Physical therapy for pregnant women is often the key to a comfortable pregnancy and a smoother delivery. At Rutherford Physical Therapy, we understand that while expecting a baby is an exciting time, it also places significant physical stress on your body.
Your body undergoes rapid changes during these nine months. Your center of gravity shifts, your posture changes, and your hormones loosen your ligaments. These changes frequently lead to back pain, pelvic discomfort, and sciatica. Fortunately, you do not have to just “deal with it” until the baby arrives. We offer specialized care right here in Rutherford, New Jersey, to help you stay active and pain-free.
Why Your Body Needs Extra Support During Pregnancy
Many women are surprised by the physical toll pregnancy takes on their musculoskeletal system. As your baby grows, your abdominal muscles stretch and become less effective at supporting your spine. This forces your back muscles to work overtime.
Simultaneously, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. This hormone relaxes the ligaments in your pelvis to prepare for childbirth. However, it also makes your joints less stable and more prone to injury or pain. This combination of extra weight, shifted gravity, and loose joints is the primary reason so many expectant mothers experience discomfort.
Physical therapy provides a safe way to address these mechanical changes. By strengthening specific muscle groups and improving your alignment, we can help counteract the strain pregnancy places on your body.
Common Conditions We Treat
Pregnancy can trigger a variety of orthopedic issues. Our team at Rutherford Physical Therapy creates individualized treatment plans for several common conditions.
Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
This is perhaps the most common complaint we see. As your uterus expands, it can press on the sciatic nerve, causing sharp pain that radiates down your leg. Spine therapy techniques can relieve this pressure and teach you safe movements to prevent flare-ups.
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pain in the hips or pubic bone is common due to pelvic instability. Targeted strengthening exercises help stabilize the pelvic floor and hips, making walking and sleeping much more comfortable.
Swelling and Circulation Issues
Edema, or swelling, in the legs and ankles can be uncomfortable. Gentle movement and specific manual therapies can improve circulation and reduce fluid retention.
Diastasis Recti
This condition involves the separation of the abdominal muscles. A physical therapist can teach you how to protect your core during pregnancy and how to safely rebuild it postpartum.
How Physical Therapy Helps You Have a Better Pregnancy
Choosing to participate in physical therapy for pregnant women offers benefits that go beyond simple pain relief. It prepares your body for the marathon of labor and the demands of motherhood.
Pain Relief Without Medication
During pregnancy, your options for pain medication are limited. Physical therapy offers a natural, drug-free alternative to manage pain through manual therapy, heat or cold application, and corrective exercise.
Easier Labor and Delivery
Labor is a physically demanding event. Strong hips, a flexible pelvis, and a well-trained pelvic floor can potentially shorten labor and reduce the risk of injury during delivery.
Faster Postpartum Recovery
Mothers who stay active and maintain muscle tone during pregnancy often find it easier to bounce back after giving birth. You will have a head start on regaining your core strength and returning to your normal activities.
Our 4-Phase Recovery Program for Expectant Mothers
At Rutherford Physical Therapy, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every pregnancy is different. We utilize a proven 4-Phase Recovery Program adapted for our pregnant patients to ensure safety and results.
- Phase I: Pain Relief. Our immediate goal is to reduce your discomfort. We identify the root cause of your pain and use gentle manual techniques to provide relief.
- Phase II: Mobility and Strength. Once the acute pain subsides, we focus on restoring safe movement. We guide you through exercises that stabilize your changing body.
- Phase III: Functional Training. We teach you how to move safely in your daily life. This includes proper lifting techniques for when the baby arrives and how to maintain good posture while sleeping or sitting.
- Phase IV: Prevention. We equip you with the tools to prevent future pain and prepare you for the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
Is Physical Therapy Safe During Pregnancy?
Safety is our top priority. Our physical therapists are licensed professionals with extensive training. We know exactly which exercises are safe for you and your baby and which ones to avoid.
We monitor your heart rate and exertion levels to ensure you never overdo it. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, we will coordinate directly with your obstetrician to ensure your care plan is appropriate.
Postpartum Care: The Fourth Trimester
Your need for physical support does not end when the baby is born. The “fourth trimester” is a critical time for healing. Physical therapy can help you address issues like incontinence, lingering back pain, or diastasis recti.
We understand that leaving the house with a newborn is difficult. That is why we offer mobile physical therapy. If you cannot make it to our clinic on Union Avenue, we can bring our expert care directly to your home. This ensures you do not have to neglect your own recovery while caring for your new baby.
Insurance and Accessibility
We believe high-quality care should be accessible. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Horizon BCS, Medicare, and United. You can check our full list of insurance providers on our website.
Additionally, New Jersey is a Direct Access state. This means you can see a physical therapist for up to 30 days without needing a referral from your doctor. This allows you to get help immediately when pain strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to my appointment?
You should dress in loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Athletic wear, leggings, and sneakers are usually best. Avoid restrictive clothing that might limit circulation.
Can physical therapy induce labor?
Physical therapy exercises are designed to be safe and are not intended to induce labor. However, we can teach you positions that may help labor progress naturally when the time comes.
How often should I come in?
This depends on your specific needs. Typically, patients attend sessions 2 to 3 times per week for a few weeks to maximize results. We will discuss a schedule that fits your lifestyle during your initial evaluation.
What if I have morning sickness?
We understand that pregnancy comes with many symptoms. If you are feeling unwell, let us know. We can adjust the intensity of the session or reschedule if necessary.
Do you offer specific orthopedic therapy?
Yes. If you have an existing injury alongside your pregnancy, such as a knee or shoulder issue, our orthopedic therapy services can address those problems safely while considering your pregnancy.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. You can request an appointment through our website or give us a call at (201) 636-2256.
Start Your Journey to a Pain-Free Pregnancy
You do not have to accept back pain and immobility as a mandatory part of pregnancy. With the right guidance and care, you can enjoy this special time in your life.
Our team at Rutherford Physical Therapy is proud to have over 190 five-star reviews from neighbors just like you. We are dedicated to helping you feel your best from the first trimester through postpartum.
Take the first step toward a more comfortable pregnancy today.
