Pregnancy and Postnatal Physiotherapy

By Health Web | March 27, 2023

Reasons for aches and pains in the Childbearing Year

In the child bearing year many musculoskeletal changes occur within the women’s body. It is important to respect these changes during pregnancy, post-delivery and into the postnatal period. The pregnancy softening hormones continue to have an effect on joint tissues for some months postnatally.

Pregnant and post-natal women commonly experience fatigue. When you feel tired, muscle systems do not provide the usual support of joints and soft tissues. This results in movement patterns being often poorly performed and posture becomes sloppy. Repetitive movements of bending, lifting and carrying an increasing weight is also a daily challenge. These physical changes and challenges may place strain on tissues, leading to pain, tightness and movement difficulties.

Common Pain Complaints in the Pregnancy/Postnatal Period

Skilled physiotherapist’s, who have a special interest in women’s health, are trained in treating common pregnancy and postnatal complaints.

These may include:

  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Pelvic girdle pain, sacroiliac joint, pubic symphysis, coccyx pain)
  • Buttock muscle/piriformis pain
  • Headaches and neck pain/stiffness
  • Shoulder and mid back pain
  • Movement difficulties (walking, sit to stand, turning in bed)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain
  • Pelvic floor weakness (poor bladder/bowel control/prolapse)
  • Abdominal muscle separation and bulging (rectus abdominis diastasis)
  • Post caesarean pain (after healing)
  • Postural problems and pain
  • Thumb/wrist pain (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis)
  • Breast engorgement and mastitis

Physiotherapy Treatment Options

At Physiotherapy for Women our physiotherapist’s listen, assess, treat and educate pregnant and postnatal women. Having provided Pregnancy and Postnatal Physiotherapy Services to Adelaide women for over twenty years, we have the knowledge and skills to select the physiotherapy treatment option appropriate for each presenting condition.

The aim of physiotherapy is to gently restore balance, strength and flexibility to your body, selecting techniques that are right for you. Some of the treatment options we may use include:

  • Joint and spinal mobilisation
  • Massage techniques
  • Exercise prescription
  • Corrective taping and strapping
  • Core and pelvic floor muscle training
  • Clinical Pilates
  • Heat and cold therapy
  • Patient education
  • Ultrasound
  • SRC shorts/leggings
  • Splints and support

Physiotherapy is a great way to reduce painful symptoms, feel more mobile, be flexible and comfortable in your movements, strengthen your body and minimise the reoccurrence of injuries. This means you can stay active during your pregnancy as well as optimise labour and your postnatal recovery.