Prenatal Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is not just for injuries. Physical therapy during pregnancy can be useful for relieving common discomforts such as back pain, and for enabling an easier, more comfortable pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery.

A woman’s body undergoes several changes to adapt to the growth of a fetus. For example, an increase in the curvature of the spine (called lumbar lordosis) can trigger low back pain and/or aggravation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica). Additionally, natural hormone changes that prepare a woman’s body for childbirth—by relaxing or loosening connective tissues—can cause increased mobility of joints that may result in overextension and strain.

Musculoskeletal and hormonal changes that are normal during pregnancy may result in pain for some women. Physical therapists have many (pharmaceutical-free) tools and techniques that are appropriate to alleviate this kind of discomfort, including:

• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Myofascial Release Therapy
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Posture, Lifting Techniques and Biomechanics

DID YOU KNOW?

A doctor’s referral is not always needed for you to seek help from a physical therapist, and most health insurance will help with the cost of treatment.

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