therapy Andover
Choosing the right provider is essential for sensitive and specialized care. At our Andover location, you receive:
- One on one treatment sessions
- Private and comfortable treatment rooms
- Personalized rehabilitation plans
- Evidence based techniques
- A provider who specializes in pelvic floor therapy for postpartum recovery
Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of postpartum rehabilitation. Her approach combines clinical expertise with empathy and encouragement.
You will never feel rushed or dismissed. Your concerns are heard, and your goals guide your care.
Long Term Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy
Investing in postpartum pelvic floor therapy provides benefits that extend far beyond the early months after childbirth.
- Improved bladder control
- Stronger core stability
- Reduced risk of pelvic organ prolapse
- Enhanced comfort during intimacy
- Greater confidence in physical activity
Addressing these concerns early can prevent more serious issues later in life.
Take the Next Step in Your Postpartum Recovery
Your body accomplished something incredible. It deserves thoughtful and comprehensive care as it heals.
If you are searching for pelvic floor therapy in Andover, Kansas, Empower Physical Therapy is here to support you. With specialized care from Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT, you can rebuild strength, restore function, and feel confident in your body again.
Address: 338 S. Andover Rd STE 100
Andover, KS 67002
Phone: 316-348-2766
Call today or click here to schedule your evaluation and begin your personalized postpartum recovery plan at Empower Physical Therapy!
