Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues

Helping you prepare for childbirth and the changes that follow

It’s the most exciting time of your life. However, for many women, it can be a time filled with anxiety and physical discomfort. Your muscles, ligaments and bones are subject to extreme changes during the childbearing year which includes nine months of pregnancy and three months afterward. Our physical and occupational therapists are skilled in addressing these issues while paying close attention to the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. We also maintain an open line of communication with your doctor.

We have specialized services to treat pregnancy-related back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, leg weakness, incontinence and much more. Treatment includes a safe and appropriate approach to pain management and a focus on maintaining proper posture. Your individual treatment plan may include manual therapies, stretches and strengthening exercises tailored for your needs during pregnancy and after your baby is born. By decreasing your physical discomfort, you will be better able to enjoy and anticipate this exciting time in your life.

Prolonged bed rest

In the event your doctor feels bed rest is needed for the safety of you and your baby, we are available to tailor an exercise program for you that is safe and effective in preventing your muscles from getting too weak. We can provide this service while you are at the hospital or as an outpatient visit.

We understand that maternity leave is short enough and that many women want to save this valuable time for after their babies are born. Sometimes physical pain can limit your ability to function normally and occasionally women are encouraged not to work. We specialize in addressing these pain syndromes and providing techniques that help you manage these symptoms. By addressing the source of the pain with outpatient therapy, we help you remain comfortable during this time and save your precious time off for after your baby arrives.

Back pain

The bad news is back pain is the most common physical compliant in pregnancy occurring up to 50 percent of the time. The good news is there are many strategies to help. Much of the physical discomfort from back pain can be addressed with stretching, posture instruction, strengthening exercises and manual therapy. Back bracing may also help to relieve these symptoms and increase your function.

Sciatica

During pregnancy, your pelvis shifts to accommodate the growth of your baby. Sometimes, this may cause symptoms such as pain on one side of the lower back, pain down the back of your leg or pain in one buttock. We can help you reduce your symptoms with pain management techniques and stretches that target the affected area.

Headaches

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to headaches. As opposed to taking medication, we can help you alleviate your pain with stretches, tips on correct posture and pain management strategies such as moist heat and massage.

Leg weakness

As your baby grows inside you, you may experience leg weakness as your body adjusts to the additional weight you are carrying. We help you strengthen your legs to aid you through pregnancy and better prepare you for taking care of your baby after delivery.

Incontinence

Between hormonal changes and additional weight pushing down on the pelvic floor, you may need help in controlling the urge to go to the bathroom during your pregnancy. After your baby is born, you may need help retraining your pelvic floor muscles if you had a traumatic delivery, an episiotomy or tear. Our occupational therapists use biofeedback to assess these muscles and provide instruction in exercises and activity modification to strengthen this muscle group.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Though usually associated with repetitive motion, carpal tunnel syndrome also can be caused from the accumulation of fluid in the neck and arms during pregnancy. Our expert therapists can help reduce your discomfort.

Fit To Be a Mom, prenatal group exercise class

By remaining physically active throughout your pregnancy, you may be able to prevent some of the discomforts mentioned above. This is a group exercise class that focuses on posture, flexibility and core strengthening during this exciting time. Each class is taught by a rehabilitation professional and incorporates safe and effective exercises in preparation for labor and delivery.

These services are available with a prescription from your doctor and may be covered by insurance.

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