Postpartum and Pregnancy Physiotherapy
by Christine Toma, MPT
Physical Therapists can play an integral role in a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Here’s How:
1. Physiotherapists understand how to coach you in preparing your body for the changes pregnancy brings; from weight gain to ligament laxity, to a widening pelvis, to increased pressure on the pelvic floor. Your physiotherapist can make personalized recommendations to help reduce potential injuries, aches, and pains while also giving you an exercise prescription to maintain strength for a healthy pregnancy.
2. Urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, and back pain are all common struggles faced during the postpartum period. Your physical therapist can help coach you to restore muscle harmony around your pelvic floor and nip these issues in the bud.
3. After giving birth, the body needs guidance to return back to pre-pregnancy activities. This is because your body, controlled by changing hormones, is recovering from major physical changes. Your physical therapist has the skills to guide you according to your tissues phase of healing. They will examine and analyze your movement mechanics, core stabilization, etc to identify any sub-optimal movement strategies that would put you at risk of injury. Physical Therapists will guide you to a safe return to activity, sport, and exercise while helping you optimize your muscle balance and movement to take care of your baby.
4. In the case of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, your pelvic physiotherapist can do manual therapy and provide you with strategies for management and recovery.
5. Your physical therapist can make recommendations regarding body mechanics for caring for your baby during carrying, changing, feeding, etc.
