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.