C-Section Awareness Month
The WAMOH Research Review
At WAMOH PT/OT, we are committed to providing evidence-based, innovative solutions to enhance patient care. As C-Section Awareness Month highlights the importance of optimizing postnatal recovery, we want to share research demonstrating the effectiveness of pre-operative physical therapy training for women undergoing elective Caesarean sections (CS).
A 2022 randomized controlled trial titled "Effectiveness of Face-to-Face Physiotherapy Training and Education for Women Undergoing Elective Caesarean Section" concluded that physical therapy intervention before surgery can significantly enhance post-natal quality of life.
The study participants included:
Fifty-four women scheduled for elective CS.
Intervention Group (n = 27): Received face-to-face physical therapy training before surgery.
Control Group (n = 27): Received standard nursing care only.
PT Interventions included: breathing techniques, core activation exercises, pelvic floor training, postural education/body mechanics, scar management strategies and early mobilization strategies.
Research Findings
Improved Physical Function – Women who received physical therapy had significantly better mobility and functional recovery (p < 0.05).
Reduced Role Limitations Due to Physical Health – Physical therapy participants experienced fewer restrictions in daily activities compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
Higher Energy Levels and Less Fatigue – The intervention group reported higher post-operative energy and reduced fatigue (p < 0.05).
Lower Pain Levels – Women in the physical therapy group experienced significantly lower post-operative pain compared to those receiving standard care (p < 0.05).
How Pre-op Physical Therapy Can Help Your Patients
Enhanced Recovery – Physical therapy helps women prepare their bodies for surgery, leading to faster healing and reduced complications postpartum.
Pain Management Strategies – Pre-operative training includes breathing techniques, scar mobilization education, and movement guidance to minimize post-CS pain.
Improved Post-Surgical Function – Structured physical therapy programs ensure fewer physical limitations, better mobility, and quicker return to daily activities.
Holistic Care Approach – A collaborative model involving obstetricians, physical therapists, and nurses ensures patients receive the best possible outcomes.
Why WAMOH PT/OT
At WAMOH, our team of specialist pelvic health therapists are ready to collaborate with you to offer your patients the relief they deserve.
Physical and occupational therapy provide non-invasive, research-backed solutions that complement the care you already provide, giving your patients the best chance at recovery.
Together, we can ensure earlier intervention, better management of symptoms, and improved outcomes for those individuals electing a C-section.
If you’d like to learn more or discuss how we can work together to support your patients, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your dedication to patient care.
Reference: Yani, M. S., Eckel, S. P., Kirages, D. J., Rodriguez, L. V., Corcos, D. M., & Kutch, J. J. (2022). Physical Therapy, 102(7), pzac059.
Effectiveness of face-to-face physiotherapy training and education for women who are undergoing elective caesarean section: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physiotherapy, 12(1), 4. DOI:10.1093/ptj/pzac059