Pregnancy is a unique time for women when many physical changes occur in a short period of time. Both vaginal childbirth and cesarean deliveries cause physical changes that may affect your body. All of these changes may make caring for yourself and your newborn challenging. Physical therapy is non-invasive and can help make your pregnancy and delivery more comfortable. Treatment can also ease your recovery after the delivery and help you return to your normal activities.
Symptoms addressed with physical therapy:
- Low back pain
- Sciatic pain
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Pubic symphysis pain
- Round ligament pain
- Hip pain
- Tailbone pain
- Neck pain
- Cesarean scar pain
- Episiotomy scar pain
- Weakness of the core muscles
- Separation of abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Difficulty with sleeping positions
- Cesarean recovery
- Postural education for nursing mothers
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Constipation
- Bowel leakage, both stool and gas
- Pain with sexual activity
Treatments Provided:
- Hands on manual therapy to address joint alignment problems
- Trigger point release in muscles to address muscle pain and spasm
- Targeted strengthening for weak muscles
- Gentle stretching of tight muscles
- Stabilization of postural changes that occur during pregnancy
- Maternity support garment recommendations and fitting
- Instruction in safe body mechanics and transitioning techniques
- Bowel and bladder training
- Extensive patient education
- Instruction in self management strategies and an exercise program to maintain long term health
- Pelvic floor treatments as needed