Physical Therapy Services During Pregnancy

What is prenatal physical therapy?

Your physical therapist can help with any pain that you have associated with your pregnancy. This can include pelvic girdle pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, low back or hip pain or pelvic floor issues like incontinence or pelvic pressure. Your therapist can also address labor and birth prep and prepare you for what to expect postpartum. Schedule your evaluation with Release Physical Therapy today to get started with your healthy body during pregnancy.

What happens during pregnancy physical therapy sessions?

They are very similar to any physical therapy session. Your therapist will do a thorough evaluation to determine what your plan of care is, this could include manual therapy, dry needling, posture adjustments, and exercise to help your body have a healthy pregnancy and prepare for labor and delivery.

Does every pregnant person need physical therapy during their pregnancy?

Your body is going through a lot of musculoskeletal changes and it is very beneficial to seek physical therapy during your pregnancy to help address these changes. Your therapist can help guide you with tips on reducing pain as well as preparing your body for labor and delivery by providing techniques to help relax the pelvic floor and open the pelvic inlet and outlet to prepare your body for labor.

What kind of conditions are treated by prenatal physical therapy?

Prenatal physical therapy can address many conditions such as wrist pain/carpal tunnel, low back and hip pain, pelvic girdle pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction, SIJ dysfunction and many other orthopedic-related pains. In addition, your therapist can guide in you in preparations for your body for labor and what to expect postpartum.

How often should I receive prenatal physical therapy treatment?

You and your therapist will discuss your goals and diagnosis and determine the frequency and duration of your appointments. Everyone is different and has different needs for their body. Schedule an evaluation today and discuss the frequency and duration with your therapist at your initial consult.

What kind of results can I expect to see from pregnancy physical therapy and how soon can I expect to see them?

During pregnancy, your body is undergoing a lot of changes. Your therapist can help guide you on how to address these changes and help to mitigate any pain associated with these changes. Every person and diagnosis is different and your duration of treatment will depend on what is found in your evaluation. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort during pregnancy, reach out to Release Physical Therapy and schedule your evaluation today.

Are there any at-home exercises you can recommend for someone to go along with prenatal physical therapy?

Yes, your therapist will do a thorough evaluation and determine your plan of care to include manual therapy and treatment in the office and send you home with exercises that are just for you.

How does prenatal physical therapy help with postpartum recovery?

Prenatal physical therapy is a good way to understand what changes your body will go through with labor and delivery and give you good guidance on what to expect postpartum. Every pregnancy is different, but your therapist will help make your pelvic floor and core strong and coordinated which will help with your postpartum transition. Your therapist can answer questions on what you can expect from your body following birth and you can always schedule appointments after your baby is born for continued care.

What lifestyle factors or activities might lead to the need for prenatal physical therapy?

At Release Physical Therapy, we recommend that everyone who is pregnant should schedule an evaluation with a pelvic health physical therapist. This is just to help guide you on what to expect from your body, help prepare your body for labor and delivery and help mitigate any pain or discomfort you may experience during your pregnancy.