Physical Therapy for Pre/Post-Natal Pain

The experience of pregnancy is one of joy and excitement for a lot of women. However, it can also be accompanied by new aches, pains, and worries. In addition to regular doctor’s office visits during a pregnancy, our team highly recommends working with a licensed physical therapist. A physical therapist in Port Isabel or Olmito that has worked with pregnant women before can assist you in understanding the source of certain discomfort or pain and have experience in walking you through potential solutions for relief.

Top 4 Causes of Aches and Pains During Pregnancy

During pregnancy a woman’s body goes through quite a transformation in many aspects. It is not uncommon for there to be joint, bone, and muscle aches as the hip and pelvic areas re-orient themselves to support the additional weight of a growing baby and later on re-position themselves to support the delivery.

As an expecting mother enters her final trimester, the most common cause of pain during pregnancy can be traced back to:

• Posture
• Joint positioning
• Flexibility
• Muscle condition

How Physical Therapy Can Help

A physical therapist can formulate a specific care plan that is tailored to your particular needs. Once they are able to identify the unique source of your discomfort, they can outline the steps needed to find relief. In addition, a physical therapist can also demonstrate methods to better manage pain.

A good physical therapist can also assist a mother-to-be strengthen key muscles in the hips, back, and abdominal region, which can potentially result in:

• Pain relief
• More energy
• Quicker recovery after delivery

Unless there is a specific medical reason not to, most expecting mothers should strive to maintain good exercise habits. A positive exercise routine during pregnancy goes a long way towards maintaining fitness and a strong cardiovascular system. Studies also show that exercise during pregnancy is linked to a lower risk of:

• Excessive weight gain
• Incontinence
• Gestational diabetes
• Back and pelvic pain

A physical therapist who has worked with you throughout the duration of your pregnancy is also well-positioned to help you address any other issues that present themselves after the baby has been born. 

Before, during, and after pregnancy, your physical therapist might will likely suggest:

Exercises

A physical therapist may prescribe exercises that target your cardiovascular system. To reduce the physical impact on the body, swimming is especially recommended. Another common exercise to do are Kegels.  Lastly, a walking routine is a great way to maximize the aerobic benefits of regular exercise.

Stretches

A stretching routine can help improve your flexibility and strengthen your musculoskeletal system. Yoga is also highly recommended so that the body can begin to build a strong foundation.

Experience the Benefits of Physical Therapy

If you are a pregnant woman and are interested in the benefits of physical therapy, we highly recommend you consider scheduling a consultation with our team. Our highly-trained physical therapists have experience working with pregnant women to help them enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy.