Childbirth is arguably the most complex process a woman’s body can go through, and it’s no surprise that it also takes a significant toll on their body even after the process is complete. Our bodies bounce back in some ways following childbirth, but it needs some extra help in other areas, and that’s where physical therapy comes in.
One of our specialties at OrthoRehab Specialists is postpartum physical therapy, and each year we help a number of new mothers regain confidence and take back their bodies following the wondrous and physically-altering process of childbirth. We give some more insight into the techniques we use and how we can help in today’s blog.
Types Of Prenatal and Postpartum Conditions We Treat
While childbirth is the biggest physical change you’ll undergo during the birthing process, your body goes through numerous changes in the months leading up to delivery day. Because of this, we don’t just help new mothers, we also help design physical therapy routines for expecting mothers who are dealing with discomfort due to bodily changes. Some of the conditions and types of discomfort we treat include:
- Pelvic joint pain
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Diastasis rectus abdominus
- Shortness of breath
- Scar-related pain
- Core weakness
- Sciatic nerve pain
The general goal of prenatal or postpartum physical therapy is to treat the underlying condition causing pain while also giving the patient the tools they need to need to manage flareups as their pregnancy continues. For many patients, this involves addressing spinal or pelvis dysfunction and muscle weakness. We do this through a combination of gentle stretching exercises, strength training regimens, mobilization techniques and body mechanics education.
Aside from directly helping with pain or discomfort, prenatal and postpartum physical therapy are also good forms of exercise for our bodies. Even if specific areas of your body don’t hurt now, we can help target and strengthen areas of your body that are going to be called upon during the birthing process or that will feel the effects after the birth. Staying ahead of discomfort and strengthening certain areas before problems set in can prevent issues in the first place and help keep you and your developing baby healthy.
Twin Cities Physical Therapy
So if you are expecting or you want some help getting your body back to pre-birth levels of fitness and function after a baby, reach out to our Women’s Health team at OrthoRehab Specialists. We can tailor a physical therapy program to your specific needs and help you achieve your physical goals. For more information, give us a call today.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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