Moms and expecting women should not have to deal with what is considered “normal” pregnancy and postpartum pain, there is an alternative.
Did you know there are physical therapists specifically trained to help you through your pregnancy and postpartum journey?
Meet Keely Nolte, Doctor of physical therapy at F.I.T. Muscle and Joint Clinic who is passionate about caring for women and is currently in the process of becoming a certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist.Her goal is to help women seeking guidance throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey to feel equipped and empowered to navigate the changes of their bodies.
Why is training in caring from women especially important?
This training provides a deeper understanding behind common pregnancy and postpartum dysfunctions as well as how to implement the best corrective exercises to help improve and restore function.. Therefore you know you are getting the best, most tailored care for women you can!
What does pregnancy and postpartum care incorporate?
Whether you're dealing with back, hip, pelvic, sacral or other muscular pain (which can all present during this journey), soft tissue treatment can be very effective in reducing pain and discomfort. Here at F.I.T., we utilize safe and conservative manual therapy techniques to address musculoskeletal issues and pain related to pregnancy and postpartum management. Active Release Technique or ART is a manual technique that combines an active stretch under specifically applied external tension. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is another great modality that can benefit women postpartum. IASTM helps to release myofascial restrictions in the body by mobilizing the tissue and bringing blood flow to the area.
In addition to addressing pain, it is also important to provide exercise-based intervention to allow women to stay active during their pregnancy and to provide postpartum patients with guidelines in order to return to activity safely following delivery. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who are physically active during pregnancy can decrease pregnancy related disorders and improve postpartum recovery time. Physical therapy can help pregnant women increase muscle strength in the back, hips, core and pelvic floor to prepare for the physical demands of delivery. All women experiencing issues or simply seeking guidance on how to become more active or maintain activity can benefit from physical therapy through all trimesters of pregnancy. Modifications can be made to accommodate for the various changes that occur during each trimester to ensure safety for Mom and baby.
Physical therapy postpartum not only addresses pain, postural changes and body positioning and mechanics but it helps moms reconnect and strengthen their body following delivery.
This is crucial when transitioning to the new demands of motherhood including lifting, carrying, feeding and changing. Postpartum can be a difficult time for many women as they are adjusting to a new body while recovering following delivery. Following clearance from an OB, physical therapy can help address core and pelvic floor issues, restore loss of muscle strength and function, and address postpartum pain.
What does an appointment look like at F.I.T. ?
Each patient’s treatment and plan of care is individualized to meet their specific needs and goals. A thorough evaluation will be completed with subsequent one on one treatments. Topics addressed may include, breathing, pelvic floor strengthening/relaxation, diastasis recti, posture, c-section recovery, low back and pelvic pain, and maintaining and returning to activity. Depending on your state or if you have specific medical considerations, a referral from your OB may be required prior to initiating therapy
Pregnancy and becoming a mother is an amazing part of a woman’s life. We want to raise the standard for women’s health and fitness, because all women deserve to be better than before.
Check out our instagram page @fitmjc.mams.peds for more access to info and exercises specific for moms as well as events to connect you with other moms! Prior to practicing any of our posted exercises, check out our disclaimer and be sure to contact us with any questions!
@fitmjc.mamas.peds DISCLAIMER: THIS ACCOUNT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other materials are for informational and educational purposes only. If you choose to try any of the exercises presented here, you do so at your own risk. By viewing this account, you acknowledge that we cannot guarantee any particular results. No material on this account is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition, prior to beginning a new health care program, or to determine if an exercise is right for you. You are responsible for yourself and will not hold F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic liable for any illness or injury.
