During nine months of pregnancy and the act of delivering a new life into this world, a woman’s core musculature including the abdominals, pelvic floor, and diaphragm all go through profound transformation. It is true that our body holds the keys to full recovery, but what if you or someone you know is struggling with low back discomfort, instability, or simply does not feel she is returning to optimal function as quickly or completely as hoped?
Postpartum Back Pain
Let’s take a quick look at the research. First, it is interesting and somewhat comforting that after reviewing multiple studies there was no association between postpartum low back pain and whether the new mom chose to have epidural anesthesia or not. Understandably, there was a 75% report of back pain immediately following birth. More concerning are the numerous studies that followed up our new moms at 1-2 months who continue to show a 40-44% incidence of back pain. This number does decline significantly by the 6 month mark, but any number of months with pain are concerning. The reason is because our bodies do not, cannot, restore proper movement patterns when we are in pain. So, even though the pain may no longer be reported at 6 months, that does not mean we are miraculously moving in optimal patterns again. Unfortunately, this continued altered neuromuscular control and associated instability is a common set up for injury.
The fact above is validated through another study looking at the factors that correlated to persistent low back pain in postpartum moms. These factors included the presence of back pain before pregnancy, presence of back pain during pregnancy, physically heavy work during postpartum time frame, and multiple pregnancies. The fact that physically heavy work during the postpartum time frame was the number one correlation in this study should motivate us to pause. This highlights that the body requires graded loads and activity level following pregnancy, and that any history of back pain is a strong predisposition for more back pain in the future.
Postpartum Wellness Program at CHARM
We all want to get back to our pre-baby physical shape, athletics, and activities as soon as possible, but we have to be smart about it. Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine has launched a Postpartum Wellness Program utilizing a variety of state of the art therapies including the body weight off-loaded, closed kinetic chain Redcord® Neurac® Method to help you or the moms you love recover, restore, and renew.
Whether it was one month or three years ago – – your body performed a miracle and may benefit from a 1:1 opportunity to reestablish proper patterns again. Therapies that guide you through postural restoration to remind your body how to best breathe under proper stabilization, and coordination of deep core control while moving in efficient motor patterns can all help your body regain full capacity and a safe return to all the activities and levels of physical performance you so deserve.
Microcurrent Point Stimulation for Postpartum Scar Release
In the case of a surgical birth, your recovery is on a different timeline. Everyone’s body responds uniquely. Scars often require more attention and the use of microcurrent point stimulation for scar release and myofascial recovery has been found extremely effective.
Direct current is the current our body recognizes as its own. Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) uses a direct current protocol to release scar tissue adhesions, repolarize mechanoreceptors, relax surrounding muscle tissue, and stimulate specific acupuncture points to assist the nervous system to shift from sympathetic dominance to one of parasympathetic down-regulation. Scar Release Therapy using Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) can change the output of the nervous system by changing the sensory input using direct afferent current.
In a study of 47 patients with chronic post surgical pain (CPSP) following C-section, the application of low frequency, concentrated, direct microcurrent stimulation showed positive results. Using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) the participant’s pain level was recorded before treatment. The VAS response immediately following treatment reflected a 67.5% reduction in pain level, and an impressive 82.2% reduction at 48 hour follow up. We have seen similar results here in the clinic. In addition to direct scar pain / hypersensitivity relief, we have also seen improved sleep patterns, digestive function, range of motion, and overall mobility and wellbeing.
A combination of studies on the treatment of C-section scars referenced at https://www.mpscourses.com/scar-release-therapy/ shows 24% reduction in scar size after just one application, 75% reduction of post surgical scar pain, and 82% reduction in neck, back, and shoulder pain again following repeated release of a distant lower abdominal scar. More studies on scar release therapy using Microcurrent Point Stimulation can be found here and here.
Below is a testimonial from one of CHARM's new moms in their Postpartum Restoration Program at CHARM. She experienced Scar Release Therapy using Microcurrent Point Stimulation.
“Using MPS on my C-section scar has been game changing. Immediately after an MPS session, I could feel and see that my scar had released. Instantaneously I could stand up and not feel pulling on my scar. Scar massage is painful and scary — MPS is painless and I saw immediate results.” Sarah.
Recover. Restore. Renew.
Since no two women’s journey through pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood is alike, your path toward complete restoration is uniquely your own. Our personalized care and individualized goal setting using the Redcord Neurac Method will assist in uncovering imbalances that life as a busy mom has attempted to cover up.
Since no two women’s journey through pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood is alike, your path toward complete restoration is uniquely your own. Our personalized care and individualized goal setting using the Redcord Neurac Method will assist in uncovering imbalances that life as a busy mom has attempted to cover up.
The Redcord Neurad Method is a 1:1 therapist guided, pain free, closed kinetic chain, suspension exercise program which maximizes deep stabilizer control and restores normal movement patterns.
“I have struggled ever since the birth of my two children. I could never have imagined feeling this strong again. The Neurac system works so efficiently and effectively giving real results. The therapists at CHARM are experts.” Alice.
For more information on the Postpartum Program at CHARM, please visit www.charmaustin.com or call 512-614-3300 to schedule a consultation.
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