Avalanche's Dr. Emma Wallace Discusses Postpartum PT:

Dr. Emma Wallace is a new physical therapist with Avalanche Physical Therapy in Frisco, specializing in pelvic girdle dysfunction and pelvic health.

As a pelvic health provider, Emma treats women who are pre and postpartum, have pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, and other dysfunctions. Emma has received additional training through Herman & Wallace and the Institute of Physical Arts. It’s common for women to face some issues after having their first child: low back pain, leaking with exercise, diastasis recti, and core & pelvic floor weakness, all of which are treatable with physical therapy.

Common problems women face postpartum:

Diastasis Recti: separation of rectus abdominis muscles. Some patients have a reduced ability to engage core due to change in the length-tension relationship of the abdominal muscles. Therapy can provide education on pressure system management, abdominal binders, core strengthening, and taping.

Cesarean Section Scar: Some patients have scar tissue, adhesion, hypo, or hypersensitivity of scar, and difficulties activating the core. Therapy can provide myofascial release techniques, desensitization techniques, and core strengthening.

SI joint dysfunction: due to an increase in hormones during pregnancy, postural abnormalities, and weakness, patients can develop SI joint dysfunction during and after pregnancy. Typically patients have pain on one side of their low back/buttocks area or in the front of the pelvis. Some patients have pain with specific movements, including walking, squatting, or running. Therapy can help improve pelvic girdle alignment, reduce muscle tightness, reduce muscle imbalances, and improve core stability.

Incontinence: Some patients experience incontinence during and after pregnancy due to pelvic floor muscle weakness or tightness, muscle imbalance, poor pelvic floor muscle coordination, and poor pressure system management. Incontinence may be constant, when you exercise or when you sneeze, all of which are treatable.

Low back pain: some patients experience low back pain due to postural abnormalities during pregnancy, including anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis, decreased lumbopelvic stability, poor core strength, and muscle tightness.

Rib dysfunction: When pregnant, some patients have a change in rib placement to help create space. Some patients have impaired diaphragm movement, rib mobility, and muscle tightness that remains postpartum. Therapy can help improve rib cage mobility, decrease muscle tightness, and improve breathing patterns.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues after giving birth, physical therapy may be an excellent option for you. Call us to schedule an appointment.