Pregnancy physiotherapy is safe and gentle. During treatment, comfort is paramount, and the mother and baby’s well-being is always our first consideration. Each Physiotherapy treatment during pregnancy is carefully considered and individually designed to suit each mother. We use specially designed pillows and cushions for your comfort. Some patients like to lie on their front for specific physiotherapy techniques. The Physiotherapist is trained to know if you’re comfortable and safe in certain positions. Please let us know if you are worried or, of course, even slightly uncomfortable. Back Pain during pregnancy is often a result of increased weight and adaptive postural changes. It is estimated that 60-80% of women experience back pain, so rest assured you’re not alone, and we are here to help.
Pregnancy treatments in nature are very supportive. The practitioner will provide excellent advice, support and pain relief. During pregnancy, the body will go through a considerable amount of changes. The spine, pelvis, ligaments and muscles initially change gradually. As the pregnancy progresses the body changes quite dramatically to accommodate the growing baby. Pregnancy also places pressure on joints and muscles, especially around the spine and pelvis. Practitioners are well-trained; they conduct a full assessment beforehand and help diagnose the condition. They will provide the best treatment for you and explain everything beforehand. Pregnancy Physiotherapy treatment can involve gentle mobilisations, soft tissue release, K tape and exercises to help strengthen the back providing safe and effective relief from aches and pains.
Pregnancy speeds up postural changes much faster than usual, and the pregnant body adapts quickly. Usually, during the last trimester, changes in weight and posture can be pretty dramatic. During pregnancy, the softening and increased elasticity of pelvic ligaments (to enable the baby to be delivered through the usually stiff pelvis) are modulated by a hormone called Relaxin. Relaxin can alter the ligamentous and structural stability of the whole body. The hormone may often cause previously stiff areas to move shear and cause increased pain in the body and pelvic regions. The position of the growing baby may also lead to pain and discomfort in the spine. Physiotherapy treatment aims to improve your body’s ability to change (compensate) and adapt during pregnancy. Physiotherapy aims to support you and your baby with the minimum pain and discomfort.
One in five women suffers from Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy. The pelvis is the most significant bony part of the skeleton, made up of 2 halves, connected at the front by a disc type joint called the symphysis pubis (sacroiliac joints). During normal conditions, minimal movement occurs at these particular pelvic joints. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released(to enable the baby to be delivered through the usually stiff pelvis). Relaxin softens and increases the elasticity of pelvic ligaments and alters the ligamentous stability of the whole body. Symphysis pubis dysfunction is reasonably common and presents at different levels of severity. The physiotherapist will teach you some exercises for SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction). They will also provide suggestions on how to avoid irritating the pelvic joints. They may give specific helpful advice such as altering the way you walk, sleep or sit. Paracetamol (if allowed) and hot water bottles can also help your discomfort. Support belts such as the Serola Maternity Support Belt.
During the delivery of your baby, many factors can affect the baby’s passage through the pelvis. The pelvis is naturally asymmetrical or twisted out of line in some women. This twisting can be due to many factors. This rigidity can interfere with the baby’s delivery through the birth canal and is the complete opposite of hyper-mobile pelvis that may occur due to Relaxin. Physiotherapy treatment can help improve your spines function and enhance pelvis and lower back mechanics to reduce pain. It’s also essential that the spine and pelvis are in the best possible position with the least amount of imbalance, torsion and restriction possible. Physiotherapy treatment aims to strengthen and stabilise problematic pelvic and spinal areas during pregnancy. Physiotherapy seeks to educate and inform through examination, treatment and patient discussion. Physiotherapy also aims to soothe and ease away pregnancy pains that seem to change day by day. Hands-on treatments normalise the body easing sore muscles and joints, helping the bodywork as effectively as possible. Treatments during pregnancy are enormously beneficial for pain relief and assist the natural process of pregnancy and birth. Physiotherapy works by aiding the body to adapt and align as the pregnancy progresses. The Pregnancy physiotherapist will use gentle, safe and effective treatments, always being aware of your feelings and the baby’s safety.
Cranial Osteopaths can be effective in the treatment of chronic health conditions. Many problems don’t respond to typical medication or standard Physiotherapy. Cranial is focused on improving general circulation and reducing tissue tensions and ligament stress. Health is really about allowing the body to work at its optimum, allowing energy to flow and the immune system to function efficiently. Babies and young children often respond very well to treatment from a Cranial Osteopath. Treatment may help resolve many discomforts and distortions from infancy or traumatic birth.
Physiotherapy treatment can help with aches and pains associated with breastfeeding posture (men too. Well, you will be surprised !). New babies grow very fast so lifting car seats can be heavy and challenging. Prams seem to be getting larger and heavier, and, of course, carrying a baby and bending over the cot can be a real pain. Overall, postnatal Physiotherapy can help with long term preventative care, allowing you to relax and enjoy your new baby.
