Monday, March 4, 2013

How can physical therapy benefit pregnant women?

Every woman undergoing pregnancy experiences a share of both, happiness, excitement and the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. If you are looking for ways to enjoy the happy moments of your pregnancy and neglect the side effects that come with pregnancy, physical therapy can serve as one of the best non-pharmacological ways of dealing with the discomforts of pregnancy.

What is the role of a physical therapist?

Many women often experience back and neck pain, during and after pregnancy, as a result of change in the body posture and weight gain during their childbearing years. Physical therapists use a range of therapies like massage, heat and cold treatments, exercises and relaxation techniques for reducing distress and body aches during pregnancy.  Besides providing you with proper instructions on lifting, pushing, pulling, they also educate you on ways to maintain a correct body posture. In addition, they may also recommend belts and joint supports that help in improving body posture and reducing back pain.

How can physical therapy benefit during pregnancy?

A physical therapist can help you enjoy the amazing moments of your pregnancy by overcoming the unpleasant effects of pregnancy. Here are some of the reasons for adapting physical therapy as a part of your lifestyle.

1.    Strengthens muscle, joint and bones
One of the most common problems that pregnant women suffer from is Joint and body aches. Physical therapy in the form of massages, exercises and heat treatment can help relieve pain, without you having to bear the side effects associated with over-the-counter analgesics used to relief pain.

2.    Relieves back pain
Most women suffer from back pain both, during and after pregnancy. The primary reason behind lower back pain during pregnancy is the increase in laxity of the uterine wall that place excess pressure on the vertebral column and abdominal area. However, pregnancy may not be the sole reason for back pain. Any previous injuries or orthopedic problems can increase the frequency and intensity of back pain. Hence, physical therapists are also trained n helping women suffering from any orthopedic disorders, by designing a special exercise program for reducing pain in the affected areas.

3.    Relieves pain after surgical procedures
Physical therapy also aids in enhancing the body’s ability to heal scars, hemorrhoids and tears that occur after surgical procedures like cesarean and episiotomy. Moreover, certain exercise programs are designed by physical therapist for increasing the strength of your abdominal, bowel, bladder and respiratory muscles to help a women recover from the injuries incurred during these invasive procedures. In addition, scar massages, moist heat packs and ultrasound therapy are also used to help pregnant women get back on the road of recovery at a faster pace, after a surgery.

Besides, physical therapy also includes relaxation therapies that help a women cope with mood swings, anxiety and headaches that occurs as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Keeping in view the aforementioned benefits associated with pregnancy, exercises and therapies prescribed by a trained physical therapist can make your pregnancy an easier and pleasant journey.

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