[Postpartum perineal rehabilitation by early electrostimulation at home. Preliminary study]

The authors report a preliminary trial of post-partum perineal physiotherapy by functional electric stimulation at home starting from Day 15. Fifteen primipara used the technique. Perineal muscle testing and urodynamic investigations took place before Perineal muscle testing and urodynamic investigations took place before and after physiotherapy. Testing of the levators showed complete recovery in 20 p. cent of cases and partial in 80 p. cent. Urodynamic results showed a significant increase in resting urethral pressure. Acceptability of physiotherapy was perfect. The early start offered the twin advantages of better muscular recovery and easier motivation of the patient. Physiotherapy at home enabled these women, already busy, to carry out their perineal physiotherapy with minimum difficulty.