Childbirth Caused Months of Pain for New Mom

For months, Stephanie Fonck (right) endured intense vaginal pain and swelling from a severe tear she suffered during her daughter’s birth. Her pain was eliminated after corrective surgery and Postnatal Physical Therapy she received from Karen Grube (left), physical therapist with The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) at Silver Cross.

By Tracy Simons | Silver Cross Hospital

For 29 year-old Stephanie Fonck, the birth of her daughter Mackenzie brought tears of joy as she entered the world. Unfortunately, the new mom also endured months of ongoing, sharp pains and swelling due to a fourth-degree tear she suffered during the vaginal birth. It hurt her to go to the bathroom. Even sitting on a chair became unbearable.

“Such severe vaginal tears during childbirth are not often talked about during a woman’s pregnancy,” said the Channahon resident, who is also a registered nurse. “I want to share my experience, so other expectant moms know that they have options to find relief from this terrible pain through successful corrective surgery and Postnatal Physical Therapy at The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) at Silver Cross Hospital.

“A fourth-degree tear is the worst tear you can have in childbirth because it extends through the anal sphincter and into the bowel,” said urogynecologist, Sandra Culbertson, M.D., who performed Stephanie’s corrective surgery that repaired the torn muscle and the fistula (defect in the bowel) that was a result of the tear. “Corrective surgery was only a part of how Stephanie’s body healed. It was imperative that she have Postnatal Physical Therapy, so her muscle strength could be assessed prior to surgery.”

Stephanie feels she benefitted greatly from having Postnatal Physical Therapy both before and after her surgery. “I am forever grateful for the insight and expertise of my surgeon, Dr. Culbertson, and physical therapist, Karen Grube,” said Fonck. “During the therapy sessions prior to surgery, Karen evaluated my muscle tone and determined that I had no control of my muscles any more. Then after surgery, Karen showed me how to build up muscle strength by doing Kegel exercises and dynamic stretches and squats.”

“The body generally does a pretty good job of recovering post-delivery, but it is also not uncommon to be left with some significant changes or actual problems,” said Karen Grube women’s rehabilitation physical therapist with RIC at Silver Cross. “Unfortunately, many new moms, like Stephanie, don’t know about postpartum rehabilitation, which can help the body regain strength and function after childbirth. Without addressing those issues, a woman’s body might be left vulnerable to urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pain with intercourse, and hip, lower back or pelvis pain.

FREE Postnatal Physical Therapy Screenings

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) at Silver Cross now offers free Postnatal Physical Therapy Screenings for women six weeks to one-year post-delivery and are experiencing pelvic or perineal pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or separation of the abdominal muscles. Screenings take place at RIC’s facility in theSilver Cross Health Center, 12701 W. 143rd St., Homer Glen. During the 15-minute exam, the new mom’s birthing history and current problems will be reviewed. Posture, core and pelvic strength will be screened. To schedule a confidential appointment, call (815) 300-6288.

As a result of the screening, if therapy is recommended, treatment will be adjusted to fit the patient’s capabilities. The main goal during postpartum physical therapy is to regain pelvic floor muscle tone and avoid future urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Some women may undergo rehabilitation to resume intercourse without pain or to get their abdominal muscles back in shape.

Most treatment plans include Kegel exercises. RIC therapists teach patients the correct way to do them to achieve maximum results. Studies show that over 50% of women do Kegel exercises wrong. Biofeedback may also be used to help retrain the pelvic muscles.

“In today’s society, there is no reason that a woman should have to live with pain after childbirth or any urinary leakage,” said Grube.