Optimizing C-Section Recovery: The Intersection of Pelvic and Orthopedic PT Expertise

C-sections are one of the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedures in the United States, representing around 1 out of every 3 births. While physical therapists with training in both pelvic health and orthopedics are uniquely qualified to provide effective, comprehensive rehabilitation of the birthing person, little guidelines exist as protocol for this post-operative population. Furthermore, recent evidence has demonstrated similar incidences of pelvic floor dysfunction after cesarean and vaginal births. The aim of this session will be to familiarize participants with the cesarean section procedure and discuss considerations for expected tissue healing times, postpartum ADL training, available DME and garments recommendations, prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions, rehabbing the abdominal wall, and return to desired exercise and activities.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will recognize the role cesarean birth plays in pelvic floor dysfunction and identify common postpartum pelvic floor dysfunctions.
2. Participants will gain the skills to evaluate and implement appropriate training strategies for postpartum ADLs in individuals recovering from a
   cesarean birth.
3. Participants will become familiar with various durable medical equipment (DME) and garment options, providing evidence-based recommendations
   for postpartum recovery.
4. Participants will be able to develop comprehensive rehabilitation plans that address abdominal wall recovery and facilitate a safe return to
   exercise and desired activities for birthing individuals.

Meet Our Presenters

Rachel Payne, PT, DPT, NCPT

Rachel Payne, PT, DPT, NCPT is a pelvic floor PT, pilates instructor, and owner of District Pelvic Health in Arlington, VA. Earning her DPT from the University of Miami in 2013, she began her career in outpatient orthopedics, laying a solid foundation for understanding how the body works as a system prior to pelvic floor training. In 2017 she became a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor through Polestar Pilates. While navigating infertility, pregnancy, and a difficult birthing experience she leaned into her passion for the perinatal population, earning her CAPP-OB in 2024. She founded her practice, District Pelvic Health, in an effort to give other pregnant and postpartum people better access to the treatment, education, and care they deserve. When not working with clients, she is either doing Pilates, lifting weights, or she and her husband are busy chasing after their son William and dog Darcy.