We offer prenatal physiotherapy care. If you need help with pain and/or pelvic health issues during pregnancy then we can help. Our experienced physiotherapists can treat and issue advice/education relating to pain and discomfort you maybe experiencing during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Related Pain
There is no greater change within a female body than pregnancy. It can be the most precious time but also as the body changes and adapts throughout pregnancy, some discomfort may be expected. However, for some women pregnancy can be a time of more persistent discomfort and daily pain with even the simplest of task such as putting your underwear on. This can be due to a variety of reasons such as previous births, Hypermobility Syndrome, previous pelvic trauma, pre-existing hip/back or pelvis dysfunction or experience of chronic pelvic pain e.g. Endometriosis. If you are experiencing ANY of the above then pelvic health physiotherapy can help and it is best to address these issues as soon as you can during your pregnancy to ensure that you can feel more confident for your birth. At Full Circle we can help ANY pregnant women who may be struggling with the following conditions:
- Pelvic Girdle Pain (any pain originating from the pelvis including Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, Sacro-Iliac Joint dysfunction and Coccyx pain)
- Lower/Upper Back Pain
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Previous Diastasis Recti Issues
During your assessment, we will ask you information regarding your pain and also your menstrual history. We will then examine your whole body posture and alignment, range of movement and muscle strength. Treatment may include manual therapy work, soft tissue/fascial bodywork, advice/education, individual exercise program, acupuncture, taping and issue of supports for the pelvis. The key to treating any pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy is to KEEP women moving. By striking a balance between strength and length around the pelvis, we can ensure that pain is kept to a minimum and movement can be restored. In addition to this, by keeping the pelvis within a neutral, symmetrical position this can help create space within the pelvis for your baby to grow and also be in a more optimal position ready for birth. Win, win!
Pelvic Health in Pregnancy
Preparation for birth starts with you and your body. By understanding the changes and feeling a better connection to your pelvic space during pregnancy, this will no doubt encourage a better birthing experience overall. A pelvic health assessment during pregnancy (from 12 weeks onwards) whether you have any pelvic health issues or not, can be a very useful experience. It can highlight any pelvic floor problems, help ease pain during pregnancy as well as build a deeper sense of connection to your pelvis prior to birth. This is often creating a more solid foundation for your postnatal recovery, as muscle memory can help to restore balance within the pelvis sooner after giving birth. If you have experienced any of the following issues prior to or during pregnancy, then a pelvic health assessment is certainly recommended:
- Any bladder or bowel issues such as leakage, urgency or constipation
- Any vaginal heaviness or previous diagnosis/suspicions of prolapse
- Any previous discomfort with sex or use of tampons/menstrual cup
- Any previous experience of pelvic pain such as Endometriosis, previous trauma
During your initial assessment, we will ask you a more in-depth history of your pelvic health including bladder, bowel and sexual function. We will then assess your whole body posture and alignment, range of movement and then your pelvic floor (if you are happy with this). This is completely safe during pregnancy and caution should only be taken if your Obstetrician has stated otherwise. We will then build an individualized plan including exercises (which may be pelvic floor lengthening or strengthening), advice and education, manual therapy and soft tissue bodywork around the trunk and pelvis. We will also discuss how you can create space within the pelvis to optimise your baby's position and overall birth preparation advice and education. This fully comprehensive approach prior to birth can be so helpful to help women achieve a better birthing experience.
