Abdominals in the Postpartum Patient: Evaluation and Treatment
Presented by Rachel Kilgore
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Nonfinancial: Rachel Kilgore has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Additional Disclosure: A special thanks to Darla Cathcart, director of peripartum series curricula for Herman & Wallace, for her assistance in the development of this course.
This course benefits rehabilitation professionals who are interested in treating the postpartum population. This course includes in-depth anatomical instruction and general considerations for the abdominals. Specific assessment and evidence-based treatment strategies for the patient who has birthed abdominally or vaginally are presented. Additionally, specific diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) assessment and treatments are discussed. There is a demonstration of DRA assessment and review of exercise progression. This course will help the participant be able to identify common abdominal impairments and load transfer dysfunction. Participants will be able to provide their patients with goal-oriented treatment strategies to improve coordination, mobility, and strength for the abdominals.
Meet your instructor
Rachel Kilgore
Rachel’s primary specialty is pelvic rehabilitation. This includes incontinence, prolapse, constipation, pelvic pain, and peripartum issues such as cesarean birth or diastasis rectus abdominis. She enjoys treating general orthopedics, with interest in the back, neck, knee, and shoulders. Additionally, playing collegiate…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Abdominal Anatomy and Function
This chapter helps the participant become familiar with abdominal muscle anatomy, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis. It also helps familiarize the participant with the changes that occur during and after pregnancy to the abdominal wall.
2. Diastasis Rectus Abdominis Assessment
In this chapter, clinicians learn about general assessment of the abdominal wall as well as diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA). The participant will learn to assess and measure length, width, and depth of DRA. Also reviewed are abdominal wall observations, load transfer testing, and functional assessment for the abdominal wall of the postpartum patient.
3. Diastasis Rectus Abdominis Treatment
This chapter will guide the clinician with an overview of abdominal treatments for the postpartum patient. Specific treatments such as abdominal supports, taping, and other abdominals are discussed. Evidence-based exercise principles, goals, and progression are provided.
4. Postpartum Cesarean Assessment and Treatment
This chapter is a general overview of assessment and treatment for a postpartum patient who had a cesarean birth. Instruction on scar assessment and treatment for improving scar mobility is provided, including treatments for in the clinic and at home, as scars can be painful and can impact mobility and muscle function in more than just the abdominal area.
