When you think of physical therapy, you might picture a large gym with a lot of equipment for various exercises. You wouldn’t be wrong in that depiction, but physical therapy as a profession is much more than that. One rapidly growing specialty is pelvic health physical therapy. Physical therapists can work with mothers before pregnancy both to reduce discomfort before child-birth and also to help with a plan for returning a mother back to her normal physical self after delivery. So what does a physical therapy appointment look like for an expecting mother?
What does physical therapy look like for expecting moms? This is a list of what an appointment might entail. If you have questions about any of the terminology or what certain phrases mean, click the “contact us” button at the end and we’ll happy answer any of your questions.
Medical history review
Review any medical diagnoses/health conditions including gestational diabetes and hypertension
Screening for pre-eclampsia and signs of early labor
Activity levels before and during pregnancy and goals for postpartum
Assessment of abdominal tissues
Check for diastasis rectus abdominis (natural widening of abdominal tissues and muscles during pregnancy)
Observation of breathing patterns
Assessment of hip, pelvic, and abdominal muscle strength
External pelvic floor exam with instruction on how to properly perform a kegel and including:
Assessment of tissue health
Coordination of the pelvic floor muscles - the ability to contract and relax the muscles
The use of a biofeedback unit to rule out pelvic floor muscle hyperactivity (the pelvic floor muscles are too tight)
Whether or not prolapse is present (prolapse is when the internal organs in the pelvis drop down slightly and put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles)
Postural strategies and lifting techniques
Development of a specifically tailored home program to maintain and build strength, safely return to activities and prevent postpartum complications
If you’re pregnant, it is worth you time to schedule an appointment with a pelvic health physical therapist. The information you recieve will be invaluable during your pre-partum experience and your post-partum recovery.