Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

Have you recently given birth?

Do you have low back pain or pelvic discomfort associated with your pregnancy?

Physical Therapy intervention can help you manage these common complaints during your pregnancy and post-partum periods.

Child bearing is a natural physiologic event. Your body undergoes tremendous physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy and the post-partum period. During this process, your body may be placed at an increased risk for pain and injury. Some of the changes that occur during a normal, healthy pregnancy can include the following:

  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Muscular Pain and Tightness
  • Joint Pain
  • Ligament Laxity
  • Postural Changes
  • Weight Gain

It is estimates that virtually all women experience some degree of musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy, and 25% have at least temporarily disabling symptoms.

When a woman is pregnant, posture, center of gravity, and body size all change. These changes may be accompanied by new aches and pains that pregnant women may not necessarily have to suffer from. Our Physical Therapists can work with you in analyzing your problems/complaints to determine if these complaints are manageable through physical therapy intervention. Here at Rehab and Sports Medicine, we can teach you how to manage these types of symptoms during your pregnancy and into the Post-Partum period.

HOW?

Our physical therapist will complete and evaluation to determine what movements/positions that may be causing the discomfort

You as a client will learn how to maintain more for the day time, as well as while sleeping. Everyone is different, so we teach you how to adjust daily posture modifications and even sleep positions to meet your individual needs.

Some women may need an orthopedic support for the low back and abdomen. This belt can help relieve the strain on muscles that are stretched by increasing size of the baby and uterus.

The arches of the feet may fall and require education on foot wear options and/or shoe inserts to increase shock absorption.

Post-Partum problems are often posture induced and can be remedied by training of posture, body mechanics, and ergonomic counseling.

Physical Therapists have many services and treatment options to offer pregnant and post-partum women including:

  • Pain management techniques for pain relief
  • Exercises to improve strength, mobility and endurance
  • Exercises to enhance postural alignment, balance and body awareness
  • Manual techniques to increase joint and soft tissue flexibility
  • Therapeutic activities to improve body mechanics, ergonomics and daily activities
  • Non-pharmacological stress relief and relaxation training
  • Fitting for external supports and orthotics
  • Post-partum rehab to help regain your pre-pregnant self (-or- to help reverse the changes that occur during pregnancy)

Discuss your concerns with your OB/GYN to determine if a referral to Physical Therapy is an option for you. We will work with your physician to tailor a program that best suits your needs.

UHHS Physical Therapy department is located on the second floor of the Mentor Medical Center at 9000 Mentor Ave, Mentor, Ohio 44064.

Phone# (440) 974-4433

Our Physical Therapy department provides services for other Women’s Health issues including:

  • Osteoporosis prevention/rehab
  • Incontinence training
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Post mastectomy rehab
  • Balance retraining