Pain During Pregnancy

The pregnant woman’s body is continuously changing during pregnancy and during the post-partum period. Many women experience problems that may be effectively treated in physical and occupational therapy – cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain, sciatica, foot pain, postural dysfunctions and carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

The most common complaint experienced during pregnancy is low back pain.  According to the May 2000 issue of Physical Therapy, 87.5% of women report low back pain during pregnancy, and 33% of women report pain during the post-partum period.  Hormonal changes early and late in pregnancy can lead to ligamentous laxity and contribute to joint instability.  It has been shown that SI joint mobility can increase as much as four times in pregnant women.

 

Biomechanical changes in posture that occur during pregnancy also increase the risk for low back pain.  As the center of gravity moves forward, lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt increase, placing the low back and SI joint in an inherently unstable position. In addition, as the abdominal muscles elongate they lose their mechanical advantage for force production and trunk stabilization.

 

Physical therapy intervention during pregnancy can decrease acute low back pain allowing women to be more active and may promote healthier pregnancy.  Furthermore, intervention during pregnancy may decrease the incidence of post-pardum low back pain.  Our very own, Kim Saunder’s, PT, DPT is professionally certified in treating women during and after pregnancy.  So make an appointment today!

 

Problems

Diastasis recti

Postural dysfunction

Soft tissue restrictions                                    

Fatigue and deconditioning

Limited sitting/walking tolerance

Joint dysfunction/instability

Post -Caesarian scar tissue

Carpal tunnel syndrome                                  

Physical Therapy Solutions

Education on labor and delivery positions

Joint mobilization/ stabilization

Rebalancing strength/ flexibility

Postural Re-education

Core Stabilization

Kinesiotaping

Soft tissue release

Habit modification

Shoe wear advice

External stabilization belts

Fitness/exercise advice

Wrist splinting