Postpartum Review
Postpartum Health for Moms Program - Review
Review by Beth Shell PT from Moline, Ill, Journal of the Section on Women's Health
American Physical Therapy Association - September 2001
Postpartum Health for Moms is the most comprehensive explanation of Diane Lee's theories that I have seen. The graphics are clear and complete. The exercises are sequenced in a logical progression. This video explains in great detail the anatomy of core stability (transverses, multifidus, and pelvic floor muscles). The physiology of load transfer and poor stability strategies are shown clearly with graphics and ultrasound.
Great care is taken to describe the contraction of the various core muscles while relaxing the surrounding muscles. Several exercises for each muscle group make up the 10 basic static exercises. From here the video progresses to exercises from the video 'Exercises for the Unstable Pelvis'. The remaining 9 exercises cover many standard trunk exercises (bridge, hip external rotation, quads, and LE stretches) with consideration to core stability.
The effects of pregnancy and delivery on core stability are mentioned throughout the video. It is my opinion that this video would be helpful for all patients, not just postpartum moms. However, this video does not appear to be at the educational level of most of my patients, although the booklet is clear and understandable. The video uses medical terminology and complex explanations of physiology. It is an instructional video, not a 'follow-along-with-me' video. I applaud Ms. Lee for this video as it does a great job of explaining a difficult topic. I would highly recommend this video to all physical therapists working with postpartum patients or those with orthopedic back pain.
Beth Shell PT from Moline, Ill
Postpartum Health for Moms Program - Review
Review by Peter Huijbregts, editor for the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy
This 37:10 minute videotape and 28 page instructional booklet are intended as an eduational tool in the treatment and prevention of peri-partum musculoskeletal and associated gynaecological problems.
The first part of the video reviews the relevant anatomy and physiology of the lumbopelvic core muscles using anatomical drawings, real-time ultrasound images, cadaveric dissection photographs and photographs of actual patients illustrating common substitution patterns. It also describes the short and long term pathology associated with post-partum lumbopelvic neuromuscular dyscoordination.
The second part of the video describes a detailed (home) exercise progression of appropriate neuromuscular coordination, endurance and stretching exercises. Verbal feedback, imagery, and instructions on the number of repetitions and duration are included. The exercise program is also described extensively in the instructional booklet and illustrated with photographs.
The instructions used in the tape and the booklet are somewhat technical and the desired muscle action can be quite complex. This tape should not be used as a stand-alone intervention, but it is highly recommended as an educational tool for the clinician involved in the treatment of patients with peri-partum lumbopelvic instability and pain, incontinence, or uterine prolapse. The principles discussed in this tape are likely also useful in the treatment of other patients with lumbopelvic region complaints.
Peter Huijbregts, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, FCAMT
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