Physical Therapy for Pregnancy in Washington D.C. & Tysons Corner

What is prenatal physical therapy?

Prenatal physical therapy is a special form of therapy designed for pregnant women. It focuses on addressing the physical challenges and changes that occur during pregnancy. The primary goals of prenatal physical therapy are to alleviate discomfort, improve physical function, and educate expectant mothers on body mechanics and self-care during pregnancy.

Prenatal physical therapy includes pain management, targeting back, pelvic, and sciatic pain through specialized exercises, stretches, and manual therapy. Emphasize strength and flexibility training, focusing on the back, abdomen, and pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy to support the body’s changing dynamics. This therapy enhances pelvic floor health, which is important for childbirth readiness and postpartum recovery.

It includes posture education and personalized exercise guidance, for each trimester, ensuring continued fitness and well-being. Prenatal physical therapy prepares mothers for labor with specific techniques, including breathing exercises and labor-aiding positions, to help ease the childbirth process.

What does a pregnancy physical therapy session typically involve?

Physical therapy for pregnancy customized sessions are catered to the mother’s unique needs. The approach varies based on the stage of pregnancy and specific health considerations. Sessions include:

• Assessment: At Release PT, we start with a thorough assessment of the mother’s current physical condition, medical history, and specific concerns.
• Pain Management Strategies: For pregnancy-related discomforts like back pain, pelvic pain, or sciatica, our Release PT therapists use techniques like manual therapy, soft tissue massage, or exercises to alleviate pain.
• Exercise and Stretching Regimen: Our therapists guide the mother through exercises and stretches.
• Education: Sessions educate the mother about body mechanics, posture, and ways to perform daily activities safely and comfortably, including bending, lifting, and sleeping.
• Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening pelvic floor muscles, crucial for childbirth and recovery post-delivery are given special attention.
• Relaxation and Breathing Techniques: Relaxation techniques and effective breathing are taught so you can manage stress and the labor process.
• Customized Plan and Home Exercises: Our Release PT therapist creates a customized plan, including home exercises for the mother to help prepare her body for childbirth.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: As the pregnancy progresses, the therapist monitors the mother’s condition and adjusts the therapy plan.

Conditions Treated by Prenatal Physical Therapy

Prenatal physical therapy targets pregnancy-related conditions caused by physical and hormonal changes. Some of these conditions include:

• Back Pain: As the baby grows, back strain increases, often leading to lower back pain.
• Pelvic Girdle Pain:  Develops due to the loosening of ligaments and changes in posture.
• Sciatica: Pressure on the sciatic nerve causes pain radiating from the lower back to the legs.
• Round Ligament Pain: Involves pain in the sides of the abdomen due to round ligament stretching
• Sacroiliac Joint Pain: The sacroiliac joints can cause pain due to increased relaxation of joints and ligaments.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Hormonal changes can lead to swelling in the wrists, causing nerve compression.
• Urinary Incontinence: The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, leading to incontinence. Prenatal physical therapy strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to alleviate this.
• Diastasis Recti: Separation of the abdominal muscles can occur as the uterus expands.
• Poor Posture and Balance Issues: As the center of gravity shifts, posture and balance can be affected.
• Leg Cramps and Swelling: Changes in circulation and pressure can cause cramps and swelling in the legs.
  

Benefits of Pregnancy Physical Therapy

Pregnancy physical therapy at Release PT helps expectant mothers navigate the physical challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Key benefits include:

• Pain Relief: It effectively addresses common pregnancy-related pains like back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica, providing relief.
• Improved Posture and Body Mechanics: As the body changes during pregnancy, physical therapy helps in adapting posture and body mechanics to reduce discomfort and prevent injury.
• Strengthening and Flexibility: Targeted exercises strengthen muscles to support the added weight and changes in the body while also improving flexibility.
• Pelvic Floor Conditioning: Strengthening pelvic floor muscles is essential for childbirth and encourages postpartum recovery, reducing the risk of incontinence.
• Enhanced Circulation: Exercises and movements improve blood flow, reducing the risk of swelling and varicose veins.
• Preparation for Childbirth: Physical therapy prepares the body for labor and delivery, teaching breathing techniques, labor positions, and strategies to manage pain during childbirth.
• Faster Postpartum Recovery: By maintaining fitness and strengthening key muscles, physical therapy can contribute to a quicker recovery after giving birth.
• Stress Reduction: The relaxation techniques and exercises help manage stress and improve well-being.
• Reduced Risk of Pregnancy Complications: Physical activity reduces pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
• Personalized Care: Physical therapy provides exercises based on individual needs, ensuring safe and effective care throughout pregnancy.

Best Physical Therapy Exercises for Pregnancy

Physical therapy exercises are designed to support a woman’s changing body and prepare her for childbirth. Exercises include pelvic floor strengthening, which improves bladder control and reduces the risk of incontinence, and prenatal yoga or Pilates, known for enhancing flexibility, strength, and balance while promoting relaxation and stress relief. Gentle stretching is beneficial because it can help alleviate back pain and sciatica. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises like walking or swimming are excellent for heart health. Squats and pelvic tilts strengthen core and pelvic muscles, which are important for labor and delivery. 

When should you not do physical therapy for pregnancy?

Physical therapy during pregnancy is generally safe, but there are exceptions. It’s not recommended for high-risk pregnancies, or conditions like preterm labor, severe hypertension, preeclampsia, or placenta previa. Women with severe osteoporosis, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of spontaneous miscarriages should consult their physician. Physical therapy should be avoided in cases of active vaginal bleeding, acute pain, swelling, recent abdominal or pelvic surgery, musculoskeletal disorders, infections or fever. 

Is prenatal physical therapy covered by insurance?

We are an out-of-network provider, so our patients pay out of pocket for their visits. Your initial evaluation and treatment is $239, and follow-up treatments are $209. All sessions last 55 minutes. To save you time and trouble, we can obtain your out-of-network benefits information from your insurance provider prior to your visit and submit the claims on your behalf. You are then reimbursed directly by your insurance company based on your out-of-network policy. All fees are due at the time of service.

Is it safe to exercise and do physical therapy while pregnant?

Exercising and undergoing physical therapy during pregnancy is generally safe and beneficial, but requires precautions. Consult with your physician before starting any program, especially if you have underlying health conditions or a high-risk pregnancy. Physical therapy should cater to your pregnant body, avoiding high-impact exercises that are uncomfortable after the first trimester. Stick to moderate-intensity exercises like walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and low-impact aerobics, and focus on pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Emphasize physical therapy for pregnancy back pain for strengthening. Stay hydrated, avoid overheating, and listen to your body’s signals, stopping if you experience discomfort. 

What to Do Before Physical Therapy While Expectant

Before starting physical therapy while pregnant, consider these steps:

• Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning prenatal physical therapy.
• Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition.
• Wear comfortable, supportive clothing and shoes.
• Listen to your body and communicate any issues with your therapist.
• Set realistic goals and prepare for childbirth.
• Prioritize low-impact exercises to minimize risk.