During pregnancy, women experience many changes to their body. From back pain to muscle tension to pelvic cramps, pregnancy certainly requires adaptation and constant adjustments to ensure mom is as comfortable as possible. The good news is that women can take back their mobility during pregnancy by consulting and exercising with a physical therapist. At Ohio Sports and Spine Institute, we offer physical therapy solutions tailored to your body to help relieve this pain during and after pregnancy. Learn more about the benefits physical therapy can provide throughout your pregnancy journey.
Prenatal Physical Therapy
Many people don’t realize the benefits of adding a licensed physical therapist to their pregnancy care team. Developing a care plan with a physical therapist during your pregnancy can help you manage the aches and pains you may experience. Lower back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, weight gain, and changes in center of mass leading to muscle compensation. It’s important to work with a professional and tailor your plan to your specific needs as your body changes. A physical therapist can also help you to find a delivery position that works best for you especially in the case with low back pain or tailbone pain.
Common Pregnancy Pains That Physical Therapy Can Help With
Postpartum Physical Therapy
By curating a care plan with a physical therapist before the birth of your child, you are set up for success during the postpartum period. A woman’s body is experiencing a lot of change during this time trying to balance hormones and recover from delivery. Read on to learn more about how postpartum physical therapy helps you regain complete mobility.
Pelvic Pain and Discomfort
According to BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, approximately 25% of women experience pelvic pain postpartum, with some studies reporting a range of up to 41% of women. Pelvic floor therapy for postpartum statistically helps to alleviate pain that could potentially last for weeks afterwards. Physical therapists recommend exercises that are appropriate for you in your time of recovery as kegels are not always the answer. In the case where a new mom has pelvic floor tension, kegels may not be appropriate. Therefore, it is important to find a physical therapist to perform an internal standing and supine pelvic floor assessment to help you find the best approach for your recovery. Note that internal exams are optional.
Back Pain from Carrying a Baby
It’s no surprise that carrying a baby can be a lot of work! The constant extra weight of lifting a baby can cause pain and lead to poor posture. Following up with an OSSI physical therapist after birth can help relieve back pain and improve your posture. Ignoring postpartum back pain increases a woman’s risk for chronic back pain, as well as pain in the neck, shoulders, and hips. Living with chronic pain potentially leads to reduced physical activity, which increases the risk of other health conditions such as cardiovascular complications.
Returning to Exercise after Giving Birth
Jumping back into your pre-pregnancy workout routine can be straining and damaging to your muscles. After months of constant changes to the body, it’s important to gradually reintroduce exercising. Physical therapists at Ohio Sports and Spine are trained to help get you back to the active lifestyle you had before your baby with progressive care plans! Please ensure you practice safe exercise routines to avoid damage to your muscles and joints.
Finding a Physical Therapist Near You
Searching for a physical therapist that will meet your needs is a daunting task. That’s why Ohio Sports and Spine Institute puts each patient through a comprehensive evaluation and develops an individualized treatment plan. We pride ourselves in making sure each patient is heard, understood, and receives quality treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our work with pregnant patients!
For individuals with an appointment looking for further information, review our Preparing For Your Visit page.
