Pre and Post-natal Physiotherapy

Pre and Post-natal Physiotherapy treats the following conditions

• Spinal and pelvic pain and instability
• Mastitis and breast engorgement
• Pelvic floor weakness and and disorders eg incontinence
• Separated tummy muscles (rectus diastasis)
• Back pain during pregnancy

Causes of Back Pain in Pregnant Women

Typically pain is felt where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint or SIJ, in the lumbar spine or at the front of the pelvis where the two halves of the pelvic rim meet, the pubic symphysis.

Hormonal changes

Your body makes a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy which allows the ligaments of the pelvis to relax and the joints to become looser to prepare for the birth process. This same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain, especially if, prior to pregnancy, you had some existing weakness of the muscles supporting this region.

Muscle Separation

As the uterus expands, the rectus abdominis muscles, which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.

Weight Gain

During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain weight. As your spine must support this extra weight it can cause lower back pain. Pressure is also placed on the nerves and blood vessels in the pelvis and back.

Postural Changes

Pregnancy and your growing abdomen change your center of gravity, moving it forwards. Resulting and often unconscious adjustments in posture and your movements may also result in back pain/ strain.

Stress

Stress and heightened emotion can create muscle tension in the back, which could then be experienced as back pain or spasm.Your physiotherapist will carefully examine you, and determine the optimal treatment for you. Your physio will discuss your condition with you in plain English, and educate you on treatment options and strategies you can use to help yourself.   We have a specialised pregnancy treatment table to make it comfortable to lie on your stomach during treatment.

Treatment options may include

• Massage
• Joint Mobilisation
• Taping
• Heat or Ice
• Joint mobility and stability exercises
• Postural education and improvement
• Pregnancy support prescription
• Clinical pilates

To book with our Physiotherapists who have a special interest in Women’s Health Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, call us today on 5535 5218.