One & Done Program

What is the One* & Done Program?

The Iowa Clinic’s One* & Done Postpartum Physical Therapy Program is a type of physical therapy that focuses on helping women recover from childbirth. It can help to improve strength, flexibility, and function in the pelvic floor and other muscles of the body.

Who should participate in the One & Done Program? 

Postpartum women who have recovered well without obvious dysfunction but desire an assessment of their pelvic floor and core function to return to optimal health and wellness.

What does the One* & Done Program consist of? 

You will have 1 (or 2) PT appointments to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and coordination, posture, and core control, and then learn specific home exercises supplemented with online resources that you can continue working on independently as you recover from delivery.

The first visit will cover (if applicable):

• Education regarding postpartum changes and how to regain optimal alignment, strength, and function while also covering topics like optimal sleep, daily exercise, scar healing, and stress management strategies
• Core coordination via diaphragmatic breathing
• Pelvic floor muscle coordination and strengthening
• Postural alignment and its effect on inner core function
• Assess for diastasis rectus abdominus (DRA)
• Discuss resources for activity progression or recommend another visit(s) as indicated

If you require a 2nd Visit, it will include:

• Re-assessment of posture, core coordination, pelvic floor muscle control, tension, and strength
• Further discuss pain or scar management strategies
• Progress PFM or core strengthening exercises as indicated
• More visits may be recommended if symptoms are particularly bothersome

When should I start postpartum physical therapy?

Anytime postpartum, but especially after your 6-week checkup following childbirth. 

Who else can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy?

All women can benefit from postpartum physical therapy, regardless of whether they had a vaginal or cesarean delivery. However, postpartum physical therapy is especially important for women who are at risk for pelvic dysfunction due to a traumatic delivery which could include:

• Grade 3 or 4 perineal tears
• Assisted delivery with forceps or vacuum
• Quick deliveries
• More than 2 hours in 2nd stage labor or pushing
• Complicated or emergent c-sections

Other symptoms that require PFPT:

• Pubic symphysis, SI joint, hip, low back, vulvar, or other pelvic pain
• C-section scar or abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Increased urinary frequency, urgency, or leakage
• Pelvic organ prolapse or sensation of heaviness/fullness
• Fecal incontinence
• Diastasis rectus abdominus (DRA) – the widening of your linea alba between your abdominal muscles commonly seen in pregnancy

* Most patients only need one session.