prenatal & post-partum physical therapy
Prenatal and postnatal physical therapy can help decrease muscle tension/pain and gently mobilize restricted joints. We will give you an individualized program to strengthen or relax muscles and educate on postural awareness and body mechanics.
during pregnancy
Our prenatal services include:
Preparing for Labor and Delivery - instruction in safe exercise programs to prep for birth (including both how to strengthen and relax the pelvic floor), breathing/relaxation techniques, and perineal massage.
Strengthening the abdominals - these muscles support the growing uterus and fetus within and protect against back and hip pain.
Strengthening the pelvic floor - these muscles are crucial in supporting the uterus, preventing the internal organs from falling (which can lead to incontinence) and helping you to better relax during pregnancy.
Alleviating pain - any form of pregnancy related pain can be alleviated and managed during pregnancy - these include low back pain, sciatica, pubic symphysis pain, carpal tunnel, vaginal/rectal pain and muscle-based pain.
After pregnancy
Our postnatal services include:
Helping your body recover - assistance in returning to your previous level of activity safely.
Scar healing - improve mobility and reduce pain after tearing, episiotomy or C-Section; improve scar tissue mobility, normalize skin sensation, and gastrointestinal motility.
Resolving diastasis recti - the two bands at the center abdominal muscle group may separate to accommodate the growth of the baby in the womb. We teach you how to resolve this and strengthen the abdominals and core to reduce this.
Preventing or reducing/eliminating incontinence - techniques and exercises can help reduce or eliminate leakage by way of an exercise program focusing on the pelvic floor and core strengthening.
Reducing/eliminating pain with sexual intercourse - manual techniques and home exercises are utilized to return the pelvic floor to proper functioning.
Correcting body mechanics - learn how to lift, hold and nurse your baby while avoiding injury or pain.
“I decided to do pelvic floor therapy ahead of my second child’s birth because I had an episiotomy during my first child’s birth and the recovery was absolutely miserable. I am happy to report that my delivery was only four hours, I did not require an episiotomy and I had a first degree perineal tear that didn’t even require stitches. I am beyond thankful to have worked with Tamra to get my body ready ahead of my delivery day!”