The Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy and Postnatal Recovery | City Physio Adelaide

Pregnancy is an exciting time of immense change – especially for women’s bodies as they grow a whole other human! While it is a beautiful and special journey, it is normal for these changes to lead to some discomfort – from back pain and swelling to changes in posture and balance – all the things you are doing internally for your little one add up.  

Fortunately, physiotherapy can play a pivotal role in alleviating these discomforts and promoting overall wellness during this transformative time.  

This includes after birth. Postpartum physiotherapy is just as important, helping you regain strength, improve well-being, and address any musculoskeletal issues you may face after the birth of your baby.

What is Physiotherapy for Pregnancy?

Pregnancy comes with a multitude of physical changes, as the body adapts to support the growth of a baby (it’s not light work!).

We understand that these changes can affect everything from the way you move to how your body feels on a day-to-day basis. The musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, and joints, can be significantly impacted by these changes, often leading to discomfort.

Physiotherapy offers a range of effective treatments to help alleviate the discomforts of pregnancy:  

Lower Back Pain  

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, with around 60% to 70% of pregnant women experiencing lower back pain at some point. It is usually associated with a shifted centre of gravity, extra weight and hormone changes.  

It is also very common after giving birth, with many women experiencing postpartum back pain.    

How physiotherapy helps: At City Physio Adelaide we understand the persistent back pain can be debilitating.   Luckily, our physiotherapists can help.  

They will teach you posture correction techniques. These will realign your body as you adapt to new changes including a shifting centre of gravity and extra weight.  

They will also provide manual therapy, including remedial massage and stretching, to relieve tight muscles and mobilise your ligaments. This is a safe and effective way to reduce pain, relax overworked muscles and improve your functionality.

Strengthening the back and core muscles through specific exercises can also help improve stability and reduce pain, so that you can focus more on what (and who) you love.

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

PGP is pain in the pelvic joints, which are located at the front and back of the pelvis. During pregnancy and childbirth your pelvic floor muscles and ligaments loosen and stretch due to hormonal changes, increased weight, and changes in posture which can result in instability and pain.  

How physiotherapy helps: At City Physio, our specialised pelvic health physiotherapy offers targeted treatments for persistent pelvic pain. This works to improve pelvic alignment, strengthen surrounding muscles, and help maintain a stable pelvic region.

A healthy pelvis is essential for preventing pelvic organ prolapse, bladder issues, and sexual dysfunction that may arise from weak or strained muscles during pregnancy.  

We offer 1:1 sessions during which one of our caring physiotherapists will create a personalised exercise program that is specific to your pregnancy or postnatal period.    

Swelling and Circulation Issues

Many women experience swelling, particularly in the legs and ankles while pregnant. During your pregnancy your total body water volume can increase by up to 8 litres – that’s over 33 cups!  

Some fluid accumulates outside your cells to support the growing needs of the placenta and your maternal organs. Rest assured that while your heels and rings may not fit right now – your baby is getting everything it needs!

How physiotherapy helps: Fortunately, our attentive physiotherapists provide exceptional treatment that can improve circulation including targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques like remedial massages, which reduces swelling.  

What are the Benefits of Physiotherapy During Pregnancy?  

Physiotherapy is a safe and effective way of keeping your pregnancy-related aches and pains to a minimum. Beyond addressing specific discomforts, physiotherapy offers several other important benefits for pregnant women.

Improved Posture and Balance

Our dedicated team is committed to making your pregnancy journey as comfortable as possible. This can start with maintaining and improving your posture.  

Pregnancy can alter our posture due to weight gain and hormones which creates a forward shift. Our physiotherapists will help you maintain proper posture and correct misalignment which can prevent unnecessary strain on the back, shoulders and neck.  

Strengthening Core and Pelvic Floor Muscles

Our core remains as important as ever – even throughout pregnancy. A strong core and pelvic floor are essential for both labour and postpartum recovery.  

Our physiotherapists design personal, safe exercises that strengthen these key muscle groups. Including soft tissue techniques. This helps to prepare women for the physical demands of childbirth (it will all be worth it once your little one is born!) while also helping to prevent issues such as urinary incontinence and pelvic floor weakness..

Stress Reduction

Between the lower back pain and the swollen ankles – all while growing a little human – pregnancy can sometimes just be downright stressful.  

At City Physio we get it… which is why we prioritise helping prepare your body for pregnancy, labour and recovery – just as much as we care about your overall well-being.  

Research has consistently shown that exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Regular physical activity throughout your pregnancy helps maintain a positive and healthy outlook.  

Low-impact movement such as light resistance exercises,   yoga and Pilates are great options. Our physiotherapists provide safe, tailored exercises for both on-site and home use, that you can rest assured are designed to fully support you.

Safe Physiotherapy Practices for Pregnant Women  

With your maternal instincts already kicking in, we know that one of your most important considerations is ensuring that any physical activity is safe.  

Rest assured that physiotherapy is not only safe but highly encouraged for mums-to-be. At City Physio, our physiotherapists have undergone training in pregnancy and postpartum exercise. This means we are informed on how to safely and effectively deliver individualised treatment to assist you to feel good in your body throughout your entire pregnancy.  

When to Start Physiotherapy?  

Pregnant women can benefit from physiotherapy at any point during their pregnancy or postpartum. Ideally it is recommended to start early, even within the first trimester. This allows City Physio to design an individual program that addresses existing issues and prepares the body for the coming changes of pregnancy and childbirth.  

We’re here to support you at every stage of your pregnancy, offering effective techniques to make this special time more comfortable.  

What Should I Expect in My Physiotherapy Sessions?  

Your physiotherapy session will be as unique as you are. Our physiotherapists are skilled in managing pregnancy related complaints such as (to name a few):    

• Joint pain and stiffness  
• Sacroiliac joint pain  
• Sciatica  
• Weakness in the core and abdominal muscles  
• Poor mobility, flexibility and balance  
• Stress and tension relief
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Groin/pubic bone pain
• Swelling in feet & hands
• Wrist pain
• Neck & shoulder pain

During your 1:1 supervised sessions and individual program, our physiotherapists will assist with the above problems through mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and stretching and strengthening exercises. This encompasses remedial massage, assisted stretching, pelvic floor exercises and correctional exercises.  

Our physiotherapists are committed to enhancing your overall health and well-being. During your session, we’ll assess your movement patterns and may recommend support braces to help stabilise your lower back, pelvis, and abdomen.

Once we have provided an initial assessment and developed a personalised treatment plan (you’ll already be feeling better!!), you may be  referred to our 1:1 pilates or 1:1 rehabilitation exercise sessions. Participation in gentle physical activity is encouraged by research and our physiotherapists.  

This class is typically based on low-impact strength exercises to keep you feeling strong and fulfilled throughout your pregnancy.  

Conclusion…

At City Physiotherapy Adelaide we are proud to have a team of exceptional and compassionate physiotherapists. We pride ourselves on delivering professional, current evidence-based and skilled care designed to help you live your life to the fullest.  

Physiotherapy designed to aid you during your pregnancy is one of the many services we offer including hands-on physio, pain management, remedial massage, joint mobilisation, pregnancy physio, cupping and arthritis treatment – just to name a few. We are passionately committed to minimising your pain and bringing freedom of movement back into your life.  

We are excited to stand by your side throughout your pregnancy journey by providing you with exceptional care. Combining evidence-based treatments with a holistic approach, our physiotherapists are trained to work with mums-to-be and new mums. Let us look after you so you can focus on looking after your little one.  

So what are you waiting for? If you are ready to heal, grow and enjoy continuous improvements then we can’t wait to meet you.  

To inquire about your next appointment, call 8212 4886 or contact us online.  

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