Physical Therapy in Addition to Standard of Care Improves Patient Satisfaction and Recovery Post-cesarean Section

Background: Cesarean section represents the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedure in the United States. The few studies currently available regarding the role of physical therapy in postoperative recovery only look at the first few days or weeks postpartum. The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to assess the impact of physical therapy post-cesarean delivery and to serve as a potential basis for future research. Objective: To evaluate the short- and long-term impact of an individualized, comprehensive physical therapy program on post-cesarean delivery recovery. Study Design: Unblinded randomized controlled trial. Methods: The intervention group went through an individualized 6-week physical therapy program, which included in-clinic treatment and home exercises in addition to usual postoperative care. Outcome measures used were a visual pain rating scale, Oswestry Disability Index, patient satisfaction questionnaire, and self-rated exercise confidence scale. Results: Seventy-two participants were included in final analysis. 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
Source: Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research