Pregnancy brings changes to a woman’s body, often being the cause of discomfort, pain, and other challenges after birth. Physical therapy plays an important role in managing these changes, whether it is in the nine months of pregnancy, or the months to years following . Exercises and specialized treatments can help women maintain their overall strength, manage pain, and recover after birth.
Managing Pain From Pregnancy
Experiencing discomfort during pregnancy is not abnormal whatsoever, especially in areas such as the lower back, hips, and pelvis. The body needs to adapt to the growing baby; there’s additional weight and posture changes–which puts pressure on joints and muscles that wouldn’t otherwise have pressure. Physical therapists can teach pregnant women ways to safely and effectively exercise in ways that relieve pressure, improve their posture, relieve some pain, and prevent further complications. Gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy are all techniques that can ease tension and help the body physically handle the changes of pregnancy.
Pelvic Floor Health
Pelvic floor muscles are muscles that support important organs such as the bladder, bowels, and the entire reproductive system. Pregnancy and childbirth usually weaken these muscles, leading to issues such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and diastasis recti–the separation of the abdominal muscles. Physical therapy can include pelvic floor exercises that strengthen and tighten these muscles, which can alleviate incontinence and improve pelvic strength both during and after a pregnancy.
Postpartum Recovery
After childbirth, the body undergoes a healing process; physical therapy can support a more speedy and complete recovery. Therapists help new mothers regain core strength, improve posture, and address any concerns from labor and delivery. This includes helping with diastasis recti, a common condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. A structured schedule can be created for returning to certain activities and exercises postpartum.
Preventing Long-Term Issues
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery often bring discomfort and physical challenges due to the body’s changes. Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing pain, maintaining strength, and supporting recovery throughout this transformative period. Whether during pregnancy or in the months or years following birth, physical therapy can address pain, pelvic floor health, and core strength while helping women regain physical function.
Avalon Medical’s physical therapy services offer gentle exercises, stretching, and manual therapy to relieve discomfort, improve posture, and strengthen muscles. Through pelvic floor exercises and tailored recovery plans, we help new mothers heal, regain strength, and prevent long-term issues. If you’re navigating the challenges of pregnancy or postpartum recovery, contact Avalon Medical today to learn how physical therapy can support your journey to a healthy recovery.