• Along with the ‘joys of pregnancy” can sometimes come the not so joyful pain and dysfunction associated with it.

      Common changes that occur during a normal, healthy pregnancy can include the following:

• Postural changes

• Weight gain

• Low back pain

• Muscular pain and tightness

• Joint pain

• Ligamentous laxity

• Virtually all women experience some degree of musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy and some can have at least temporarily disabling symptoms.

• Physical therapy can help you to adapt to changes in posture, center of gravity, and change in body side so that you don’t have to suffer from new aches and pains that can occur with these changes.

• Following the birth of their children, prolonged postures during breast feeding put many women at risk for developing neck, upper extremity, and back pain with breast feeding.

Who would benefit from Healthy Moms?

• Anyone who is pregnant or has recently given birth and is experiencing pain or functional limitations related to their pregnancy

What does Healthy Moms consist of?

• Pain management strategies for symptomatic relief

• Manual therapy techniques to increase flexibility, decrease muscular tension, and correct alignment

• Exercises to improve strength, mobility, and endurance

• Exercises to enhance postural alignment and balance

• Therapeutic activities to improve body mechanics, ergonomics, and daily activities

• Fitting for external supports and orthotics to provide support to joints with increased laxity

• Relaxation and stress-relief techniques

• Post-partum rehab to help reverse the changes that occur during pregnancy

Goals:

• To allow females to continue performing their daily activities without pain caused by changes due to pregnancy

• To prevent functional decline and deconditioning during pregnancy

• To allow females to return to their prior level of function and fitness following childbirth

Why chose Family Physical Therapy?

• One hour treatment sessions, one-on-one by a Physical Therapist every visit no PT assistants.

• Our therapists are trained in the most current evaluative measures and treatment interventions

• Front door parking

• Flexible schedule with same day appointments

Self-help Tips:

• Avoid reaching out to lift up your baby. Bring the baby close to your chest before lifting and lift with your legs as much as possible.

• Avoid carrying the baby on your hips as this asymmetrical positioning can put stress on the spine and back muscles.

• Use pillows to support your baby close to you rather than bending forward over the baby while breastfeeding. It is best to sit in an upright chair rather than a soft couch.

• Set up your changing table to height that is comfortable for you so that you do not have to bend over to reach the baby and access changing materials.

• Get out and get moving! Even a short walk outdoors each day will go a long ways toward getting back into shape after your pregnancy and getting a little fresh air can be refreshing for both you and the baby.