Realign Physiotherapy

Pre and Post Natal Physiotherapy

Supporting Women Through Every Stage of Gestation and Motherhood

Pregnancy brings about many physical changes, as the female body adjusts to accommodate the growing baby. These changes can include weight fluctuations, altered posture, increased pressure on the joints and connective tissues, and significant hormonal shifts. While these adaptations are necessary for a healthy pregnancy, they can also present challenges for women during gestation and postpartum. Preparing the body for the demands of pregnancy is crucial for a smoother experience.

At Realign Pro Physiotherapy, we offer specialized prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy services in Edmonton to help you navigate the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. Our experienced physiotherapists provide comprehensive care to support you throughout every stage of pregnancy and beyond, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable journey.

Why You Need Prenatal and Postnatal Physiotherapy

While some women may not experience severe symptoms during pregnancy, many face discomforts such as back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and urinary incontinence. Others may deal with issues related to pre-existing health conditions, the number of previous deliveries, or lifestyle factors. Prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy is essential for preventing and managing these symptoms, ensuring that both expectant and new mothers maintain optimal health and comfort.

Prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy not only addresses physical discomfort but also enhances overall well-being, providing mental and emotional support during this transformative time. Whether you are preparing for childbirth or recovering afterward, physiotherapy can significantly improve your experience and help you regain confidence and comfort.

Understanding Prenatal and Postnatal Physiotherapy

At Realign Pro Physiotherapy, our team of physiotherapists specializes in providing personalized care for both prenatal and postnatal women. We assess each client’s unique needs and develop tailored treatment plans to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and support overall health. Our physiotherapy services are integrated into your broader healthcare plan, with findings shared with your primary healthcare providers to ensure holistic care.

Prenatal Physiotherapy focuses on preparing your body for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. Postnatal Physiotherapy helps you recover after childbirth, addressing both the physical and emotional challenges of the postpartum period.

Prenatal Physiotherapy

Pregnancy can cause significant changes in your body, such as altered posture, muscle imbalances, and increased stress on the pelvic floor. Prenatal physiotherapy helps you manage these changes by focusing on:

Strengthening and Conditioning: Prenatal physiotherapy exercises strengthen key muscle groups, particularly those supporting the spine, pelvis, and core, to reduce pain and discomfort during pregnancy.
Posture Correction: As your body changes shape, maintaining good posture becomes essential to avoid strain and discomfort.
Pelvic Floor Health: The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the growing baby. Physiotherapists teach pelvic floor exercises to prevent incontinence and support a smoother delivery.
Pain Relief: Techniques such as manual therapy, massage, and stretching can alleviate common pregnancy-related pain, including back, hip, and pelvic pain.

Benefits of Prenatal Physiotherapy:

Reduced risk of pregnancy-related pain and discomfort.
Improved posture and mobility.
Better pelvic floor health, reducing the risk of urinary incontinence.
Enhanced strength and flexibility, preparing your body for labor.
Emotional and mental support through education and reassurance.

Postnatal Physiotherapy

After childbirth, your body undergoes significant changes as it recovers and adjusts to life with a newborn. Postnatal physiotherapy is crucial for addressing the physical challenges of recovery and supporting your return to daily activities. This phase may involve:

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or prolapse. Our physiotherapists specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation, using exercises like Kegels and biofeedback techniques to restore muscle function.
Core Stability and Strength: Strengthening the abdominal muscles and improving core stability is essential for recovery. Postpartum exercises focus on rebuilding these muscles, improving posture, and preventing long-term discomfort.
Pain Management: Many women experience back pain, pelvic discomfort, or joint pain after childbirth. Our physiotherapists use techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy, and myofascial release to manage pain and promote healing.
Scar Management: For women who have had C-sections or experienced significant tearing during delivery, scar management is crucial. Our physiotherapists use massage, mobilization, and silicone gel applications to minimize scar tissue and improve flexibility and appearance.
Exercise Prescription: Returning to physical activity after childbirth can be daunting. We provide safe, gradual exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and endurance, tailored to your fitness level and recovery stage.

How We Help During the Postpartum Period:

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Our physiotherapists provide exercises and techniques to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and treat issues like incontinence and pelvic pain.
Core Strengthening: Postpartum core exercises help restore abdominal strength, improve posture, and support overall recovery.
Pain Relief: We offer joint mobilization, myofascial release, and therapeutic ultrasound to address common postpartum pains.
Scar Tissue Management: For C-section or perineal tears, we provide techniques to reduce scar tissue formation and improve flexibility.
Mental Health Support: We recognize the emotional challenges of postpartum recovery and provide guidance on maintaining mental well-being during this time.

Benefits of Postpartum Physiotherapy:

Improved pelvic floor function and reduced risk of incontinence.
Enhanced core strength and stability, aiding in posture and movement.
Reduced pain and discomfort through targeted pain management techniques.
Better recovery from C-sections and perineal tears through effective scar management.
Mental health support, promoting overall well-being during the postpartum period.

What to Expect at Your Prenatal or Postnatal Physiotherapy Session

Your initial appointment at Realign Pro Physiotherapy will involve a comprehensive evaluation. This includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have. Your physiotherapist will conduct a hands-on assessment, evaluating your posture, muscle strength, flexibility, and any areas of discomfort.

Based on the assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, and education to support your health and recovery. We will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring that you feel comfortable and informed throughout your journey.

Ready to Begin Your Prenatal or Postnatal Physiotherapy Journey?

At Realign Pro Physiotherapy , we are committed to supporting women through every stage of pregnancy and motherhood. Whether you're preparing for childbirth or recovering afterward, our team of skilled physiotherapists is here to help you achieve a healthier, more comfortable experience.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey toward a healthier pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Our physiotherapists will provide the care, guidance, and support you need to feel confident and comfortable during this transformative time.

Invest in your health and well-being by choosing Realign Pro Physiotherapy for your prenatal and postnatal care. We look forward to supporting you every step of the way!

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