Pregnancy Physical Therapy

You can begin prenatal physical therapy at any stage of pregnancy, depending on your needs and goals. Many women start early to strengthen their core, improve flexibility, and prevent discomfort as their body changes. Others begin later when they start experiencing back pain, pelvic pain, or joint discomfort. A physical therapist can assess your condition and recommend the ideal time to start based on your symptoms and overall pregnancy wellness.

The frequency of prenatal physical therapy sessions depends on your individual needs, pain levels, and goals. Some women benefit from weekly or biweekly visits, especially if they have persistent back pain, pelvic instability, or mobility issues. Others may only need occasional check-ins to monitor progress and adjust their home exercise routine. Our clinic recommends starting with sessions twice a week for 3-4 weeks to ensure you receive the full benefits of treatment. Your physical therapist will assess your progress and make personalized recommendations, but scheduling in advance allows them to adjust your treatment plan as needed for the best results.

A prenatal physical therapy session typically includes an initial assessment to check your posture, movement patterns, and muscle function. Your therapist will then use hands-on techniques, such as gentle manual therapy or soft tissue work, to relieve tension and improve mobility. You’ll also be guided through pregnancy-safe exercises that strengthen key muscle groups like the core, pelvic floor, and lower back. Additionally, you’ll receive education on proper body mechanics and strategies to move comfortably throughout your pregnancy.

Yes! Prenatal physical therapy is a proactive way to prevent pain and discomfort before it becomes severe. Strengthening key muscle groups—such as the pelvic floor, deep core, and lower back—helps support the extra weight and shifting posture during pregnancy. Learning proper movement mechanics and posture adjustments can also reduce strain on your joints, making daily activities more comfortable. By addressing small aches early, you can avoid common pregnancy issues like sciatica, pelvic girdle pain, and lower back pain.

Prenatal physical therapy offers more than just pain relief—it supports your overall pregnancy wellness. It helps improve balance, flexibility, posture, and core strength, which are all essential as your body changes. Strengthening the pelvic floor and deep core muscles can also aid in labor and delivery, making it easier to push and reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, learning proper breathing techniques and movement strategies can enhance comfort throughout pregnancy and promote a smoother postpartum recovery.

As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity shifts, which can cause postural changes, balance issues, and joint strain. Many women develop poor posture habits, like arching their lower back or tilting their pelvis forward, leading to discomfort. Prenatal physical therapy helps correct these imbalances by teaching you how to sit, stand, and move in ways that support your changing body. Your therapist will also provide targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles that stabilize your spine and pelvis, reducing strain on your back and hips.

Yes! Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common due to hormonal changes that loosen ligaments and increased pressure on the pelvic region. Many women experience symptoms like pubic bone discomfort, hip pain, or difficulty walking due to these changes. A prenatal physical therapist can use gentle hands-on techniques, tailored exercises, and movement modifications to relieve pain and improve pelvic stability. They can also teach you safe ways to move, sit, and sleep to minimize discomfort and prevent further strain.

Absolutely! Proper breathing techniques can play a key role in labor and delivery, helping you manage pain and stay relaxed. Many women unknowingly hold tension in their body, which can make contractions feel more intense. A prenatal physical therapist can teach you diaphragmatic breathing exercises and movement strategies to help you stay calm and in control during labor. Practicing these techniques throughout pregnancy can also improve oxygen flow to your baby and make pushing more effective when the time comes.