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. 2022 Oct 1;17(6):1170-1183.
doi: 10.26603/001c.37863. eCollection 2022.

Maximizing Recovery in the Postpartum Period: A Timeline for Rehabilitation from Pregnancy through Return to Sport

Rachel Selman  1 , Kate Early  2 , Brianna Battles  3 , Misty Seidenburg  4 , Elizabeth Wendel  5 , Susan Westerlund  6
Affiliations

Maximizing Recovery in the Postpartum Period: A Timeline for Rehabilitation from Pregnancy through Return to Sport

Rachel Selman et al. Int J Sports Phys Ther. .

Abstract

Increased participation and duration in sport has become commonplace for women with their involvement often including the transition to motherhood in the peak of their athletic careers. No rehabilitation models that assess the full spectrum of pregnancy to postpartum have been developed for women to assist in safe exercise progressions that reduce postpartum symptoms and optimize performance during the return to full activity. Referral to physical therapy both in the prenatal and postnatal period is currently not considered standard of care to reduce prevalence of symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, diastasis recti, and pelvic floor dysfunction which may ultimately interfere with physical activity and performance. This commentary presents a timeline and suggested progression for exercise participation to improve awareness of the musculoskeletal changes that occur after labor and delivery. The concepts covered may increase the understanding of how to manage pregnant and postpartum athletes from a musculoskeletal perspective and serve as a starting point for establishing appropriate and guided rehabilitation for safe return to sport after childbirth.

Keywords: female athlete; physical therapy; postpartum; pregnancy; strength and conditioning.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors of this study report no conflicts of interest with regard to this manuscript or its contents.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Normal (A) vs. abnormal/coning (B) management of tension at linea alba with leg lifting in early pregnancy.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Range of motion exercises for lumbar mobility.
Lumbar rotation to the left (A) and right (B) with knees returning to center/neutral; side-lying “open book” exercise beginning (C) to end position (D) with knees supported at ninety-degree angle.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Side-lying transverse abdominis isometric contraction (B) coordinated by pushing into block and drawing in ribs followed by relaxation (A) and exhalation. Quadruped transverse abdominis contraction (C) by drawing in of the umbilicus and relaxation (D). Hook-lying ball press (E) conducted by pushing arms into ball while exhaling.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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