Welcome to Pints & Pelvic Floors: The Podcast. In Episode 14, I review the most recent guidelines on Return to Running in the postpartum period as well as how you can work with a pelvic floor therapist to further evaluate your readiness to return to running. 

Episode 14 Recap:

• The earliest recommended time to return to running is 3 months postpartum
• You should consult a pelvic floor therapist if you have any of the following when attempting to run or exercise:
• Urinary or fecal leakage or urgency
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Pain with intimacy/intercourse
• Core weakness or diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
• Low back and hip pain
• You should return to your medical provider if you experience bleeding after exercise or running
• At pelvic floor therapy we will look at:
• Your pelvic floor muscles strength and endurance
• Your ability to manage load transfer and impact
• Your lower body strength
• Other factors to consider before returning to running
• Psychological impact such as postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression
• Scar tissue mobility
• Implications of breast/chest feeding in regards to the hormone relaxin
• You should start with a graded running routine that mixes walking with running/jogging and consider cross training as well

Resources/Links from this episode:

• Blog: Return to Running Postpartum
• Return to Running Guidelines
• Return to Running Workshop: Register Here

Have a question or suggestion for an episode? Email us at joy@pelvicpride.com

Interested in becoming a patient at Pelvic Pride?

• Visit the Pelvic Pride website
• Give us a call: 410-941-9512 
• Send us  an email (info@pelvicpride.com)

Let’s connect on Instagram!

• Pelvic Pride Physical Therapy & Wellness: @pelvicpride
• Dr. Joy: @drjoy_pelvicpt