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C. Huitt, C. Smith, A. Scott, 069 Physical Therapy and the Effects of Exercise Intervention on Common Musculoskeletal Impairments in the Postpartum Population, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 16, Issue Supplement_3, June 2019, Pages S25–S26, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.511
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Extract
Introduction
Physical therapy and its role in the care of the postpartum patient is an emerging concept which has been adopted by countries around the globe. However, the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal impairments which accompany pregnancy and birth that manifest in the postpartum period are lacking in the literature. Exercise, therapeutic modalities, patient education, and modifications to activities of daily living are some of the common interventions implemented in physical therapy which would benefit from further investigation in regards to the effects of musculoskeletal function and recovery during the postpartum period.
Objective
The purpose of this study is to assess functional limitations pre and post specified physical therapy and musculoskeletal interventions which focus on common impairments and diagnosis of the postpartum population including, but not limited to, diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pain.
Methods
23 Subjects ranging from four to six years postpartum, ages 27 to 40 whom voluntarily presented to skilled PT were used in this study. Subjects filled out a questionnaire which subjectively identified common functional limitations in the postpartum period (Figure 1). Subjects were given the functional questionnaire prior to intervention and at discharge. If subjects did not return before discharge, questionnaires were mailed or emailed no later than 3 months post intervention. Intervention was standardized for each subject to the PostPartum Strong Program, which is a generalized program that focuses on strengthening the deep intrinsic trunk synergy. Subjects were also given extensive education on posture, body mechanics, other exercise programs, and modifications to activities of daily living which supplemented the exercise interventions based on individual impairments and findings at initial evaluation. Subjects were were monitored through their plan of care, attending therapy from as frequently as two times per week to two times a month, depending on the severity of impairments at evaluation, adherence to exercise program, and attendance to therapy sessions.
