Reduce Pregnancy Pain with Relaxing Physical Therapy Techniques
Pain during pregnancy is common, affecting more than half of all women. However, pain doesn’t have to be a normal part of pregnancy. Specially trained physical therapists can relieve pregnancy pain with therapies and exercises designed specifically for pregnant or postpartum women.
At Bon Secours Physical Therapy in Richmond, we offer a physical therapy and rehabilitation program designed specifically for pregnant or post-partum women. We help you enjoy a better pregnancy experience and rebuild your strength after giving birth.
Your personalized program may include treatments such as:
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy includes massage and body manipulation techniques. These therapies help ease your stress and relieve strain in the muscles. Our physical therapists use manual therapy to help you relax. They also realign your body to improve your posture and help make movements easier. According to one study, manual therapy can help pregnant women enjoy:
- Better sleep
- Lower stress levels
- Improved mood
- Less back pain
- Lower levels of stress hormones
Studies have also shown that lower amounts of stress hormones can lead to better health outcomes for both mom and baby. These outcomes can include:
- Lower blood pressure in moms
- A lower risk of early birth
- Lower risks of complications during labor and delivery
Myofascial Release for Pregnancy
Similar to manual therapy, myofascial release uses techniques to stretch and relax your body. Myofascial release focuses on your fascia, the tough tissues that connect and surround muscles. Many factors in pregnancy such as bad posture or extra weight can push down on fascia, causing pain and inflammation. Inflamed fascia can affect your mobility and flexibility.
Physical therapists target fascia causing you pregnancy pain. During myofascial release, your therapist with find tight or inflamed fascia and gently strength them to relieve strain. Targeting specific trigger points with pressure can also relieve tightness and pain.
Post-Partum Therapies
After delivering a baby, your body has gone through significant changes. These changes can cause pain, urinary incontinence and other issues. Our physical therapists can help you improve your pelvic health after giving birth by teaching you exercises that:
- Improve posture
- Strengthen your pelvic floor
- Increase core strength
We can also provide therapies and exercises to treat diastasis recti (a separation in your abdominal muscles). These therapies are specifically designed to help women regain strength and heal after pregnancy.
For help with pregnancy pain relief or postpartum care, contact the physical therapy experts at Bon Secours in Richmond. We can design a pain relief program using the treatments that are right for you and your needs.