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Prenatal and Postpartum PainIn Rhode Island

Pappas OPT is the best first choice for your pregnancy and postpartum care.

A physical therapist can address:

  • Abdominal weakness
  • Blocked / plugged milk ducts
  • Constipation
  • Developing an exercise program during or post-pregnancy
  • Headaches
  • Mid-back and low back pain
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Painful c-section or episiotomy scars
  • Pelvic pain
  • Poor sleeping
  • Preventing bed rest complications
  • Shoulder / neck pain
  • Swelling
  • Tailbone pain
  • Urinary or bowel leakage

Find relief for your pain during pregnancy

With your body changing shape to accommodate a growing baby, it is not unusual to experience different aches and pains throughout your body. PTs can help you manage these discomforts and teach you how to prevent further issues down the road. Treatments to combat these aches and pains during pregnancy include decompression of the abdomen and nerves with braces/supports or manual pressure, exercises to stabilize the low back and pelvis, teaching proper body mechanics/good posture, and teaching good sleeping positions.

Prepare for labor & delivery

If you have a C-section or episiotomy scars from prior pregnancies, your physical therapist can help you prepare for labor and delivery. Manual techniques, perineal massage, and varying positions can be beneficial in decreasing tearing and pain.

Combat bladder & bowel issues

Urinary leakage is a frequent occurrence that can begin with pregnancy. However, it is something that can be changed with pelvic floor exercises, correct body mechanics to reduce force on the bladder, and modified fluid intake/bladder habits. Constipation is also something commonly experienced due to decreased movement of food through the digestive tract because of relaxing muscles from increased progesterone. With some diet modifications, colon massage, and other education, your PT can help you manage this discomfort and show you how to improve your bowel and bladder health.

Overcome post-pregnancy pain

After giving birth, vaginally or by C-section, many women suffer from abdominal and pelvic discomfort along with weakness. Core stability training, pelvic floor strengthening, and scar tissue work are a few methods utilized by our expert physical therapists for these conditions. Painful intercourse can also be experienced following delivery. Physical therapy uses a variety of treatment options to assist in restoring your pelvis and body to enjoy sexual activity again.

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The Pappas OPT Difference

Specialty-Level Care

Target your discomfort at the source with a customized treatment plan.

More Board Certified Experts

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Caring Physical Therapists

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Prenatal and Postpartum Pain Treatment Locations

North Kingstown (Formerly POWR)

650 Ten Rod Rd.
North Kingstown, RI 02852
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.

  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

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Ready to reclaim your life? Pappas OPT is here to help.

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