Physical therapy treatment post-hysterectomy and cesarean section

Hysterectomy refers to the removal of the uterus. One half million women undergo hysterectomy surgeries each year. Cesarean section during childbirth is on the rise. Surgery site and approaches for hysterectomy and c-section differ depending on the circumstances but physical therapy can help patients who have had these surgeries to recover faster and more completely. Although patients who undergo these surgeries do not always have problems, physical therapy can help the patient who has post-surgical incontinence or frequency/urgency, incision pain, back pain or pelvic pain, scar tissue, prolapse, abdominal muscle weakness, perineal pain, and decreased overall fitness.

What are the pelvic floor muscles? The pelvic floor muscles attach to the bottom of the pelvis forming a sling or hammock of muscle supporting the internal organs. When these muscles are tightened, they help stop the flow of urine and the passage of gas. They assist in normal sexual function.

How can therapy help? Physical therapists use abdominal muscle strengthening exercises to provide good support to the trunk, manual soft tissue techniques to decrease scar tissue tightness, TENS units to manage pain, joint mobilization techniques to realign the pelvic bones, pelvic floor muscle strengthening with and without biofeedback to decrease incontinence, bladder retraining to decrease urinary urgency and frequency, and much more. Patient education provides valuable information to prevent further problems from developing.

Back to Rehab Services