Frequency of Physical Therapy Consultation of Females after Delivery: A Cross- Sectional Study from Twin Cities in Pakistan

Abstract

Background:

Physical therapy intervention is a substantial regime in prevention and management of postpartum complications including both systemic and psychological illnesses.

Purpose:

It is to determine the frequency of physical therapy referrals during postpartum period in Pakistan in addition to frequency of mothers attending physical therapy sessions as well as the most commonly reported complains after delivery.

Method:

It was a cross sectional study conducted in twin cities of Pakistan. Data was collected from 384 mothers in their postpartum period through a self-structured questionnaire after taking verbal and written consent. It inquired whether the subject was aware of physical therapy, referred for physical therapy, and attended physical therapy sessions in addition to the most commonly reported complain amongst mothers in the postpartum period. Data collected was kept confidential.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 25.76±4.09. Out of 384 women, only 138(35.9%) reported to have awareness regarding physical therapy and merely 89(23.2%) were actually referred for physical therapy in postpartum period and attended the sessions. Back pain and urinary incontinence were amongst the most commonly reported complains in postpartum period.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the rate of referral to physical therapy is very low in a developing country like Pakistan irrespective of any complications faced by mothers in postpartum period. Furthermore, females who did consult a physical therapist after referral got lost to follow-ups.