Pt in pregnancy

During pregnancy, physical and hormonal changes occur, which can affect the musculoskeletal system. These changes include altered posture, shortened muscles, potential muscle imbalances, and changes in spinal mobility and bony alignment.

Some women can experience pelvic, hip, or back pain in pregnancy that goes beyond the normal “aches and pains of pregnancy.” If you’re experiencing hip, pelvic, or back pain in pregnancy, a visit to a pelvic physical therapist can help. Our office also carries Serola SI belts and Mother-to-Be maternity support belts, which, combined with physical therapy techniques, can help you feel better in sometimes just one PT visit.

Some women also consult a pelvic physical therapist in order to safely maintain a high level of exercise through pregnancy, or to be proactive about preparation of pelvic floor muscles to give birth, even when they are not having a specific problem.

pt in the postpartum period

Recovery from childbirth, whether vaginal or surgical, can be helped significantly with physical therapy. In many European countries, women are automatically referred for pelvic floor physical therapy after giving birth, whether for routine recovery, or for specific problems. We recommend that all women pursue some manner of pelvic floor rehabilitation after birth, whether in the form of Melissa’s ‘Postpartum Pilates’ class, or for visits with a women’s health PT. Women who are very active and athletic can benefit greatly from proactive care after birth with a pelvic PT to help their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles heal and re-strengthen in such a way as to allow them a safe return to vigorous exercise.

During postpartum phase, fluctuating hormone levels combined with additional physical changes as a result of delivery may also result in musculoskeletal concerns, such as excessive joint mobility, potential muscle imbalances, core weakness and altered spinal mobility and function.

Specifically, postpartum physical therapy can address common problems such as:

  • Urinary incontinence – stress/urge/retention
  • Fecal or gas incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Constipation, Hemorrhoids
  • Painful intercourse
  • Pain associated with C-section or episiotomy scars, or perineal pain from a tear
  • Diastasis Recti, or abdominal wall muscle separation
  • Low back, hip, or pelvic pain