How can physical therapy benefit mothers? That simple question can lead to a pregnancy with less pain and more focus. Pregnancy is one of the toughest challenges a woman can face. It comes with many rewards but it undeniably strains the body. Working with a dedicated team of physical therapists can make the journey to motherhood so much easier. Astera Health offers several services to help women through this beautiful but sometimes painful time.
“Women’s Health physical therapy is designed to help mothers during and after pregnancy. Regular physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility during pregnancy”– Meghan Current-Cary, Director of Rehabilitation Services
For the expecting mother, we offer these services:
- Mobility maintenance
- Body mechanics training to reduce strain on neck and lower back
- Pressure management to reduce the risk of urinary leakage or prolapse
- Core engagement to support a growing belly and improve recovery after giving birth
- Early education on postpartum precautions
- Proper breathing techniques
- Aquatic therapy for reduced pressure through joints
How physical therapy can help with postpartum care
Our care doesn’t end after pregnancy. The body still has much healing to do and physical therapy at Astera Health can assess and treat a wide range of issues stemming from pregnancy and delivery. Postpartum services include:
- Early postpartum mobility management
- Pelvic floor activation for improved strength and preventing incontinence and prolapse
- Postural education and body mechanics
- Reestablishing coordination of breath control and muscle activation
- Scar tissue mobility (grade 1-4 tearing)
Incontinence
Some mothers experience issues with bladder and bowel control during and after pregnancy. This is a problem that many find too difficult or embarrassing to discuss but should be addressed by the proper care team. Physical therapy is once again here to help. They have several techniques and exercises that can alleviate and, in some cases, completely stop the problem. Remember, incontinence is not a normal condition for any age group, so make sure to seek help from trained specialists if you suffer from these issues.
To better understand incontinence, please watch the video below. It provides valuable and fascinating information on how the human body processes waste.
For more information on physical therapy, please visit asterahealth.org. To schedule an appointment, please call 218-631-3510. Remember to follow Astera Health on social media for regular wellness updates.