One of the most common, yet often unspoken, is pelvic floor weakness after childbirth. This can significantly
impact a woman's self-esteem, intimacy, and overall quality of life. Many women find themselves grappling with
issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and a general feeling of discomfort. The good news is that effective
solutions are available, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone. This blog post explores how Interferential
Therapy (IFT), a cutting-edge physiotherapy technique, can help you regain pelvic floor strength and reclaim
your well-being. We'll delve into the science behind IFT, what to expect during treatment, and how it fits into a
comprehensive physiotherapy approach. Remember, personalized care, powered by innovation, is within reach.
Pelvic floor muscles are a crucial network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that act like
a supportive hammock, cradling your bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy, these muscles undergo
significant strain due to the increasing weight of the growing baby. The physical demands of labor, including the
pushing stage, can further stretch and weaken these muscles. Hormonal changes, such as the surge in relaxin,
also play a role. Relaxin loosens ligaments throughout the body to prepare for childbirth, which can affect the
pelvic floor's stability. Common symptoms of a weak pelvic floor include urinary incontinence (leaking urine when coughing,
sneezing, or laughing), fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the vagina, and pain
during intercourse.
These symptoms can be distressing, leading to a loss of confidence and impacting daily activities. However,
physiotherapy offers effective strategies to strengthen the pelvic floor and alleviate these issues.
Interferential Therapy (IFT) is a non-invasive physiotherapy technique that utilizes gentle electrical stimulation to
strengthen muscles, ease pain, and accelerate healing. It's a comfortable procedure, with most women feeling
only a mild tingling sensation. IFT is a type of electrotherapy that uses two different medium-frequency currents
that interfere with each other to create a lower-frequency current within the tissues. This lower frequency is thought
to stimulate nerves and muscles. Physiotherapist will assess if IFT is right for you. The treatment involves
placing small electrodes on your skin to deliver a targeted electrical current. This targeted approach allows for
precise muscle stimulation, promoting improved function and reduced discomfort.
The use of device like Pelvistrength can also be incorporated into your treatment plan, as recommended
by your physiotherapist. A personalized treatment plan considers various factors, including the severity of
your symptoms, your individual goals, and your overall health status. This ensures that you receive the most
effective and appropriate care.
IFT works by directly targeting your pelvic floor muscles. The gentle electrical stimulation prompts your muscles
to contract and relax, building strength and endurance – just like any other muscle you exercise! This process,
known as neuromuscular re-education, helps retrain the muscles to contract properly and support your pelvic
organs. IFT also helps ease pain and boosts blood flow to the pelvic floor, which can accelerate healing.
The stimulation from IFT can also improve proprioception, the body's awareness of its position in space, which
is crucial for pelvic floor function. By enhancing this awareness, IFT can help you regain better control over your
pelvic floor muscles.
During your IFT session, a skilled physiotherapist will carefully assess your needs and place electrodes on
your skin near your pelvic area. The placement of these electrodes is strategic, ensuring the electrical current
targets the specific muscles that need strengthening. They'll adjust the electrical current to a level that feels
comfortable for you. You might feel a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation during the treatment. It's essential to
communicate with your physiotherapist throughout the session to ensure the settings are optimal for your comfort
and effectiveness. Each session typically lasts for 20-30 minutes, and you may need several sessions to achieve
optimal results. Your physiotherapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your
specific needs and goals. IFT is often used in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques, such as pelvic
floor exercises (Kegels), to maximize its effectiveness. It's crucial to have a qualified physiotherapist assess the
patient to determine the appropriateness of IFT.
Studies have shown IFT to be effective in treating postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, including stress urinary
incontinence and pelvic pain. A review published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics highlights
the prevalence of urinary incontinence in postpartum women and the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions
applied, as discussed in the Prevalence of urinary incontinence in postpartum women and physiotherapy
interventions applied: An integrative review. The review emphasizes the positive impact of physiotherapy in
managing these conditions. While IFT can be a valuable tool, it's often most effective when combined with other
pelvic floor rehabilitation methods. These may include Kegel exercises, biofeedback, and lifestyle modifications.
Your physiotherapist can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
For example, a study found that pelvic floor rehabilitation training reduced urinary incontinence in pregnant
women, with significant improvement in the quantity of urinary leakage and an increase in the strength of the
pelvic floor muscle, as mentioned in Pelvic floor rehabilitation training can effectively alleviate postpartum pelvic
floor dysfunction and reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Postpartum pelvic floor weakness is common, but it doesn't have to define your life. Interferential Therapy offers
a safe, non-invasive, and effective path to strengthening your pelvic floor, easing pain, and improving your
well-being. By seeking professional guidance and embracing innovative solutions like IFT, you can regain control
and enjoy a healthier, more confident future. Remember, IFT is part of a comprehensive physiotherapy approach.
If you're experiencing symptoms, don't hesitate to connect with a skilled physiotherapist. They can help you
determine if IFT is right for you and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve your goals. Physiotherapy
interventions can provide effective relief for urinary incontinence in postpartum women. "Transforming physio-
therapy, one patient at a time."