Pregnancy and Postpartum Care: How Physical Therapy Can Help
Common issues from pregnancy and how our specialists can help you succeed in recovery
Have you experienced pain from a recent pregnancy? Are you finding it challenging to treat post-partum symptoms? Carrying and birthing a baby is an incredible process, but one that can also put tremendous stress on the body. According to the American Pregnancy Association, up to 70% of women experience back or pelvic pain during pregnancy. While most women will experience pain and discomfort during and after pregnancy, many do not know that physical therapy can help improve symptoms and bodily functions without requiring invasive treatments or medication.
Our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy specialize in pregnancy and postpartum care. Call us today to make an appointment and resolve your pain!
Pregnancy and pelvic pain
The pelvis is a fundamental part of a woman’s body, home to essential organ systems and offering support to the spine and lower extremities. The pelvis includes a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that stabilize the area and support bowel, bladder and sexual function. During pregnancy, this is the area of the body where women most commonly experience pain and other conditions such as incontinence.
Because the pelvic system is so complex, your rehab plan will typically include a comprehensive evaluation of the musculoskeletal system rather than just the pelvis itself.
Common issues that women face during and after pregnancy
Because of the stress pregnancy puts on the body, women can experience a wide range of changes, such as weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, and gait changes. During treatment, our therapists will provide a safe and thorough evaluation and design a plan to help you function better through your pregnancy. Let’s take a look at some common issues women face during pregnancy and after childbirth:
Abdominal Pain
After carrying and delivering your baby, it only makes sense that you’ll experience some abdominal pain. During the postpartum phase, your uterus will contract to return to its pre-pregnancy size. Throughout this process, muscle guarding can cause pain in the lower abdomen, usually occurring within six weeks after childbirth. Abdominal pain is also felt during breastfeeding because of significant hormonal changes.
Physical therapy can help you identify the root of your abdominal pain and start a treatment program to alleviate those symptoms.
Tailbone and Hip Pain
Tailbone, hip, and pelvic pain are some of the most common symptoms following childbirth. Most women will feel pain or soreness immediately after delivery, although some will endure lingering symptoms for a prolonged period. That is why it’s essential to be evaluated by one of our physical therapists so that they can create a treatment plan that resolves your pain.
Incontinence
After carrying a baby for nine months, the pelvic floor muscles are likely strained and stressed from the drastic changes. Following childbirth, many women experience urinary and fecal incontinence, and involuntary leakage occurs when sneezing, laughing, coughing, or related activities occur. Luckily, our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy can help restore the pelvic muscles to their normal pre-pregnancy functions.
Scar Pain
Some women need a cesarean section during childbirth, which can result in painful scarring. Physical therapists can work with you to reduce pain and restrictions in the scar and surrounding areas.
Diastasis Recti
If there is more distance between your abs because the connective tissue has stretched during pregnancy (a condition known as diastasis recti), our physical therapists can help you improve core strength and restore muscle function. During this process, they will educate you on effective exercises to do at home and in the clinic. Sometimes, therapists will use bracing, strength training, and postural training to help reduce the problem.
How physical therapy can help
Our licensed physical therapists will assess your conditions and symptoms, then create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. During treatment, you will be provided with effective exercises and pain management techniques that are best suited to your condition. We strongly value our patient’s privacy and comfort and work hard to create an environment to optimize your recovery.
Request an appointment today!
Our physical therapists at Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy can help you recover from your symptoms quickly and easily. We are knowledgeable specialists in the world of women’s health, pregnancy, and pelvic pain, and we can help restore functions and get you back to your usual self. To set up an appointment, call our practice today!