Pregnancy is rightly described as a different state. A woman's body undergoes countless changes on many levels. Not only do the demands on the musculoskeletal system change, but there are also changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, hormonal, and digestive systems.
At SPINEZIO physiotherapy, we focus most on changes in the musculoskeletal system, which are really put under increased strain during pregnancy. Physiotherapy plays an important role during pregnancy, as it can help women with pain with a gentle and targeted approach, promote proper muscle engagement, body alignment, and can help a woman prepare for childbirth and the postpartum period.
During pregnancy, there is a significant loosening of the ligaments throughout the body. This causes a change in the position and load on the joints, which can lead to the weakening of certain muscle groups, a change in the stereotype of walking and movement in general, the development of diastasis, etc.
Women most often perceive these changes as pain, most typically in the SI joints, lower back, or hips. This is often because the body is excessively relaxed and the joints do not have the necessary support in the muscles.
This phenomenon is very common, and therefore it is very important to stay active during pregnancy and not be afraid to strengthen weak muscles. Experience confirms that consulting a physiotherapist is more than beneficial, because every woman's body requires an individual approach. An active approach in the form of exercise and generally appropriate movement and stabilization of given segments can significantly relieve pain and allow women to feel satisfied with their bodies. Despite the changes that pregnancy brings. Exercising and strengthening muscle groups is then an advantage even after the baby is born, because proper muscle function and their strength are needed for frequent carrying.
Another factor that affects musculoskeletal pain is, of course, weight gain, which is concentrated mainly in the abdomen. The growing abdomen and breasts cause the center of gravity to shift away from the body axis, the rest of the body must react to this, and certain muscle groups are overloaded. Very often, pregnant women find a stiff chest, shortened pectoral muscles, stiff intercostal muscles, blockages of the spine and ribs, or a sore neck. We can work with all of this and, thanks to gentle manual techniques and exercises, move and relax these segments.
The most common pregnancy problems we encounter in our office:
- Lower back or thoracic spine pain
- Cervical spine pain
- Foot pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Hip and knee pain
- Diastasis of the abdominal muscles
- Pelvic floor weakness
- Postpartum injuries and incontinence
- Reflux (heartburn)
How specifically do we work with pregnant women at SPINEZIO physiotherapy?
During the first visit, we first carefully consult the current condition (taking a medical history). This is followed by an examination of the body while standing, sitting, lying down while walking and in specific positions, such as: standing on one leg, squatting, position on all fours, etc. Based on the information, we will evaluate together with the patient what exactly her body needs to make the woman feel better. If the woman is very hypermobile and relaxed, more active therapy, exercises, supporting the belly with a scarf, taping, etc. will be appropriate. If, on the other hand, the woman is very stiff, with a tendency to shortened muscles and a small range of motion in the joints, we then choose more manual therapy, stretching and mobility training.
In physiotherapy for pregnant women, we use, in addition to specific exercises suitable for pregnant women, also manual techniques - muscle relaxation, joint mobilization, massage techniques, etc.
We also use a rebozo scarf. It can be very helpful for a heavy stomach and pain in the lumbar spine or hips. We will teach you how to tie it in a way that sufficiently relieves your stomach and supports your lumbar spine.
If appropriate, we perform preventive pelvic floor relaxation using the per rectum technique before the actual birth. We will show you perineal massage techniques, ways to relax the pelvic floor as much as possible before birth, and we will also show you positions that can help you ease the first stage of labor.
We are all unique, and this also applies to us women. A woman's body never reacts the same way during pregnancy and after childbirth, which is why we establish and emphasize an individual approach and procedure in caring for a woman's musculoskeletal system. The adaptation of a woman's body to changes during pregnancy is always a little different - some women are more hypermobile, while others struggle with stiff muscles and joints their whole lives. Pregnancy often exacerbates these facts, which is why it is very important to choose "tailor-made therapy" for each woman who comes to us for help during pregnancy physiotherapy.
