03/18/2024
Many people have the goal to start for the first time or return to running after having a baby.
There is no one simple timeframe that determines readiness despite the general clearance usually given at 6-8 weeks. That clearance is medical, indicating the risk of infection is no longer present and that scars have healed. It does not tell us what the body is ready for from a muscle strength perspective. Some women may be ready to run at 6 weeks and for many it will take much longer.
There are many factors that go into determining if someone is ready to run again or not. These can include:
- Prior running history, including during pregnancy
- Current sleep/hydration/nutrition needs and how well they are being met
- Strength of the hips and legs
- Pelvic floor mobility, pain, endurance and coordination and any resulting bladder or f***l incontinence
- Scar tissue present (episiotomy, perineal tearing or cesarean) and current healing status
Return to running progressions also depend on your goals:
- Recreational running for fun/stress relief/mental health
- Running as part of a workout class like Orange Theory or CrossFit
- Distance or time goal in something like a 5K, 10K or a half or full marathon
- Short/quick distances like playing on an adult sports league or being able to chase kids and toddlers around
These are all things a pelvic floor physical therapist can assess and help you address to get back on the path to regular running and activity.