During her pregnancy, a woman's body will go through important changes. That said, these changes can also lead to pressure, misalignment and pain in various areas of the body. Our Manotick physiotherapists explain how postpartum physiotherapy can help with recovery.
A woman's body undergoes many vital and important changes during pregnancy. A shift in the centre of mass happens with weight gain, resulting in more pressure being put on the body's organs.
These changes often cause hip, back or pelvic pain during pregnancy or after delivery. Common health issues that may arise include:
- Joint pain
- Blocked breast ducts
- Urinary incontinence
- Low back pain
- Abdominal separation
- Weakened abdominal muscles
- Increased pelvic pain, pressure and misalignment
- Varicose veins
How Postpartum Physiotherapy Can Be Used to Treat Post-Natal Complications
Our team at our sister location in Nepean can design a specific program of pre-natal and postpartum physiotherapy exercises to help expecting mothers prepare for labour and delivery, make the process healthier and safer, and assist them in healing afterward.
To start, your Nepean physiotherapist will perform a detailed evaluation to assess whether you can safely participate in an exercise program, and identify the issues contributing to your pain and dysfunction.
Your physical strength, flexibility, sense of balance and body posture will be examined, in addition to any musculoskeletal issues that may impact your pregnancy.
Whether this is your first or subsequent pregnancy. every pregnancy is different - 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
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.