Healthcare Services

Pregnancy and post-partum are times in a woman's life that bring about many feelings; excitement, anticipation, joy, nervousness, and sometimes discomfort. A number of changes happen to your body during and after pregnancy. It can take several weeks or months to get back to the condition you were in before you became pregnant, and there are some things that will just never be the same!

Physical therapists are experts in treating the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, joints and the surrounding soft tissues of the body). Our physical therapists are specially trained in women's health and can safely and effectively help women overcome issues that arise during the childbearing year so that women can focus on these amazing life experiences without pain or further undue stress. 

Physical changes in the childbearing year and possible consequences

• Blood volume increases - swelling
• Hormone level changes - ligament laxity leading to low back or pelvic girdle pain, changes in digestive mobility, headaches
• Changes in rib cage dimensions - pressure on nerves and tissues above and between ribs, difficulty deep breathing, abdominals stretched, generalized trunk discomfort, mid/upper back pain
• Weight gain - extra stress on feet, legs and back, forward weight of baby changes spinal curves, weak and overstretched abdominals
• Breast changes - larger breasts may alter posture
• Vaginal delivery - injury to pelvic floor (pain, incontinence, urgency, prolapse, coccyx pain)
• Cesarean delivery - scarring and pain, weak abdominals

The good news in that a physical therapist, trained in working with pregnant and post-partum women, can help with a number of these things! A referral to a physical therapist would be appropriate for women with:

• Low back pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Tendonitis
• Shoulder/arm pain and tingling
• Upper back and neck pain
• Headaches
• Incontinence
• Urgency of urination
• Pain associated with scars
• Leg/foot pain, weakness, and/or swelling
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Hip pain
• Pain with intercourse
• Musculoskeletal issues related to bed rest
• Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)
• Prolapse (lack of support in the pelvic area that allows the organs, like the uterus, to fall from their normal position
• Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

Physical therapists can also assist women who are not experiencing pain or discomfort in pregnancy and post-partum. These services may include:

• Prenatal and post-partum exercise prescription or classes
• Posture and body mechanics screening and instruction
• Pelvic floor exercise education
• Education and instruction regarding various positions and techniques for labor and delivery
• Women with any pre-existing pelvic pain or dysfunction would benefit from labor recommendations to prevent recurrence or exacerbation of the injury

Physical therapy is proven to be successful in the care of pregnant and post-partum patients. The carry-over of healthy habits, exercises and skills you gain through physical therapy, help to transition through the childbearing year and prepare for the constant physical demands of raising a young child. 

For more information on Women's Health Physical Therapists who specialize in pregnancy and post-partum therapies, call 901.767.3061.