Diastasis Recti
During or after pregnancy, some women will experience a condition called diastasis recti, which is a separation between the right and left abdominal muscles.
Prenatal & Postpartum Physiotherapy
The therapists at our Orleans physiotherapy clinic can help new mothers prevent and manage prenatal and postpartum hip, back and pelvis pain with a variety of physiotherapy treatment options.
Your Changing Body, During & After Pregnancy
Many women experience an onset of back, hip or pelvic pain during pregnancy or following delivery. This is the result of the many hormonal changes that take place in the body throughout pregnancy and afterwards, as well as the laxity of the ligaments and the changes in posture due to weight gain during pregnancy.
In addition, second or subsequent pregnancies can mean added stress and strain on the joints for women who are also caring for and lifting young toddlers day to day.
There are a number of common pregnancy and post-delivery issues women can experience, including:
- Numb, tingling, painful hands & fingers
- Swollen ankles & varicose veins
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Blocked breast ducts
- Pelvic misalignment
- Joint pain
- Incontinence
- Chronic back and/or pelvic pain
More About Prenatal & Postpartum Conditions
Blocked Breast Ducts
Blocked breast ducts are a common problem for many women who are breast feeding. If the blocked duct does not spontaneously clear in a day, physiotherapy treatment can be highly effective in resolving the blockage.
Prenatal & Postpartum Physiotherapy
If you are experiencing any of the above problems either during or after your pregnancy, physiotherapy can help. Treatment will begin with a detailed evaluation to determine the problems contributing to your pain/dysfunction.
There are a variety of ways that physiotherapists can help expectant mothers prepare for labour and delivery, make the process safer and healthier, and help them heal afterwards. These generally fall into two categories:
Labour & Delivery Prep
- Maintaining pelvic alignment and symmetry during pregnancy and delivery to reduce potential pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.
- Perineal care and stretching to help prepare the vaginal connective tissue and pelvic floor muscles for delivery in order to prevent or minimize tearing.
- Strengthening and lengthening the pelvic floor muscle to improve continence and mobility, and minimize pain.
- Optimizing birthing positions to make sure there's as much room as possible for the baby as it makes its way through the birth canal.
- Minimizing the pain of existing musculoskeletal conditions that may be exacerbated by pregnancy, labour or delivery.
- Educating mothers-to-be about pain and pain management, and discussing their fears, concerns and goals for labour, to help settle anxiety and stress.
Post-Delivery Reconditioning
Post delivery reconditioning involves safely and progressively returning to pre-pregnancy and/or delivery function for the various body parts most affected by pregnancy, labour and delivery.
An active core strengthening program, including specific pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises will be provided for those experiencing back/pelvic dysfunction, to ensure that you recover the necessary strength needed to meet the multiple demands of motherhood.
Your therapist will educate you on how to alleviate pain and discomfort through positioning, posture, or the use of taping or pelvic supports. Additional treatments may include heat, myofascial release, acupuncture, massage, stretches and joint mobilizations.
Each body is different, and each pregnancy is different. We can help you successfully navigate your unique pregnancy and post-pregnancy experience.
Ready to get started on the path to better mobility and a healthier lifestyle?
Contact Motion Works Physiotherapy Orleans today.