Introduction
After childbirth, many women face the issue of postpartum abdominal relaxation, which can lead to various problems such as diastasis recti, hernias, and poor body posture. In New York City, there are several highly - skilled doctors who specialize in postpartum abdominal relaxation repair. This article will introduce you to five such doctors, along with their expertise, treatment approaches, and relevant information to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Postpartum Abdominal Relaxation
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the growing baby. This stretching can cause the linea alba, a connective tissue that runs down the middle of the abdomen, to thin and separate. When this separation exceeds a certain limit, it results in diastasis recti. According to research, a large percentage of women experience some degree of diastasis recti during or after pregnancy. This condition not only affects the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen but can also lead to functional problems like lower back pain, constipation, and urinary incontinence.
Another common issue related to postpartum abdominal relaxation is the development of hernias. As the abdominal muscles weaken, pressure from the internal organs can cause them to push through the weakened areas of the abdominal wall, resulting in hernias such as umbilical hernias or incisional hernias (in case of cesarean - section deliveries).
Doctor 1: M. Shane Dawson, MD, FACS
Expertise and Background
Dr. M. Shane Dawson is a well - known specialist in general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery, based in the Upper East Side of New York. He offers postpartum abdominal wall reconstruction services to women in and around New York. His extensive training and experience make him a reliable choice for women seeking treatment for postpartum abdominal issues.
Treatment Approaches
Postpartum Hernias: Dr. Dawson assesses each patient's condition thoroughly. For small hernias that are not causing significant problems, he may recommend close monitoring. If the hernia is causing symptoms that interfere with the patient's normal routine, he may suggest hernia repair surgery. One approach is using surgical mesh to strengthen the weakened tissue. The mesh is secured in place to prevent organ displacement. Another option is suturing the gap in the muscle or connective tissues.
Diastasis Recti: He offers abdominal wall reconstruction, a surgical procedure that reconnects the left and right abdominal muscles to restore proper abdominal alignment. This is different from a tummy tuck, which focuses more on removing excess fat and skin and repositioning the belly button for aesthetic purposes. If a patient has concerns about the aesthetics of the procedure, Dr. Dawson can discuss those during the consultation.
Contact Information
Patients can request an appointment online, which is convenient for those with busy schedules. They can also call the New York City office at 212 - 744 - 1100 to check availability.
Doctor 2: Dr. Lev Kalika
Expertise and Background
Dr. Lev Kalika is the clinical director at NY DNR. He is a pelvic pain specialist and is well - versed in treating diastasis recti using a targeted conservative approach. His therapy is individualized, taking into account the specific needs of each patient.
Treatment Approaches
Addressing Underlying Issues: Dr. Kalika believes that before starting physical therapy, it is crucial to address underlying issues that can undermine the effectiveness of treatment. These issues include scar tissue and fascia adhesions, neurogenic inflammation, joint edema, inflamed soft tissues, myofascial trigger points, compressed or entrapped nerves and blood vessels, degenerated tendons, and compensation patterns developed post - injury.
Physical Therapy Modalities: He offers a range of physical therapy treatments for diastasis recti, including DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization), ISM (Integrated System Model), postural training, breathing therapy, deep core muscle training, and other therapies aimed at restoring optimal abdominal and pelvic function.
Regenerative Therapies: Dr. Kalika also uses non - invasive regenerative technologies to accelerate the healing process. These include focused shockwave therapy, myofascial acoustic compression therapy (My ACT), extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT), extracorporeal magnetic transduction therapy (EMTT), indiba radiofrequency therapy, nesa neuromodulation therapy, high energy inductive therapy (HEIT), laser therapy, ultrasound - guided injection therapies, ultrasound - guided dry needling, and ultrasound - guided hydrodissection.
Contact Information
To get more information about treatment options and schedule an appointment, patients can contact the clinic where Dr. Kalika practices. The clinic focuses on providing personalized care for patients with diastasis recti and related pelvic pain issues.
Doctor 3: Stephanie Fino, DPT
Expertise and Background
Stephanie Fino holds a doctorate in physical therapy. Since 2014, she has primarily worked in an acute - care hospital setting. As a mom of three, she has personal experience with perinatal care and has a passion for the prenatal and postnatal body. She aims to provide physical therapy services that focus on the preparation and recovery of the perinatal body.
Treatment Approaches
Pelvic Floor Therapy: Stephanie believes that physical therapy should be part of the routine care for mothers as early as the first weeks of pregnancy and days of recovery. Prenatal and postnatal pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate aches and pain, shorten labor and pushing times, and reduce postpartum complications like diastasis recti, urinary incontinence, and mental health challenges. She provides virtual services and also has a goal to start a new program at local hospitals to offer physical therapy consultations to postpartum mothers before they are discharged home.
Contact Information
Patients interested in her services can likely reach out to her through the institution where she is affiliated or the online platforms she uses for her virtual services. Although the specific contact details are not fully available in the references, inquiries can be made to relevant maternity care or physical therapy centers in New York City.
Doctor 4: In the Context of Related Specialties - For Comprehensive Care
While directly related to postpartum abdominal relaxation repair, a holistic approach to postpartum care also involves other specialists. For example, when considering the emotional well - being of a new mother, which can impact the overall recovery process, mental health specialists play a crucial role. Among the many mental health specialists in New York, Dr. Noelia Zork, MD, stands out.
Dr. Noelia Zork, MD
Expertise and Background
Dr. Noelia Zork is on staff at New York - Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center. She has a 5.00 - star rating based on patient reviews. Her experience and skills in treating postpartum depression can be valuable for new mothers who are dealing with emotional stress during the postpartum period, which can be associated with abdominal relaxation and other physical issues.
Treatment Approaches
She uses a patient - centered approach to diagnose and treat postpartum depression. By addressing the mental health aspect, she can help new mothers better cope with the physical challenges of postpartum recovery, including abdominal relaxation. A positive mental state can also enhance the effectiveness of physical treatments for abdominal issues.
Contact Information
Patients can call (212) 922 - 1515 to inquire about an appointment with Dr. Noelia Zork. Her office is located at 3959 Broadway, Floor 12, New York, NY 10032.
Doctor 5: In the Realm of Massage Therapy - Complementary Care
Postnatal massage can be a complementary approach to postpartum abdominal relaxation repair. The Yinova Center in NYC offers postnatal massage services, and the therapists there can provide valuable support for abdominal recovery.
Yinova Center Therapists
Expertise and Background
The therapists at the Yinova Center are trained to understand the unique physical and emotional demands on a new mother's body after childbirth. They are well - versed in postnatal massage techniques that can help with pelvic floor health, digestive and bladder function, as well as reducing stress, improving circulation, and reducing muscle tension and joint pain.
Treatment Approaches
Abdominal Massage: Abdominal massage during the postnatal period can specifically target the uterine ligaments and other abdominal tissues. These ligaments can be stretched during pregnancy and may have difficulty recovering, leading to various complications such as incontinence, prolapse, and constipation. Regular massage and self - care massage guidance provided by the therapists can assist the uterine ligaments and uterus to return to their proper position and support overall healing.
Timing of Massage: The therapists recommend starting postpartum massage one week after a normal vaginal delivery, six weeks after a normal cesarean, and after receiving clearance from doctors for any other complications.
Contact Information
Patients can visit the Yinova Center's website to learn more about their services and schedule a postnatal massage session. The center is dedicated to providing high - quality postnatal care in a supportive environment.
Comparing the Doctors
| Doctor | Specialty | Treatment Approach | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| M. Shane Dawson, MD, FACS | General, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery for postpartum abdominal wall reconstruction | Surgical repair of hernias (mesh or suturing), abdominal wall reconstruction for diastasis recti | 212 - 744 - 1100; online appointment requests |
| Dr. Lev Kalika | Pelvic pain specialist for diastasis recti treatment | Targeted conservative approach, addressing underlying issues, physical therapy modalities, and regenerative therapies | Contact NY DNR clinic |
| Stephanie Fino, DPT | Physical therapy for perinatal body | Pelvic floor therapy, virtual services, aiming for hospital - based program for postpartum mothers | Inquire at relevant maternity or physical therapy centers |
| Dr. Noelia Zork, MD | Treating postpartum depression | Patient - centered approach for mental health support | (212) 922 - 1515; 3959 Broadway, Floor 12, NY 10032 |
| Yinova Center Therapists | Postnatal massage for abdominal and overall recovery | Abdominal massage for pelvic floor and abdominal tissue recovery, self - care massage guidance | Visit Yinova Center website |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor
When choosing a doctor for postpartum abdominal relaxation repair in New York City, several factors should be taken into account:
- Expertise: Ensure that the doctor has specific expertise in the type of treatment you need. For surgical procedures, look for a surgeon with a good track record in postpartum abdominal reconstruction. For non - surgical options, a doctor with experience in physical therapy or massage techniques relevant to postpartum recovery is essential.
- Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, the effectiveness of their treatments, and the overall patient experience. High - rated doctors are often a good indication of quality care.
- Cost and Insurance: Consider the cost of treatment and whether it is covered by your insurance. Some treatments may be more expensive than others, and insurance coverage can vary widely. Contact your insurance provider and the doctor's office to clarify these details.
- Location and Convenience: Choose a doctor whose office is conveniently located, especially during the postpartum period when travel may be more challenging. Additionally, consider the availability of appointments that fit your schedule.
Conclusion
Postpartum abdominal relaxation is a common issue that many new mothers face, but there are excellent doctors in New York City who can provide effective treatment. Whether you need surgical intervention for hernias or diastasis recti, non - surgical physical therapy, mental health support, or complementary postnatal massage, there are specialists available to meet your needs. Dr. M. Shane Dawson, Dr. Lev Kalika, Stephanie Fino, Dr. Noelia Zork, and the therapists at the Yinova Center are just a few examples of the skilled professionals in this field.
It is important to do thorough research, consider your specific needs and preferences, and consult with multiple doctors if necessary. By taking an active role in your postpartum recovery, you can achieve better physical and emotional health. If you are a new mother dealing with postpartum abdominal relaxation, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these doctors and start your journey towards recovery.
Call - to - Action: If you found this article helpful, share it with other new mothers in New York City who may be dealing with postpartum abdominal issues. You can also explore more resources on our website to learn about other aspects of postpartum care. If you have any questions or need further guidance, leave a comment below, and we'll do our best to assist you.
