Nowadays, new moms are juggling more than ever—caring for their precious baby and the rest of the family while working, homeschooling elder siblings and disinfecting everything. That leaves scant time to focus on their own recovery from the incredible physiological changes caused by pregnancy.
Most women assume that their body will naturally restore itself by the six-week checkup, but, for some, painful symptoms can persist months after childbirth. In fact, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued new guidance for postpartum care in 2018, advising a prenatal care plan developed during pregnancy, and ongoing postpartum care starting at three weeks and continuing through “the fourth trimester.”
“Unfortunately, pelvic disorders affect one-third of women, and they aren’t aware that relief and recovery to their normal lifestyle is possible without surgery or medication,” said Maureen Gies Strasser, doctor of physical therapy, pelvic therapist and owner of Pelvic & Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists, “so we recommend the four easy steps below.”
First, meet your pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that stretch like a hammock between the hips. They do much of the heavy work supporting pregnancy and enabling delivery. Even with an “easy” delivery, these muscles can be weakened or damaged, causing troublesome problems.
Second, be alert to the symptoms.
Postpartum pelvic floor symptoms range from mild to severe and can greatly affect your quality of life. Symptoms include:
- Pain in the tailbone
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pain in the pelvis, low back or hips
- Urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Heaviness or achiness in the pelvic area
Third, know where to get help.
With two decades of experience, Dr. Strasser founded Lake Zurich-based Pelvic & Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialists in 2017, to be a different kind of clinic.
“Our mission is to empower women to take charge of their recovery and partner with us to restore their well-being through individualized treatment, education and self-care,” she explains.
To meet each patient’s goals, Dr. Strasser uses a holistic approach of “mind, body, spirit.” Treatments include body mechanics and self-care strategies; core and pelvic stabilization; breathing and relaxation techniques; strengthening exercises; and several other modalities.
The clinic environment is warm and welcoming, with private rooms where experienced, compassionate therapists treat both women and men in 45-minute sessions.
Fourth, ask your doctor — or contact us directly.
“Ask your physician about pelvic floor therapy at your regular postpartum visit, or contact us directly for a pelvic health consultation — a prescription is not required,” advises Dr. Strasser. “Together, we will determine if pelvic floor therapy is right for you. Restoring your energy and well-being is the most important gift you can give your loved ones.”
The clinic is located at 755 Ela Road in Lake Zurich. To learn more about our services, to read patient reviews or to request an appointment, please visit www.pelvicandrthopt.com or call (847) 550-9784.
“You have empowered me, helped me recover physically and mentally, and have given my body back to allow me to care for myself, my family, and return to work. I cannot thank you enough.”
-Angela F
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About the Owner
Dr. Maureen Gies Strasser, PT, DPT, OCS, has two decades of experience in orthopedic and neurological areas of physical therapy, and specializes in pelvic health for men and women. She earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from Midwestern University (Chicago) in 2000, where she also served as an adjunct faculty member, and her doctorate in 2014 from the University of Indianapolis.
