Physiotherapy or Physical therapy attempts to address the illnesses or injuries that limit a person's abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs use an individual's history and physical examination to arrive at a diagnosis and establish a management plan and, when necessary, incorporate the results of laboratory and imaging studies like X-rays, CT-scan, or MRI findings.
Pregnancy & Physiotherapy
Why Women Should Do Physiotherapy in Pregnancy
Visiting a physiotherapist while prenatal, pregnant or postpartum can help both with the prevention and treatment of pain and pelvic issues caused by pregnancy as well as aid in recovery after childbirth.
Physiotherapy for Pregnant Women
Physiotherapists can work with women to help them prepare their bodies for pregnancy including ensuring the body is aligned and ready to carry a baby. If your body is already compensating for previous injuries, pregnancy can add further strain and pain.
Physiotherapy in pregnancy can also teach women how to correctly perform Kegel exercises which will help strengthen the pelvic floor in preparation for childbirth.
Kegel exercise consists of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Physiotherapy Assists with Posture Changes during Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts a huge strain on a woman’s body. The physiological changes that come with pregnancy include an increase in body mass, retention of fluid and laxity in supporting structures.
These changes cause postural adaptations such as an alteration in the loading and alignment of the spine and weight-bearing joints that often cause back and pelvic pain that is associated with pregnancy.
Core stability training with a physiotherapist is one way to help prevent and treat back pain during and following pregnancy.
You Learn How to Push Correctly During Labour
Using their knowledge of the pelvic floor, physiotherapists can help teach women how to push effectively during childbirth. Pushing correctly will reduce the chances of pelvic floor trauma and subsequent problems.
Physiotherapy Assists with Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Throughout pregnancy and labour, a women’s pelvic health can be compromised. Physiotherapists have specific training to assess the muscles, connective tissues and nerves in the pelvic floor.
Some conditions that can arise from trauma to a woman’s pelvic floor include incontinence, pain during intercourse, and pelvic organ relapse.
After a woman has had a baby, an assessment and a plan for rehabilitation will assist in the recovery of her pelvic floor.
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