A Night & Day difference
5/24/2023
See how physical therapy can help women feel like themselves again
Pregnancy and delivery can take a toll on a woman’s physical and mental health. From skin, hair and nail changes to forgetfulness and problems with concentration, every woman experiences these effects differently — and for most women, the changes do not stop after having a baby.
That was the case for Amber Klassen after she delivered her second child in June 2022. Klassen, who lives on a farm east of Lindsay, Nebraska, is a mother of two boys — Warren, 2, and Zayne, 7 months. She recently sought treatment from the comprehensive women’s health physical therapy program at Rehab Services at the Wellness Center.
“I had just delivered Zayne, and I was having issues I didn’t think I should be having at my age,” said Klassen. “I had a friend who referred me.”
How it works
The program includes specialized treatment for women of all ages, including therapies for some of the most common — but least talked about — physical conditions women may experience. This could include pelvic floor dysfunction, pre- and post-partum care, breast cancer care, osteoporosis, etc.
“This program is important as these treatments can be life-changing for patients,” said Kathy Bloemker, women’s health physical therapist. “Imagine wearing pads all day or being unable to attend your favorite social events due to fear of your bladder leaking. That is one of the many symptoms we can treat.”
One of Klassen’s main goals was to get back to an active lifestyle. After a consultation, Bloemker set up a therapy plan to address her concerns.
“I am super active,” said Klassen. “I love outdoor sports and working out in general. Kathy gave me different exercises to help me bounce back after having a child.”
Making a plan
Klassen visited Bloemker for about 12 weeks, starting twice a week and then shifting to once every other week. One area they focused on was Klassen’s diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), which commonly occurs when the growing uterus causes a woman’s abdominals to separate from each other at their midline.
“Post-partum care is important to help in muscle recovery,” said Bloemker. “It treats current symptoms, but also prevents further issues with aging.”
Klassen said the therapy helped her in ways she never expected.
“I would say it’s a night and day difference from when I first started,” she said.
“With my first child, I did not do any of this, and I can definitely feel the difference. It was a way faster recovery — both mentally and physically.”
Ready to get started?
To learn more about our comprehensive women’s health physical therapy, call Rehab Services at the Wellness Center at 402-562-3333 or visit columbushosp.org/our-services/rehabilitative-services.aspx.