Prenatal & Postpartum Rehabilitation
Hormone changes during and after pregnancy make women more vulnerable to injury and numerous painful conditions. It is with this understanding that Alpine’s pelvic health team is able to treat this population with consideration and expert care. Through our emphasis on core strengthening and joint stabilization, we are focused on building the strong foundation needed for busy moms and moms to be.
Prenatal Rehabilitation
Prenatal women often begin to experience pain and joint discomfort during their pregnancy. There are at least three common postural changes we see in prenatal women.
Pregnancy-Related Low back pain
The causes of low back pain during pregnancy are very individual and can be numerous. Through an individualized evaluation performed by one of Alpine’s Her Health physical therapists we can get to the bottom of your pregnancy-related low back. Possible solutions that we may provide include core strengthening, postural re-training, instruction in sleep position modification, manual therapy, fitting for a prenatal pelvic support brace, pelvic floor training, and instruction on a safe prenatal exercise program. Also, water exercise and Pilates feel good on a pregnant woman’s body. Thus, we take advantage of our knowledge of aquatic therapy and Pilates to help provide a safe alternative to your pre-pregnancy exercises.
Postpartum Rehabilitation
Postpartum women may also benefit with guidance to deal with numerous body changes and issues that have occured during pregnancy.
Returning to Exercise After Pregnancy
A key example is to help guide postpartum women back to exercise. Alpine's pelvic health physical therapists provide individualized instruction on safely returning to exercise postpartum is important for avoiding the recurrence of pain and discomfort.
Physical Therapy for Nursing Mothers
Mothers commonly experience pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction that can be associated with nursing their children. Upper back, shoulder, and/or neck pain, headaches and postural weakness are all frequent complaints among new mothers. These symptoms can often be attributed to poor posturing, strength imbalances, range of motion limitations and joint hypermobility or stiffness.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy can help to give guidance on proper posture and positioning, release muscle tension and joint stiffness as well as prescribe simple exercises and stretches that can be incorporated into a busy mother’s schedule. Taking care of yourself as a new mom can make a big impact on how you feel and are able to enjoy your new family.
