Why Some Perineal Tears and Episiotomies Don't Heal: 3 Hidden Factors For Healing

Why is your client's perineal tear or episiotomy still painful months after birth? Today, Lynn Schulte, PT, explores three commonly overlooked contributors to delayed healing: pelvic bone positioning, surrounding tissue restrictions, and unresolved trauma responses held within the tissues.Clinical Takeaways From This Episode• Assess for an Open Birthing Pattern when healing is delayed.• Approximate the ischial bones during scar treatment.• Evaluate tissues surrounding the scar, not just the scar itself.• Consider unresolved trauma when tenderness persists.• Prioritize circulation and tissue mobility to support healing.• Never force tissue release.Why do some perineal tears or episiotomies fail to heal completely?Lynn explains how an Open Birthing Pattern can create ongoing tension through the pelvic floor and perineum, placing stress on healing tissues. She shares practical assessment and treatment strategies, including approximating the ischial bones during scar work and addressing restrictions in the tissues surrounding the scar rather than focusing solely on the scar itself.The episode also explores why some scars remain extremely tender despite treatment. In certain cases, persistent sensitivity may reflect unresolved trauma responses that require a trauma-informed approach and interdisciplinary support.How can pelvic health therapists help create a full recovery?Through clinical case studies, Lynn demonstrates how improving tissue mobility, reducing tension, and restoring blood flow can help facilitate healing when traditional approaches fall short.Whether working with perineal tears, episiotomies, or C-section scars, pelvic health therapists can uncover the root of why some tissues fail to heal and what they can do to work with the tissue in a different way to promote full healing.What educational resources for pelvic health therapists can help you learn these skills?Holistic Treatment of the Postpartum Body: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/postpartum-body/Advanced Postpartum Techniques: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/advanced-postpartum-techniquesLearn More and Connect With Lynn SchulteMessage me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteforbirthhealing/Message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstituteForBirthHealing/Email Me: [email protected] More: InstituteforBirthHealing.comVisit Institute for Birth Healing to learn more about how to care for the pregnant and postpartum body: CLICK HERE