Can pelvic floor muscle repair and rectus abdominis repair be performed simultaneously?
Apr 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and rectus abdominis repair should not be performed simultaneously. Performing rectus abdominis repair while pelvic floor muscle strength is insufficient may lead to pelvic organ prolapse or exacerbate pelvic floor laxity. In mild cases, no specific treatment is usually required; regular physical activity—such as running, skipping rope, or exercises targeting the transversus abdominis—can help promote internal muscular tightening.
Whether delivering vaginally or via cesarean section, mothers experience physiological changes in both the pelvic floor muscles and the rectus abdominis due to pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, targeted rehabilitation of these two muscle groups is essential postpartum. Can pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and rectus abdominis rehabilitation be performed simultaneously? Below, we address this question.
Can pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and rectus abdominis rehabilitation be performed simultaneously?
Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and rectus abdominis rehabilitation should not be performed simultaneously. Performing rectus abdominis exercises when pelvic floor muscle strength is insufficient may exacerbate pelvic organ prolapse or worsen pelvic floor laxity.
Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation targets postpartum women with pelvic floor muscle laxity. For those with more pronounced symptoms, rehabilitation typically involves inserting a probe into the vagina; the mother then performs rhythmic vaginal contractions and relaxations guided by real-time waveform feedback displayed on a screen. This helps improve pelvic floor muscle tone, alleviate vaginal laxity, and reduce urinary incontinence.
Rectus abdominis rehabilitation addresses diastasis recti—a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles commonly occurring during pregnancy. Mild cases usually require no specific intervention and can improve with regular physical activity—such as running, jumping rope, or targeted transversus abdominis strengthening—to promote internal muscular tightening. Core-strengthening exercises form the foundation of such training. Rectus abdominis rehabilitation must progress gradually, and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation should always precede rectus abdominis rehabilitation.
Postpartum women should moderately increase their protein intake and maintain regular bowel movements. Chronic constipation increases intra-abdominal pressure, potentially worsening pelvic floor dysfunction.
The above outlines whether pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and rectus abdominis rehabilitation can be performed concurrently. We hope this information is helpful to you.
