The human body is capable of incredible things, none more recognizable than creating new life through pregnancy and childbirth. Yet too often, people who are pregnant are advised to ignore very real and, at the very least, annoying symptoms they might experience during those months leading up to and after giving birth.
We believe that physical therapy during and after pregnancy can transform the lives of people who might otherwise not seek care for their aches and pains. Bringing new life to the world is a beautiful thing, but also requires a lot of extra care to ensure both mother and child are as healthy as can be.
Pre-natal physical therapy
Preparing your body for pregnancy and childbirth can be an effective way to increase your resiliency during a time of rapid and dramatic changes. Our physical therapists will be your partner whether you’re trying to become pregnant or are already expecting, helping you navigate what’s “normal” and what might deserve more attention. We’ll provide tips and training on how to change your body mechanics to avoid injury and pain. And of course, we’ll be here to address the pain that so often accompanies this time of your life.
Pre-natal symptoms we treat
There are a wide range of symptoms that can be considered “normal” during pregnancy and after childbirth that still make it harder to live your normal life. There are as many techniques to help you find relief from pain, increased strength, and less severe side effects as there are changes to your body during pregnancy. Common symptoms we treat include:
- Low back pain
- Foot pain
- Ankle pain or swelling
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain and tension
- Tingling or numbness in the arms and hands
Safe exercises during pregnancy
Continuing to stay active during pregnancy is one way to help keep your muscles and joints mobile and healthy even as your body becomes strained by the rapid changes that occur. Our therapists develop individual exercise plans for people who are pregnant or expect to become pregnant to strengthen muscles that can become weak throughout pregnancy, including the all-important pelvic floor.
Because every person has a different fitness level, exercise goal, and experience with pregnancy, these plans are highly personalized, and we always recommend meeting with a pre-natal exercise expert before attempting strenuous activity.
Post-partum physical therapy
Some of the most intense pain of a person’s life is experienced during labor and delivery. And the effort exerted during childbirth can have a lasting effect on a person’s body into the post-partum period. So when you’re dealing with aches, pains, or other lingering changes to your daily life after giving birth, there’s likely a good reason for it, and, hopefully, something you can do to feel better.
Our physical therapy treatments for post-partum concerns include:
- Pelvic floor pain or weakness
- Stress incontinence
- Low back pain
- Upper back pain
- Sciatica
- Shoulder pain
- Urinary frequency
- Core weakness
This is not an exhaustive list of the conditions and symptoms we might be able to treat, and we’re passionate about making treatment plans that bring people relief after experiencing unexpected changes during childbirth. Even if it seems like a longshot or something you just need to accept as your “new normal,” it may be something we can help you understand if not treat.
Physical therapy during pregnancy
It’s never too early to talk to a physical therapist if you’re at all concerned about changes to your body you’re expecting or have already experienced due to pregnancy and childbirth. Our maternal health specialists are here to help you live your fullest life, free from pain, with holistic, natural physical therapy exercises you can do at home. Learn more about your options and our availability by calling the nearest office location or requesting an appointment online today!
