Postpartum pelvic physiotherapy and its effects on continence and function: A narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i7.1236Keywords:
Urinary Incontinence; Postpartum Period; Pelvic Floor; Physical Therapy Modalities.Abstract
Introduction: Involuntary loss of urine is one of the most frequent consequences of the postpartum period and compromises daily activities, social participation and well-being. Objective: To critically analyse the evidence on the effects of pelvic floor physiotherapy interventions on continence, muscle function and quality of life in women with postpartum urinary incontinence. Methods: Narrative literature review with a structured search, descriptive, critical and qualitative. Searches ran until July 15 2026 in five sources, with reference screening and citation searching. Publications from the previous five years, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, were prioritised. Sources were classified as directly applicable and as extrapolated context, and prevention evidence was kept distinct from treatment evidence. Results: Forty-nine publications were analysed: 33 directly applicable and 16 of extrapolated context. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews with meta-analysis predominated. Supervised training was consistently associated with gains in muscle strength and endurance. For continence, treatment evidence in already incontinent women and prevention evidence diverged, and the therapeutic effect was favourable but of uncertain magnitude. Quality of life improved in both arms, without a consistent between-group difference. Adjunctive resources and digital tools were assessed for adherence, symptoms and quality of life, with the most consistent effect on adherence. Conclusion: Findings converge on an effect of supervised pelvic floor physiotherapy on pelvic floor muscle function and suggest a benefit of uncertain magnitude on continence and quality of life.
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