Pregnancy is an immensely joyous experience for many women. However, it can also sometimes come with health concerns – and without the right help, it can be a time of remarkable discomfort. For example, pregnancy can lead to issues affecting posture, flexibility, and muscle strength.
Luckily, by understanding what’s causing your pain and the available treatment options, you can address your discomfort and find a qualified physical therapist to help you through this journey.
Understand the Common Causes for Pain during Pregnancy
A woman’s body undergoes incredible changes during pregnancy: mentally, emotionally, and physically. The mother may encounter joint, bone, and muscle aches as a result. For example, the hips and pelvic areas are pulled in different directions. Furthermore, the added weight of the baby can cause extra discomfort. This is especially true in the later stages of pregnancy. Here are a few areas this can affect:
- Posture
- Joint Alignment
- Flexibility
- Muscle Strength
Physical therapy, exercise, and stretching are natural ways to relieve pain associated with these and other areas of the body.
Find Relief from Pain
Stretching and exercising can mitigate these pains, especially with the guidance and recommendations of a physical therapist. By targeting areas like the hips, back, and abdomen, women can build strength and endurance in these critical areas.
This can lead to significant pain relief, metabolic improvements, and a boost in energy; you may even find recovering after pregnancy is far easier. Here are a few options to explore with the help of a physical therapist:
- Exercises. Consider exercises that focus on the cardiovascular and muscular systems. Swimming is particularly excellent; the aerobic benefits are incredible, and the water will help support the baby and take the pressure off your back and joints. Similarly, Kegel exercises can help you build the pelvis muscles essential to pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Walking or running can also be wonderfully beneficial. Consult with your PT to learn the exercises right for you.
- Stretches. Stretching regularly can help you build strength in your joints and muscles. There are many yoga poses you can practice to alleviate pain, build your strength and endurance, and simply relax.
- Physical Therapy Treatment Plan. Physical therapy will likely incorporate some of the above exercises and stretches. However, a physical therapist can identify specific balance and stabilization techniques and explain how they affect your hips, back, and joints. This helps ensure your safety and health, and you may find new ways to relieve pressure and relax that you hadn’t considered.
Many of the above recommendations can be practiced on your own. Depending on your health care provider and insurance, though, you may incorporate a physical therapy treatment plan into your existing prenatal activities.
How Treatment Plans Work
A physical therapist can develop a treatment plan that caters to your specific physical needs. They target issues like joint alignment and posture, and they explain underlying issues and what you can do to find relief.
These professionals can walk you through pain management techniques, and they will observe and advise you on the best ways to mitigate pain. The best care and treatment plan is to consult with an experienced physical therapist. Find a physical therapist to get started on the path the pain relief and improved health during your pregnancy.
The post Pregnancy Pains: Causes, Solutions, and Comprehensive Relief appeared first on Make PT Happen.