Pregnancy can certainly leave you feeling sore and uncomfortable. You may think you simply need to tough it out until the baby is born, but what if you could find relief in the meantime?
Physical therapy for pregnant women offers a range of benefits, from relieving pain to promoting a smoother labor and delivery. Learn more below about Exchange Physical Therapy Group, then schedule a consultation for physical therapy in Jersey City Heights, NJ.
Why Should Pregnant Women Consider Physical Therapy?
For many women, pregnancy is nine long months of back pain, joint discomfort, and an overall feeling of soreness. The right physical therapy treatments can help relieve these symptoms while preventing potential complications.
Explore several major benefits of physical therapy for pregnant women below. Of course, it is always best to speak with your OB-GYN before adding any new activities to your lifestyle while pregnant. Good physical therapists work directly with these doctors to determine safe treatment plans catered to each patient’s unique health conditions and considerations.
Relieve Pain and Discomfort During Pregnancy
One of the main reasons pregnant patients seek physical therapy is to relieve pain and discomfort. Pregnancy places great strain on the body. The baby’s growing head pushes against the pelvis, leading to back pain. The added weight from the baby strains the spine, which can affect posture and place stress on the knees and other joints. Pregnancy can also cause ankles and hands to swell.
A physical therapist can assess the specific areas of discomfort you are experiencing and use targeted therapies and prenatal exercises to relieve pain. This might include spinal manipulation techniques to improve spine alignment, exercises to correct posture, and core strengthening techniques to help the body keep up with the added weight from the baby.
A combination of therapies can alleviate pain and help you feel more comfortable through the remainder of your pregnancy. Your physical therapist can also teach you exercises to perform at home, allowing you to continue practicing them between appointments.
Prepare Your Body for Labor
While pregnancy undoubtedly strains the body, labor is often even more impactful. The right physical therapy treatments could help prepare your body for labor and delivery.
For example, your physical therapist can walk you through exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and teach you the right form for pushing in delivery. Some physical therapists can even perform perineal massages, which help reduce the risk of tears during vaginal delivery.
If your doctor has advised you to restrict activity for the remainder of your pregnancy, a physical therapist can adapt their techniques to support your current limitations. Breathing techniques, light exercises in bed, and guidance on repositioning can all help prevent muscle atrophy during bed rest and keep your body strong for labor.
Prevent Certain Post-Partum Conditions
Pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, and incontinence are all common conditions that can arise during labor and delivery. By performing certain physical therapy exercises while pregnant, you can better prepare for labor and potentially prevent these post-partum complications.
For example, strengthening the abdominal muscles during pregnancy can help prevent the separation of these muscles, known as diastasis recti. Pelvic floor therapy can help prevent urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and lingering pelvic pain after delivery.
Giving birth is like running a marathon; adequate preparation is essential to preventing injuries.
Schedule Your Physical Therapy Consultation
Whether you are in the first trimester or nearing your due date, starting physical therapy may be one of the best things you can do for your body. Physical therapy for pregnant women offers several benefits, alleviating pain now and preparing your body for labor and delivery.
Exchange Physical Therapy Group provides targeted physical therapy for pregnant patients. Whether you are wondering about the connection between nutrition and physical therapy while pregnant or want to relieve debilitating back pain, we can provide safe and effective guidance. Contact us today at 201-255-4567 or visit us online to schedule a consultation.
