Pregnancy is a very joyful and important event of life for a woman and her whole family. However, it is also important to take care during that crucial period. Low‐back pain (LBP) and pelvic pain (PP) are common during pregnancy and tend to increase as pregnancy advances, in some cases, the pain radiates into the buttock, leg and foot. One of the most effective approaches for such problems is pre-pregnancy physiotherapy. The role of physiotherapy in pregnancy is crucial.
I have come to realise that one of the key reasons behind women experiencing such pain is that their muscles are not ready. Yes, you read it right! Research suggests that women tend to have bad posture most probably due to “pelvis anterior rotation”. When a woman conceives a child and as time progresses, the abdominal muscles tend to get loose and weak due to the weight of the baby. This creates pressure on the back muscles, which leads to lower back pain or sciatica. So, if we prepare the muscles in advance, then the woman will be able to deal with the pressure and weight of the child without much discomfort.
Exercises like isometric abdominals, back extension exercises, postural correction, etc. can be very helpful. From the third month of the pregnancy, physiotherapy consultation becomes important.
Addressing common issues
Some of the major problems that women experience during pregnancy and the ways physiotherapy can help in dealing with them are:
Bye-Bye back pain
Women commonly experience back pain in their lives. Not just pregnancy, women with fibroids may struggle with lower back pain. Similarly, in some cases of ovarian cysts, women suffer from back pain. However, in pregnancy, physiotherapy is like a fairy godmother for your spine, teaching you exercises and tricks to ease the strain. Enhancing core muscles and adjusting your posture may seem straightforward. However, these practices can prove remarkably effective in bidding farewell to bothersome backaches during pregnancy.
Taming the pelvic girdle pain
Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy may sound intimidating, but don’t worry! Physiotherapy can assist you in overcoming this discomfort. Engaging in targeted exercises will help strengthen your pelvic muscles. Your physiotherapist will expertly apply manual techniques, leading to improved mobility and greater comfort.
Battle against swelling
Are your ankles and feet swollen, leaving you feeling inflated? Physiotherapy can support you. Though terms like manual lymphatic drainage may sound sophisticated, they’re essentially akin to a mild massage for your swollen areas.
Sciatica, be gone
Experiencing sciatica during pregnancy, characterised by the shooting nerve pain down your leg, can truly put a damper on your mood. Physiotherapy comes to your aid with specialised stretches and exercises aimed at relieving the pressure on your sciatic nerve. Bid farewell to wincing with every step!
Diastasis recti
Facing diastasis recti, a challenging term and a potential cause of abdominal discomfort? Physiotherapy provides exercises that efficiently fortify your core without worsening the condition. With proper guidance, you can maintain strength in your abdominal muscles.
Breathe easy
Breathing is an automatic action for us, right? Well, physiotherapy encourages you to think about it a bit more, especially if you are pregnant. Pregnant women may face shortness of breath due to multiple reasons. Delving into deep, controlled breathing not only promotes relaxation but also guarantees your body receives the essential oxygen it seeks. These techniques could prove to be your invaluable ally during labour and delivery.
Relax zone
Pregnancy isn’t merely a physical journey; it’s also an emotional rollercoaster. Recognising this, physiotherapy incorporates relaxation techniques into the mix. Through guided imagery and mindfulness, you can say farewell to stress and anxiety, ensuring that your emotional well-being receives as much care as your physical health.
Engage in these exercises under the guidance and supervision of your physiotherapist, following the prescribed phases. Complementing these exercises, certain machines such as muscle stimulation and IFT therapy, administered by physiotherapists, can be beneficial. However, you must ensure that you consult with a qualified and experienced physiotherapist. Performing exercises without proper medical guidance can be harmful.
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