OptimaLiving Therapy & Wellness

An Occupational and Physical Therapy Homeopathic Center in Peoria AZ

Pelvic & Core Rehabilitation Specialists
8506 W. Deer Valley Road, #105, Peoria, AZ 85382
PHONE or TEXT (623) 777-3113

  • SPECIALITY SERVICES
    • Women’s Pelvic Health – Femessence
      • SanaVesica Program for Incontinence and Prolapse
      • EssenzaDonne Program for Pelvic & Sexual Pain
      • MadreForte – Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy Care
      • PelleRipare Program for Scar Tissue Release & Rehabilitation
    • Viveve Vaginal Rejuvenation
    • Men’s Pelvic Health – ForeverStrong
    • ConfidentKids Pediatric Continence Program
    • Orthopedic CoreStrong Program
  • THERAPY SOLUTIONS
    • Pelvic Floor Therapy
    • Vaginal Rejuvenation | Peoria, AZ
    • Biofeedback For Pelvic Floor
    • Cold Laser
    • Myofascial Release – MFR
    • BioQPulse Acupressure
    • Botanicals
    • IASTM
    • Manual Therapy
    • Multifunctional Movement (MFM)
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • Massage Therapy | Peoria AZ
    • Yoga Therapy
    • Yoga Classes | Peoria AZ
    • Myofascial Release – MFR
    • Botanicals
    • BodyWorks Program
    • Self-Help Guides & Videos
  • NEW PATIENTS
    • INSURANCE/PRICES
      • Blue Cross Blue Shield Accepted
      • Cigna Health Accepted In-Network
      • United Health Care Insurance
  • ABOUT US
    • TESTIMONIALS
  • BLOG
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    • CONTACT US

Birthing Injuries & Postpartum Pain – Things You Don’t Know But Should

July 8, 2017 By Linda Rudd

Healthy MothersPregnancy is a magical experience and nothing short of a miracle.  And in our quest to be prepared, many of us search far and wide for expert knowledge.  We peruse the internet, read books, query our doctors endlessly, and of course, there is never a shortage of friends and families who want to share their advice or experiences (horror stories and all).  What people are rarely talking about, however, is what happens to your body during and after delivery.

You may be surprised to learn that millions of women experience trauma or injury during the birthing process.   More disturbing than the sheer number, (because let’s be honest, it doesn’t take a genius IQ to realize that labor and delivery is a very physical endeavor), is the fact that most women who experience residual pain or dysfunction often go undiagnosed or untreated.  Even if women find the courage to seek help, they are often disappointed or discouraged when their doctors dismiss their concerns as a normal consequence of pregnancy or simply unfounded.  As a result, many accept their symptoms as their new “norm” and have resolved to endure a life of pain or impairment.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE LEARN IF YOU HAVE A BIRTHING INJURY


I had a patient, Courtney, who was in this exact situation.  After an uneventful pregnancy and delivery, Courtney knew something wasn’t quite right.  She remembered hearing her friends joke about leaking urine when they sneezed or laughed, but she was leaking multiple times a day and was wearing a pad for protection.   Her issues continued and she looked forward to her 6-week check-up to learn what was wrong.  She was surprised when her OBGYN happily announced that she had “healed nicely” and she could resume all activities. Courtney was shocked but too embarrassed to say anything.  After all, if the doctor said nothing was wrong, then this must be normal.

Another patient, Jessica, had no indication of pelvic floor issues after having her first child.  She was cleared by her doctor to resume all physical activities, including intercourse.  Jessica was looking forward to re-connecting with her husband, but she was not prepared for the pain. It was so painful, in fact, she couldn’t continue.  She was confused and upset, not to mention too embarrassed to talk to her doctor about the pain.

Peggy was a patient I had more recently.  Her recent birthing injury didn’t involve pelvic floor dysfunction.  Rather, her particular birthing injury resulted in debilitating lower back pain.  It became more severe over time and even impacted her ability to interact with her baby.  When she asked her provider about it, Peggy was told that it was a normal part of being a new mother; it was probably from holding the baby.  She was left in pain and frustrated.


The Facts about Postpartum Problems

These patients are not an anomaly.  At the beginning of the last century, as many as 9 in 1,000 American women did not survive labor. Recent studies indicate a disturbing number of women still quietly endure bowel and bladder incontinence, painful sex, back aches, and crippling pelvic pain for years after giving birth due to undiagnosed and untreated childbirth injuries.  In 2015 the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reported that 24% of women were still experiencing painful intercourse 18 months after having a baby.  In 2016 the Journal PLoS One found that 77% of more than 1,500 mothers studied had constant back pain a year after birth, and 49% had urinary incontinence.


I have these conversations with people everyday.  Maybe you’ve even joked about it with your friends.  But pelvic floor dysfunction or post-partum back pain is not the “new normal” just because you’ve had a baby or you’re getting older.  You do not have to “just live with it.”  In fact, the longer you “live with it,” the worse it can get.

But guess what? These conditions are so common and treatable! With research based techniques that are drug-free and non-invasive.


If you would like to learn more about our services or find out if your condition is appropriate for Pelvic Floor Therapy, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation.

Phone: 623-777-3113

Email: Linda@optimalivingtherapy.com

Filed Under: Biofeedback, Birth Injuries, Birth Trauma, Bowel Incontinence, Incontinence, Leaking Urine, Low back pain, Mixed Incontinence, Occupational Therapy, Pain, Pain Relief, Painful Sex, Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, Pelvic Floor Therapy, Pelvic Floor Weakness, Pelvic Pain, Postnatal care, Postpartum Pain, Pregnancy, Strengthening Pelvic Floor, Stress Incontinence, urinary incontinence

About Linda Rudd

Licensed Healthcare Practitioner specializing in pain and injury of the musculoskeletal system and pelvic floor disorders. Licensed Occupational Therapist. Mother of 3 kids. Loves hiking, poker, home improvement projects.

Doctor of the Month

We are pleased to introduce Dr. Smriti Rana, founder of Blessings OB/GYN in Glendale, AZ, as our Physician of the Month.  Dr. Rana provides a full range of gynecological and obstetric care including in-house ultrasound and lab services.  Although she treats all types of patients, she specializes in taking care of pregnant women, including those who are high risk.  Additionally,  she takes a special interest in treating chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Rana is a fellow of the American College of OBGYN.  She is highly regarded by her patients and prides herself on seeing and treating patients directly.  We are excited to partner with her in the conservative treatment of common perinatal and perimenopausal pelvic floor concerns including painful intercourse, ligament, tendon or muscle strain, and incontinence

Contact Information

623-232-8391
18555 N. 79th Ave, Suite B-102, Glendale AZ 85308

 

OptimaLiving provides amazing service. The myofascial release therapy is one of the best kept secrets to health. After a few sessions, my body feels remarkable. I have more energy and my mind feels clearer than any time I can remember...” – C.L.

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8506 W Deer Valley Rd #105
Peoria, AZ 85382

(623) 777-3113
Phone & Fax

Pelvic & Core Rehabilitation Specialists
8506 W. Deer Valley Road, #105, Peoria, AZ 85382
PHONE or TEXT (623) 777-3113

Special Therapy
  • Viveve Women’s Intimate Health
  • Pelvic & Sexual Pain
  • Incontinence and Prolapse
  • Pediatric Continence Program
  • Men’s Pelvic Health Program
  • Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy Care
Solutions & Techniques
  • Pelvic Floor Therapy
  • Vaginal Rejuvenation | Peoria, AZ
  • Biofeedback For Pelvic Floor
  • Myofascial Release – MFR
  • Cold Laser
  • Multifunctional Movement (MFM)
  • IASTM
Health & Wellness
  • Weight Loss Services
  • Massage Therapy | Peoria AZ
  • Yoga Classes | Peoria AZ
  • Essential Oils by doTERRA
  • Joint Nutra Care
Helpful Tips
  • Incontinence and Sex
  • What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
  • Homemade Ice Pack
  • Pelvic Floor Pain | Stretches
  • Your Body After Giving Birth – What They Don’t Tell You
  • What You May Not Know About Pain Meds

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Physical Therapy in Peoria AZ