pregnancy and
postpartum
Bringing new life into the world is a joyful and momentous event that deserves a celebration. However, pregnancy and childbirth puts a considerable amount of strain on a woman’s body. The pelvic, core, and hip muscles change drastically throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy can have numerous benefits. Strengthening your pelvic floor prior to birth has been shown to reduce postpartum complications. If you have low back pain, hip pain, sciatica, abdomen pain or groin pain; pelvic floor therapy can help.
Common conditions include:
Nocturnal enuresis (Bedwetting)
Fecal and urinary incontinence
Constipation
Pelvic Pain
Encopresis (Poop Withholding)
prepare your pelvic floor
Dr. Courtney James is passionate about labor prep and helping women maintain an active lifestyle throughout pregnancy. Your pelvic floor is going to change and stretch throughout your pregnancy. Taking care of your physical health and pelvic floor helps to prepare you both mentally and physically for your postpartum recovery. Maintaining stability throughout your pregnancy can reduce late stage pregnancy and postpartum discomfort.
Yes, it’s completely normal to think
“I hate being pregnant.” or “I don’t recognize my body.”
You are not alone and it does not need to lay guilt on you mama. Maybe there is something I can do to help, your body has been
doing so much and you should have a beautiful pregnancy and
postpartum experience, so let’s see what we can do.
postpartum recovery
Postpartum pelvic floor recovery is more than just “doing kegels.” Every pregnancy and body is different. A comprehensive whole body assessment is essential to aid in the return of your normal daily activities.
Following birth some women may experience painful sex, urinary leaking, back/hip pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and stomach muscle separation (diastasis recti). Multiple births can cause your pelvic floor symptoms to worsen.
The pelvic floor is made up of muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, prostate, vagina and bladder. Many people do not realize their condition is treatable or are too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with their doctor. Rest assured, we will work with you in a safe and understanding environment to help you regain function or address specific symptoms.
Your pelvic health care team will help diagnose the cause of your pelvic floor dysfunction and establish a care plan, which includes pelvic floor therapy.
Benefits of physical therapy include:.
A personalized treatment plan to meet your goals
Reduced use of medications
Possible prevention of surgery
Improved comfort and pleasure with intimacy
Improved ability to exercise with confidence
Ask about our Mama Care Bundles packages and pricing.
Postpartum Depression can be treated with counseling, antidepressants, or hormone therapy. The sooner you start treatment, the better. If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you should call your doctor, nurse, or midwife. You know yourself the best so don’t be afraid to be heard.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition that can occur with PPD. Symptoms include extreme agitation, insomnia, hearing voices, and extreme paranoia or suspiciousness. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you should call your doctor or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately.
we’re here to answer
your questions
If these do not answer your question to your satisfactory or if you have any more questions please do not hesitate to call 406.702.2779
At Heart & Sole Therapy we accept all major insurances including but not limited to:
Medicaid
Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Pacific Source
Allegiance
United Healthcare/Optum
Tricare
Please do not hesitate to call, we would be happy to answer any concerns you may have.
No! Montana is a direct access state meaning you are able to be seen without a physician referral. However, if you are wanting to utilize your insurance, most insurances
require a physician’s referral.
We accept all major insurances but if we are not in network with your insurance, we offer discounted self pay packages.
For quotes or package questions please reach out to our team to assist you.
How you/your child spends time in therapy varies by visit, but here is a general structure most appointments follow.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, we should talk. While these issues can be common it does not mean you have to live with them.
Do you leak urine or stool when coughing, sneezing, or during exercise?
Does your bladder have the “gotta go” feeling resulting in leakage or going to the bathroom several times a day?
Do you experience pain with intercourse?
Do you feel pressure in your vagina that worsens after prolonged standing or during exercise?
Do you have ongoing vaginal pain, pelvic pain, abdominal pain or hip pain?
Are you currently pregnant and having low back pain or pubic pain?
Are you frustrated and feel like no one really hears you when you discuss your symptoms?
Does your child struggle with constipation, difficulty peeing, and have reoccurring accidents?
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Steps for your pelvic floor evaluation
Our goal is for you to feel heard and seen from your first appointment to your continuing care and journey to meet your needs
Review of current and past medical history. Your therapist will ask you several questions related to your pelvic floor. We will cover details regarding bowel, bladder, and sexual function as well as current or past obstetric history. We will discuss other relevant past medical history, medications, and injuries that you have experienced.
Physical Examination. Your therapist will begin with an overall body assessment. This may include an assessment of your strength, mobility, alignment, balance, posture, sensation, and coordination.
An external and internal examination will be discussed. Your pelvic floor is a private area, your therapist will discuss the goals and purpose of an internal examination prior to the exam taking place. An internal examination allows for the therapist to assess the strength, endurance, coordination, pain, tension and awareness of your pelvic floor muscles. There are special tests that can be performed with an internal examination.
Development of treatment plan. Your therapist will review your goals for therapy and determine the best plan of action that works for you and your therapist. You will be given recommendations and a few exercises to work on at home.
dr. courtney james pt, dpt
Dr. Courtney James is the founder and owner of Heart & Sole Therapy. Many people with various challenges have gone from doctor to doctor without a resolution to their symptoms; Courtney is dedicated to helping you get to the root of your issue and dedicated to get to your best self. She seeks to challenge the current healthcare system and change the narrative so that women and children can receive the best care possible.
Exciting news! We are expanding our services and our team but are staying true to our mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate and individualized plans for the best outcomes. In the new year we will be providing more care for our pediatric services with Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.
our pediatric services
