It is estimated that virtually all women experience some degree of musculoskeletal discomfort during or after pregnancy. Since prenatal and postpartum periods are a time of great change for women physically, emotionally and hormonally, musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is common.
Southwest General’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy program can help provide relief.
About Our Program
Therapy Services at Southwest General offers a comprehensive Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy program staffed by experienced physical therapists who have been specially trained through The American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Women’s Health, in the area of pregnancy and postpartum therapy.
What is Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy?
While pain is common during pregnancy, it can be better managed with physical therapy. Many times, the pain is a result of increased elasticity in the soft tissues of the body and postural changes as the baby grows. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with a woman’s body transformations during and after pregnancy.
Our experienced physical therapists design treatment programs to help women stabilize their pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, improve their body mechanics and decrease pregnancy/postpartum pain.
Issues Treated
- Pain in the back, hip, neck, coccyx or other area
- Pelvic Floor weakness• Muscle weakness including abdominals
- Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation)
- Pubic symphysis dysfunction (pain or misalignment of the pelvic joints)
- Sacroiliac joint pain (SI)
- C-section, episiotomy or perineal tearing/scars
- C-section recovery
- Bowel and Bladder dysfunction (incontinence, constipation, prolapse, etc.)
- Pelvic and perineal pain, including painful intercourse
- Postural stresses & body mechanics (holding/carrying baby)
- Nerve damage
- Breast pain/clogged milk ducts
- Mobility difficulty
- Post-delivery issues
Physical therapy also may be used to help women prepare for labor and delivery.
Treatment Options
- Manual (hands-on) therapy
- Postural strengthening/alignment/body balance
- Muscle energy techniques
- Body mechanics education
- Pain relief techniques
- Sleep position education
- Aquatics
- Assistance in fitting of maternity belts and supports
- Labor and delivery position techniques
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-833-SW-REHAB (1-833-797-3422).