Physical therapy  during pregnancy can be  helpful to relieve pregnancy discomforts such as back pain.  It can also enhance  your body’s ability to have a smoother pregnancy and delivery.  Physical therapy is not just good  after delivery. Ask your health care provider  if he can incorporate physical therapy into your prenatal care.

Physical therapy during pregnancy

More than 50% of pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy.  The reasons for back pain may vary from person to person but include the following :

• increased hormonal levels
• additional weight gain
• changes in the body’s center of gravity
• increased stress

Women of today are having their first baby after the age of 35. This is due to the fact that many women are now juggling both the demands of pursing higher education and the intense nature of the work force. As a result, pregnant women are less active in their daily lives . This leaves an alarming number of women not prepared for the strenuous journey of carrying and delivering a baby.

The benefit of physical therapy during pregnancy

Physical therapy specializes in pain relief .  A physical therapist  PT works with patients to develop a treatment plan to decrease pain by identifying and addressing its causes.

Many people do not require a doctor’s permission or referral  to see a therapist . However this may vary from state to state. This service is also covered by most medical insurance plans with limited out of pocket cost.

The program works on typical pain triggers such as :

• posture
• alignment
• muscle strength
• flexibility
• nerve involvement

Physical therapy adresses pregnancy  discomforts  such as back pain. Back pain is common during pregnancy and is due to the cumulative effect of changes during pregnancy such as weight gain, poor posture, change in center of gravity and stress.

Physical therapy also increases physical endurance and muscle strength especially hips, back and abdomen. This prepares the body  for the demanding effect of childbirth. Therapeutic exercises  can also help with recovery after child birth.

Home exercises during pregnancy

Going to see a PT is a good way to help your body handle pregnancy and childbirth easier.  It is also essential to incorporate home exercises into your physical therapy. Your therapist will work to provide you with specific exercises that target what you need to make your pregnancy easier and even healthier. He will  guide you through proper usage of these exercises so that you can reap the most benefits.

Tips to consider when  choosing a physical therapist

Pregnant women have varieties to choose from  when considering physical therapy. The key is finding the appropriate program. You have to be cautious of programs that are passive and do not address muscle strength and flexibility with exercise.

Consider these when looking for a physical therapy program.

• managed by a professional
• focused on  building strength, increasing flexibility and improving posture
• ecompasses home based elements for you to do yourself
• looks for any weakness, which may become a problem later

Pregnancy can be overwhelming, physical therapy can intervene to lessen this strain. Choosing a good program can help decrease the intensity of painful symptoms  and make the pregnancy experience a more positive one.

 
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