Physiotherapy during Pregnancy

‘Pregnancy can significantly affect your overall daily functioning. A woman's body goes through incredible physical and hormonal changes before and after delivery.

For years, discomfort associated with pregnancy has been accepted as a normal part of the process. Today, many physicians recommend physical therapy to relieve the discomfort experienced by pregnant women and help prepare the pregnant body for an easier delivery and recovery process.' www.pregnancy-info.net

Pregnancy and Physiotherapy combined

As Physiotherapy is a profession treating problems associated with muscles, joints, bones and circulation, it can be used to work collaboratively with pregnancy to ensure stronger, healthier core stability muscles and posture throughout. Many if not all of the exercises recommended by the Physiotherapist can be done at home on a regular basis for a fitter, more birth prepared pregnancy.

‘Even regular tasks such as sitting, walking, standing and working can be difficult when pregnant. Almost all women experience musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy, and as many as 25% of all pregnant women experience temporarily disabling ones. This is due to the tremendous changes undergone by the body during any healthy pregnancy.

With physiotherapy, techniques can be learned to help relieve the following conditions:

• Lower back pain caused by a shift in the mother's centre of gravity as the baby grows
• Neck pain and headaches due to changes in posture
• Tightness and pain in the hamstrings and heel cords caused by a flattening of the feet
• Arm pain or tingling caused by nerve compression associated with an increased chest diameter
• Bladder leakage during pregnancy and after delivery due to strained pelvic muscles
• Stretching of the abdominal walls leading to back pain and difficult delivery due to ineffective abdominal contractions.'*

How do we help?

First our Qualified Physiotherapist carries out an analysis- this evaluation generally consists of an examination of the following:

• Joint mobility
• Muscle imbalances and strengths
• Sensation testing
• Functional limitations

We then work with you through your sessions to ensure treatment and rehabilitation which can be achieved in your own time at home for areas such as:

• Exercises to improve strength and mobility
• Exercises to help postural alignment and body balance
• Techniques to aid joint and soft tissue flexibility
• Recommendations for sleeping positions
• Core stability exercises for pelvic floor muscles and abdomen

These areas would not only aid the pregnancy and birth but would ensure a healthier body and muscles AFTER birth for and a faster recovery.

Printed diagrams can be provided to assist with a home exercise programme.

Gym balls for certain exercises or positions can be bought from us to aid the programme and also help if used for back massage positions within the home during pregnancy.

We are sensitive to any issues regarding treatment/assessments/advice conducted by our male staff in regards to pregnancy and therefore a female Qualified Physiotherapist is also available if this is more comfortable for you.

For More information please visit the following websites or speak to our Qualified Physiotherapists for more advice or an assessment appointment.

www.pregnancy-info.net

Tel: 01912368729

Or call in at our new modern clinic:
8 Newlands Avenue, Melton Park, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5PT.