Physical therapy can be helpful for alleviating some forms of discomfort that commonly occur during pregnancy, such as back pain. But, to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness, it’s important to choose an appropriate prenatal physical therapy program. At Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, you can work with a licensed physical therapist who is experienced in helping women find relief from pregnancy-related discomfort.
Why is back pain so common during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can place a significant strain on a woman’s body. The associated weight gain can throw off her center of gravity, leading to slouching. This, in turn can cause her muscles to work harder, and the increased exertion can cause fatigue, making it more difficult for her to be physically active. All of this can create a vicious cycle of back pain. On top of that, hormonal changes, added stress and a lack of physical activity during this time can further intensify the discomfort. For these reasons and others, many women opt to incorporate physical therapy into their prenatal care.
A prenatal physical therapy program can be designed to achieve several goals, such as:
- Increasing muscle strength
- Correcting posture
- Enhancing flexibility
- Improving balance and coordination
If you’re interested in trying prenatal physical therapy, a physical therapist at Advanced Orthopaedics can work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to help you feel better. We’ll begin by identifying the precise triggers of your pain, such as poor posture, weak muscles, stiff joints or nerve compression. Armed with that knowledge, we can then recommend effective ways to address the resulting discomfort.
In addition to relieving your back pain, prenatal physical therapy can also increase your physical endurance and strengthen the muscles in your hips, back and abdomen. This will help prepare your body for the physically demanding event of delivering a baby, and also assist with your recovery after you deliver. Finally, exercise can boost your metabolism and help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
Contact Advanced Orthopaedics of Houston, TX, for more information about the benefits of prenatal physical therapy.