Physiotherapy after Cesarean Delivery
PHYSIOTHERAPY
AFTER CESAREAN DELIVERY
Cesarean section is also known as C-section.
It is a surgical delivery of baby. It involve cut in mothers’ abdomen and
uterus. A C- section is typically performed when vaginal delivery is difficult
or putting the life of mother and child at risk. Physiotherapy is important
because when abdomen is cut, muscles become weak and need to be strengthened
again.
When is it safe to do exercise after
cesarean delivery?
If
you have had a cesarean delivery, don’t jump to post – pregnancy exercise
program until six weeks. Before six weeks, start with gentle low-impact
exercises like- walking, practice good posture and focus on stretching of neck,
shoulder, arm and legs with light stretches and don’t put strain on your scar.
The following exercises are gentle
and safe to start in the beginning following your cesarean delivery:
Ø PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES EXERCISES: - squeeze the pelvic floor muscle as
if you stopping yourself from passing the urine. Hold for 3-4 sec and relax. Repeat
for 10 times.
Ø BELLY BREATHING: lie on your back and place hand on your belly. Take
a deep breath in through nose and feel your abdominal expansion. Then, breathe
out through mouth and pull your belly button in while exhalation. Repeat 4-10
times 3 times a day.
Ø LEG SLIDES: lie straight with both knees bent. First, full your stomach
in and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Now slide one leg straight. Repeat
with other leg.
Ø SINGLE KNEE FALL OUT: lie straight with both knees bent.
First, full your stomach in and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Allow one
knee to slowly dropout to the side. Slowly bring it back. Repeat with other
leg.
Ø CLAM: lie on your sides with knees bent and feet together. Now
lift the top leg up while keeping your feet together. Hold for few seconds and
then return to the starting position.
REMEMBER- you have had an operation and it will take time to heal, so
increase your level of activity gradually. You may feel tired when you go home,
so don’t overdo it. Allow yourself time to rest and recover.
Need
more guidance? ANTARNAAD, is a
growing network of an experienced physiotherapists, offers telephone assessment
and advice service. Depending on the severity of your condition, you will be
able to receive all advice you need over the phone. We are working to take the
pain away for sufferers with physiotherapy by using various
techniques such as, mobilizations, manipulations, taping, dry needling and modalities.
Our experienced physiotherapists’ team helps you to get back to your normal
healthy lifestyle with proper guidance. Physiotherapists who are experienced in
providing physiotherapy after cesarean delivery are:
