Jennifer Stone, DPT, OCS, PHC, Program Director of EIM’s Pelvic Health Certification; alongside Kate Skibiski, DPT, PHC; Sarah Hwang, MD²; Courtney Barnes, MPH, MD, FACOG; published new research in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy on the effects of physical therapy on patients post-cesarean. The unblinded randomized controlled trial evaluated the short- and long-term impact of an individualized, comprehensive physical therapy program on post-cesarean delivery recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Satisfaction was significantly higher at 14 weeks (P = .048) and 6 months (P = .047) in the intervention group.
• Pain rating was significantly lower at 14 weeks (P = .049) in the intervention group.
• A significant change was found between baseline and 14-week/6-month follow up for Oswestry (P < .0001), patient satisfaction (P = .024), and self-efficacy with exercise (P = .034) in the intervention group.
• A significant main effect for self-efficacy with exercise (P = .025) in the intervention group was found at all time points compared with standard of care.
• Significant differences between variables were found for the Oswestry intervention group [8-14 weeks (P = .003), 8 weeks to 6 months (P = .001), and 8 weeks to 1 year (P = .007)] and the standard of care group [8 weeks to 6 months (P = .001) and 8 weeks to 1 year (P = .006)].
• Conclusion: Participants who received physical therapy had significantly improved outcomes compared with the standard of care group.

Read the full research paper