The Postpartum Path: Complete Clinicians Guide from Recovery to Running and Beyond

Credit

Handouts/Brochure

Speaker

Julia Mitchell, PT Related seminars and products

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Julia Mitchell is a clinical physiotherapist and RockTape Instructor, with a passion for supporting women during pregnancy and postpartum. She completed her Master of Science in physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in human kinetics with honours from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has worked in the private practice physiotherapy industry in Nova Scotia for many years, and is proud to provide focused, movement based, one on one care to all of her clients.

Julia has completed continuing education in multiple areas, including evaluating and treating the female athlete, running injury prevention, addressing core mechanics and diastasis recti in postpartum women, acupuncture, dry needling, kinesiology taping and IASTM. Julia is the founder of Mom on the Run Club, Inc., a company focused on providing running and movement solutions for busy moms. Along with a physiotherapy colleague, she has created an education course for healthcare and fitness providers on external pelvic health care during pregnancy and postpartum. Julia is an avid runner, and Mom to two funny and busy toddlers, and loves spending time outside being active with her family. You can find more information at juliamitchellphysio.com, or on Instagram @juliamitchell.physio.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Julia Mitchell maintains a private practice and is the founder and owner of Mom on the Run Productions, Inc. She has an employment relationship with Dartmouth General Hospital. She receives a consulting fee and speaker honorarium from RockTape and Implus, LLC. Julia Mitchell is the education coordinator for RockTape Canada and is on the instructor team for RockTape California. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Julie Mitchell is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

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Objectives

1. Identify the impact physiological changes have on a woman's ability to resume running during the postpartum period. (Berens 2021)  
2. Utilize screening tools to evaluate a postpartum woman's readiness for running. (Cottage Health, PFDI-20), (Goom et al., 2019), (My Pelvic Floor - Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire)  
3. Identify common postural, strength, and mobility deficits in postpartum runners. (Hills 2018) (Christopher, 2020), (Blyholder 2016)  
4. Evaluate run readiness to create a personalized 5K running program for postpartum women. (Christopher, 2022) (Edwards, 2019)  
5. Identify five corrective drills to enhance running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. (Schubert, 2014)  
6. List three research-based recommendations to improve postpartum running function. (O’Sullivan, 2015); (Christopher, 2022) 

Outline

Exploring the Early Days: Postpartum Fitness Foundations 

• Unique biopsychosocial (BPS) considerations for this population 
• The 4th Trimester: BPS Considerations 
• The Postpartum Period: BPS Considerations 
• Emotional resilience strategies for the mental marathon of motherhood 
• Subsequent Pregnancies 

Realities of Adding Impact: How to Safely Reintroduce Running 

• Anatomy refreshers for the post-baby body 
• Considerations for the Postpartum Runner or Athlete 
• Precautions & Contraindications 

Postpartum Running Screens  

• Posture 
• Mobility 
• Pelvic Floor Screening Questionnaires 
• Strength 
• Impact 

Interpreting the Screens: Tailoring the Postpartum Running Experience 

• 0 - 6 weeks 
• 6 - 12 weeks 
• 12+ weeks 
• When to see a pelvic health specialist 

Dynamic Movement Mastery: Postpartum Exercise Essentials 

• Posture 
• Breathing 
• Mobility  
• Pelvic Floor  
• Strength 
• Impact 

Customizable Running Guides for Every Mom 

• How to Choose Your Own Adventure 
• No Fancy Watch Needed 
• Basic intervals 
• Advanced intervals 

Perfecting the Pace: Gait Analysis and Practical Drills 

• Foot strike considerations 
• Stride Length and Step Rate 
• Stride Width  
• Rib and pelvis stacking 
• Rotation  

Overcoming Obstacles: Addressing Common Postpartum Concerns 

• Diastasis Recti 
• C-section Scar Pain and Restriction 
• Pelvic Girdle Pain 
• Incontinence (Leaking) 
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse 
• Stress Fractures 

The Right Gear: Additional Considerations for Postpartum Runners 

• What is really important when selecting footwear? 
• Navigating challenging terrain 
• Getting a handle on stroller running 

Target Audience

• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Chiropractor
• Athletic Trainer