Can I see a Physiotherapist if I’m Pregnant?
Absolutely! Physiotherapy is safe in treating preexisting musculoskeletal issues and any pain/discomfort you develop throughout your pregnancy journey.
Why should I see a Physiotherapist during Pregnancy?
Physiotherapy can provide advice and guidance on exercising in a safe manner during pregnancy to prevent and treat any injuries that may occur.
In preparation for birth, the body produces specific hormones to help relax the pelvic ligaments. These hormones cause the rest of the ligaments in the body to be more flexible, predisposing you to injury during activities that may have seemed easy prior to pregnancy.
As pregnancy advances, your center of gravity and posture shifts, leading to increased stress on your lower back. Along with stretching of your abdominal muscles and softening of your pelvic ligaments, these physiological changes can lead to lower back or pelvic girdle pain.
What are some of the common conditions a Physiotherapist can help during Pregnancy?
Some common issues pregnancy physiotherapy can help with are:
- Upper back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sciatica (pain that radiates down back of leg)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand)
- Pelvic girdle pain (pain in front and back of the pelvis)
What can I expect from Physiotherapy during my Pregnancy?
- Education on proper postures and positioning during pregnancy
- Manual therapy for pain relief to restore normal joint and soft tissue movement
- Exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles
- Advice on how to safely start or continue general exercise to maintain physical fitness
Here’s 3 exercises that is good for pregnancy and you can easily do at home.
You can request for a copy of this exercise sheet from our front desk, which teaches you more Pilates safe mat exercises.
- Happy Cat, Angry Cat – Exhale and round your back gently towards the celling like an angry cat. Then inhale and arch your back gently towards the floor.
- Book Opening – Lie on your side with knees bent and hands clasped behind your head. Exhale to open your top elbow to the ceiling then allow the head and chest to follow. Inhale to return to position. This exercise helps in your upper back and shoulder mobility
- Clams – Lie on your side with knees bent and head supported. Inhale and open the top knee, keeping the feet together. Exhale to close. This exercise helps to strengthens the gluteal and hip rotators.
Emma Lawson, Physiotherapist
If you wish to consult a Physiotherapist or make a booking, you can email us at bookings@focusmovement.sg or call/WA us at 9850 8156.