Our physical therapists are specially trained in women's health and can safely and effectively help you overcome issues from childbearing—so you can focus on being a mom.
During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman’s body experiences the following:
- Blood volume increases, which causes swelling.
- Hormone levels change, which may cause lower back or pelvic pain, changes in digestion, and headaches.
- The rib cage expands, which puts pressure on nerves and tissues above and between ribs. This can cause difficulty with deep breathing, general discomfort in the trunk area, and mid/upper back pain.
- Weight gain puts extra stress on feet, legs and back. The forward weight of the baby changes spinal curves and can weaken overstretched abdominal muscles.
- As your breasts grow, larger breasts may alter posture.
- A vaginal delivery can cause injury to the pelvic floor, which for some can cause pain, incontinence, and other urinary problems.
- A cesarean delivery can cause scarring, weak abdominal muscles, and pain.
A physical therapist, trained in working with pregnant and post-partum women, can help with many of these physical changes. Ask your doctor to consider a referral if you have:
- Lower 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 therapy for new and expectant mothers is available at:
Methodist Germantown Outpatient Rehab
Medical Office Building A 7655 Poplar Ave., Ste. 250
Germantown, TN 38138
Germantown, TN 38138
For more information, call 901-516-6929.