As we age and approach different milestones in our lives, it’s important to take care of our health and learn new and effective ways to manage our ailments. Physiotherapy, which is otherwise known as physical therapy, is a unique form of medicine that can help the body recover, decrease pain in certain areas, and improve strength and mobility. It can also eliminate the need for surgery in some cases.
Not only is physiotherapy suitable for people of all ages and those who suffer from injuries, chronic pain, or musculoskeletal conditions, it is also widely used by pregnant women. Women who are pregnant can surely benefit from physiotherapy in a number of ways, which we will discuss further.
Physiotherapy can help women prepare for childbirth, recover from it, and feel like themselves again after delivery. Read on to find out the ways in which physiotherapy can help pregnant women during a very tumultuous time in their lives.
Physiotherapy and Pregnancy
If you are expecting a baby within the next few months or perhaps know someone who is, it’s no surprise that pregnancy comes with its own set of ailments. Pregnant women often complain of mobility issues, back pain, pelvic issues, leg pain, poor posture, and sleepless nights. Pregnancy can have many effects on a woman’s body and not all cases are the same.
You may be searching for ways to feel better about your body during pregnancy and to retain your health and well being throughout the entire process. If you decide to try physiotherapy and visit a clinic in your area, they will be able to assess your concerns and come up with an effective treatment plan.
Your physiotherapist will walk you through the regime, which will address your posture, muscles, nerves, joints, and more. If you or someone you know is suffering from pain during pregnancy, physiotherapy can be a safe and useful option. Physiotherapists are trained to work with those who are pregnant and they will come up with the best treatment plan for you that will keep you and your baby safe. They can also help prepare you for childbirth, so you feel more at ease with a potentially less strenuous labour. What soon-to-be mama wouldn’t want that!
Remember that through the experience of childbirth and labour, the body can go through a lot. With physiotherapy, women can learn to do proper kegel exercises, which strengthen your pelvic floor and reduce the risk of urinary incontinence. Certain exercises for pregnant women reduce the chances of damage and trauma to the pelvic floor after childbirth.
Physiotherapists are also trained on how to properly and safely push during childbirth. They can teach women how to do this without straining themselves. Seeing a physiotherapist for your pregnancy concerns can be especially important if you suffer from pre-existing ailments such as multiple sclerosis, previous injuries, or conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Ultimately, physiotherapy can help strengthen your body during a very pivotal time in your life so you will have the peace of mind to endure childbirth without worry. Furthermore, your mental health will improve greatly once you are confident in your body and its abilities.
Safety of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
Many expectant mothers may be wondering just how safe physiotherapy (or any exercise for that matter) is. Of course, you would never want to do anything that could cause potential harm to you or your baby. That’s why speaking with a physiotherapist (who is a medical professional) can assure you that you are on the right track in regards to what your body can and cannot do during this sensitive time.
Unless your doctor or physician advises complete bed rest, it is generally recommended that pregnant women exercise regularly. In fact, keeping the body mobile and active during pregnancy can help prevent aches and pains throughout the process.
All things considered, physiotherapy is completely safe during pregnancy and beneficial to both mom and baby. Keep in mind that treatments are specifically tailored to you so that you don’t overexert yourself or cause undue strain to the baby.
Exercise for pregnant women is recommended, and can have many benefits such as reduced weight gain and a reduced risk of both hypertension and gestational diabetes. While it is not recommended to participate in intense exercises, jogging, yoga, pilates, and strength training are all good examples of exercises that can usually be done without harm during pregnancy.
Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy
Physiotherapy can be a great aid when dealing with the uncomfortable side effects of pregnancy. A woman’s body undergoes many changes during this time, including posture changes, weight gain, and even certain medical conditions brought on by the pregnancy itself. It’s not uncommon for women to feel nauseous, depressed, and fatigued.
Physiotherapy can help women who are pregnant, as it allows them to stay mobile in a safe way that addresses their concerns. Some uncomfortable occurrences such as back pain and urinary incontinence can be greatly improved through physiotherapy treatment plans.
Physiotherapists can help women prepare for childbirth and deal with the aftermath as well. They can ensure women are exercising correctly with proper posture and positions, and not causing any unwanted strain to themselves or the baby. With physiotherapy, pregnancy becomes more bearable and comfortable, which allows women to enjoy this significant time in their lives, instead of dreading it.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s important for pregnant women to consider the options available to them when dealing with any kind of pain, discomfort, or ailment during pregnancy. Exercise for pregnant women can do wonders for back pain, incontinence, and for mental health as well.
If ever you are unsure of the safety of exercise or physiotherapy during pregnancy, consult with your doctor or medical professional who can steer you in the right direction. After all, pregnancy should be a wonderful, enjoyable time for a woman to create a bond with her new baby and become comfortable and confident in her role as a mother.
