At Becky Aston Physiotherapy practice, we offer effective assessment and treatment of all musculo-skeletal dysfunctions during and after pregnancy.
Pregnancy can cause considerable strain on the body and all women will experience changes which will affect them in different ways. Changes in the systems outlined below can lead to pain or dysfunction in at least 50% or 1 in 2 pregnant women. Simple and effective treatments are available to alleviate these conditions:
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Changes to posture
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Changes to muscle function, particularly abdominal and pelvic floor muscles
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Changes in bladder and bowel systems
Conditions Explained
Pelvic girdle pain
Pelvic girdle pain or PGP affects a surprisingly large number of pregnant and post natal women. It is commonly known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), however SPD suggests that pain and dysfunction is only at the front of the pelvis and often pain is also experienced at the back of the pelvis. PGP is now widely accepted internationally as the correct term for this condition.
Pregnant women can develop PGP at any stage during pregnancy or after delivery in the post natal period. There are a wide range of symptoms and severity. Whatever your symptoms and severity, in most cases PGP is a treatable condition and can be treated safely in pregnancy.
Treatment options include:
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Manual therapy
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Soft tissue release
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Stability exercises
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Pelvic support belt
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Advice on activities of daily living
It is important to seek treatment early, but never too late to help.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is now known as Pelvic girdle dysfunction. Please see the information above regarding PGP. A useful website is http://pogp.csp.org.uk/publications/pregnancy-related-pelvic-girdle-pain-mothers-be-new-mothers
Shoulder and wrist pain
Shoulder and wrist pain occurs during and after pregnancy due to a alteration in the upper spinal posture, increases in circulation body fluids and upwards movement of the rib cage to allow room for your growing baby.
A thorough assessment will allow your Physiotherapist to identify the contributing causes and plan your treatment. Treatment may involve manual therapy to the spine and ribs, exercise, massage, hot/cold therapy or use of wrist splints.
Bladder and Bowel control problems in pregnancy
Not surprisingly your bladder and bowel don't work as well during pregnancy due to the physiological changes of pregnancy taking effect and the weight of your growing baby challenging your pelvic floor muscles to work harder.
Evidence shows that women who do pelvic floor exercises regularly during pregnancy are less likely to have bladder and bowel problems after delivery. However it is often very difficult to know whether you are doing the right thing with your pelvic floor.
Becky Aston can discuss any problems you are having and make sure you are following the right steps to treat any current problems or prevent development of them in the future.
Pelvic Floor Pain after delivery
The pelvic floor muscles work hard during delivery and some women will feel discomfort or pain in this area after delivery. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and encourage healing in the post natal period and beyond.