The childbearing years are an exciting time. However, pregnancy and delivery may take a toll on a woman’s body. Physical therapists specializing in women’s health are trained to treat the aches and pains that accompany pregnancy, as well as bladder and bowel control issues, incontinence and pelvic pain. All of these may be a result of stress to the pelvic floor due to pregnancy, labor and delivery.
If you have had a previous vaginal delivery, you know that the sore and inflamed tissues of your pelvic floor post-delivery may make it painful to urinate, have a bowel movement, perform daily activities, or even stand and sit. Therapeutic ultrasound treatment relieves pain, decreases swelling and improves healing of the pelvic floor tissues, and is now available to mothers delivering at Altru’s Family Birthing Center in the days following a vaginal delivery.
How It Works
To perform the ultrasound treatment, specialized physical therapists apply the ultrasound for 7-8 minutes using a gel barrier sheet between your skin and the ultrasound tool in the privacy of your hospital room. This treatment has been highly effective in decreasing the pain and inflammation new mothers often experience in the pelvic floor area, and can actually hasten the healing process following a vaginal delivery.
Therapeutic ultrasound can be performed while you are still in the hospital after having your baby. It is also available on an outpatient basis after you are discharged from the hospital.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are interested in this treatment option. If you have questions regarding this treatment, please contact us at 701.780.2510.
