Post-Hysterectomy Pelvic Floor Therapy Guide
After having a hysterectomy, there is no longer a need for pelvic floor therapy. Right? Wrong!
Just because you no longer have a uterus does not mean that everything is working well. Sure, you may no longer technically have a prolapse of the uterus, or you may no longer have any uterine fibroids or endometriosis in the uterus, however many people are left with symptoms after their hysterectomy, which can include but are not limited to pelvic pain or leakage.
Keep reading to find out how pelvic floor therapy can help after a hysterectomy.
Post-Hysterectomy and Pelvic Floor PT
After a hysterectomy, it's recommended to avoid strenuous activity, lifting over 10 pounds, and any vaginal penetration for 6 weeks to allow healing and reduce strain on the pelvic floor. This recovery period supports tissue healing and helps the body ease back into normal activity.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can aid recovery by addressing common post-surgical issues like pelvic pain, incontinence, and core weakness.
Fixing What Caused a Prolapse in The First Place
Many people undergo a hysterectomy due to prolapse. If you get your uterus removed, this eliminates a prolapse of the uterus. However, your bladder and rectum can still prolapse. This can cause symptoms of heaviness or pressure in the vagina, and also difficulty emptying the bowels or bladder.
We do not want a different type of prolapse to start or get worse than it already is. Fixing the underlying issue that led to prolapse in the first place is key. This can include:
proper core activation
proper pelvic floor activation
avoiding unnecessary breath-holding during exertion
eliminating constipation
addressing weakness and tightness in the hips
After a hysterectomy, people can be even more prone to the other types of prolapses because there is less support in the pelvic area afterward.
Resolving Current Symptoms
After a hysterectomy, many people continue to experience symptoms like urinary leakage or pelvic pain, which can be frustrating and disruptive to daily life. Fortunately, these symptoms are often treatable with targeted pelvic floor physical therapy.
Leakage can often be improved with core, pelvic floor, and hip strengthening.
Pelvic pain can often be alleviated through relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, including stretching and internal manual release of the muscles.
A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure, and just like any other surgery, it requires proper rehabilitation. Restoring function, mobility, and strength through a guided recovery plan not only helps resolve current symptoms but also supports long-term pelvic health and overall well-being.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Works
If you are still experiencing unwanted symptoms following your hysterectomy, there is great potential for improvement with pelvic floor physical therapy.
During a pelvic floor evaluation, you will be assessed externally including hip strength, hip mobility, core strength, low back mobility. Then, an internal exam can also be performed to directly assess the pelvic floor muscle strength and tone.
Based on these findings, a tailored plan can be created to help you resolve the symptoms. If this sounds like a process that would benefit you after a hysterectomy, reach out today to get the help you need.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
A hysterectomy is just one part of your healing journey—pelvic floor therapy can help you finish it. If you're still experiencing leakage, pelvic pain, or discomfort, you're not alone—and you don't have to live with it.
Contact Alpha Project Phyzio to schedule your pelvic floor evaluation with Dr. Veronica, and take control of your post-surgery wellness.
