Throughout her pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes vital and important changes. As she gains weight, her centre of mass will shift, which places more pressure on the body's organs.
This evolution often leads to hip, pelvic or back pain during pregnancy or following delivery. Common health problems that may come up include:
- Joint pain
- Low back pain
- Swollen ankles and varicose veins
- Blocked breast ducts
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Urinary incontinence
- Increased pelvic misalignment, pressure and pain
- Abdominal separation
How Postpartum Physiotherapy Can Be Used to Treat Post-Natal Complications
Our team at MotionWorks Physiotherapy in Orleans can design a custom program of pre-natal and postpartum physiotherapy exercises to help moms-to-be prepare for labour and delivery, make the process safer and healthier, and assist them in healing following delivery.
To begin, your Orleans physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment to determine whether you can safely participate in an exercise program and identify issues contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
Your flexibility, sense of balance, body posture and physical strength will be observed, along with any musculoskeletal issues that can impact your pregnancy.
Whether this is your first or a subsequent pregnancy, every pregnancy is different - and so is every delivery process and recovery.
The primary purpose of a post-partum physiotherapy program is to safely and progressively help the body return to its pre-pregnancy and/or delivery function. As you navigate your new parental role, we are here to help guide you through your unique pregnancy and post-pregnancy experience with physiotherapy treatment options.
For those experiencing back and pelvic dysfunction, an active core strengthening program can help you recover the strength you'll need to meet the multiple demands of motherhood. Your program may include specific exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle.
You'll also learn how to use positioning, posture, taping or pelvic floor supports to alleviate pain and discomfort. Other treatments may include massage, joint mobilization exercises, stretches, myofascial release, acupuncture and heat.
Postpartum Physiotherapy at Nepean Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy Centre
All in all, your physiotherapist can help you improve your fitness and feel like yourself again after giving birth. If you are pregnant or having postpartum health issues, postpartum physiotherapy can play an integral role in your recovery.