Pregnancy and Post Partum
WE GO THE DISTANCE SO YOU CAN TOO!
Lower back pain and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) are common conditions in pregnancy, with an estimated incidence of 4–84%. It can cause significant physical disability and has an important psychosocial impact on pregnant women and their families. The variability in incidence is due to ambiguity in definitions and diagnostic criteria. Pain is not limited to a particular trimester during pregnancy but is often experienced throughout pregnancy and postpartum; however, the onset is usually at 14–30 weeks gestation.
What is Pelvic Girdle Pain?
PGP is defined as pain between the posterior iliac crest and the gluteal fold, particularly in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), which may radiate to the thighs and hips. PGP can occur in conjunction with or separately to pain in the pubic symphysis. There is diminished capacity for activities such as standing, walking and sitting, and the pain or functional disturbance is reproducible by specific clinical tests.
What causes Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
The development of PGP in pregnancy is multifactorial and is related to hormonal, biomechanical, traumatic, metabolic, genetic and degenerative factors. Suggested biomechanical pathophysiology focuses on an already maximally stressed lumbar spine secondary to the enlarging uterus. There is a shift in the maternal center of gravity that transfers force onto the lumbar spine, causing stress in the lower back and pelvic girdle, and resulting in compensatory postural changes such as increased lumbar lordosis.
Women with PGP have increased pelvic, thoracic and lumbar joint mobility, resulting in pelvic instability and pain. Lumbopelvic muscle strength and coordination are reduced as a result of altered mechanical forces at the pelvic girdle. The importance of hormonal influences in PGP is unclear. While the hormone relaxin in pregnancy is often associated with joint laxity, there is no clear correlation between serum relaxin levels and peripheral joint laxity or PGP
PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP DECREASE SYMPTOMS DURING PREGNANCY AND IMPROVE RECOVERY AFTER DELIVERY!
At LHPT, our goal here is to prepare your body for the journey ahead, so that you can concentrate on getting ready to welcome your new little one into this world. If you are an expectant mama or one who recently gave birth, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We’ll help make your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery as easy for you as possible.
COMMON SYMPTOMS DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY
Listening Hands Physical Therapy can help mothers deal with pre and postnatal pains as their bodies experience the effects of pregnancy and childbirth.
Some of the most common symptoms that expecting or new mothers experience are:
- Coccydynia
- Back pain
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse or the sensation that the organs are” dropping”
- Diastasis Recti
- Dyspareunia or pain during sex
- Urinary/Rectal Incontinence
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Post-Surgical (Caesarean Section, Hernia, Hysterectomy, Episiotomy, Laparoscopy)
- De Quervain’s Tendonitis/ tenosynovitis (pain in the wrist, thumb or forearm)
You will be better prepared for one of the greatest challenges in your life by incorporating physical therapy in your prenatal and postnatal care.
PHYSICAL THERAPY TO IMPROVE SCAR MOBILITY
Because of C-sections or episiotomies, childbirth can result in scarring. This can trigger restrictions in the body’s myofascial system. When you attempt to move, this may result in a decreased range of motion or unpleasant sensations and pain.
Our physical therapy practice utilizes unique strategies of myofascial and scar-release to remove these constraints and avoid further compromise of the myofascial system.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR DIASTASIS RECTI
The abdominal wall is required to lengthen during pregnancy to accommodate the increasing volume and pressure. Both the muscles and their fascial continuities are impacted by this prolonged stretch. DR is the thinning or abrupt separation of the linea alba. The linea alba is comprised of thick connective tissue that connects the two ends of the rectus abdominis and forms the middle of the “six pack”. Diastasis recti commonly occurs during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones soften and physically stretch connective tissue between your muscles as your body is trying to make room for the baby. During this process your rectus abdominis muscle moves farther apart which can lead to an overstretch or separation. This gap can occur from 14 weeks of gestation and may increase until delivery. Diastasis recti can be located anywhere from below your sternum (chest bone) to your pubic bone, but the tendency is to be around your belly button area (umbilicus). It may also leave you with a bulge in the front as the muscle is being separated.
What People say about Us
Love her work!! She is very good at what she does. I have known her for over 2 years and whenever i need anything she is always available. Not just for therapy but also a good listener. Very honest, sincere and professional. Will not disappoint.
Edward F.
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