Physical Therapy While Pregnant

FAQ: Is It Okay To Do Physical Therapy While Pregnant?

Here at Borja Physical Therapy, our world revolves around our patientsโ€™ needs! Our experienced and highly trained team is here to make recovery a reachable goal! We specialize in keeping you active. We empower your decision to self-heal the natural way, without relying on pain pills, injections or surgery. So, is it okay to do physical therapy while pregnant?

Doing Physical Therapy While Pregnant

The answer is yes! It is absolutely okay to do physical therapy while pregnant. It’s even safe to do physical therapy all the way up to a few weeks prior to your due date! Upon scheduling your initial evaluation, please inform the staff about your pregnancy. This allows them to be aware and better able to assist you in any way possible.

Physical Therapy While Pregnant

During your initial evaluation, please inform the therapist about your pregnancy as well. This information will help them customize your treatment for what is best for you and your child. It will help set certain goals throughout your Plan Of Care that may be applicable due to pregnancy as well.

After your initial evaluation, the physical therapist will create a home exercise program for you. These exercises are designed to safely strengthen your muscles. All without the risk of making your injury worse. They also are completely safe for expecting mothers. As you advance throughout your Plan Of Care, the therapist will add to your home exercise program.

What Is A Home Exercise Program?

The primary goal of the home exercise program is to aid your recovery by strengthening specific muscles in a specific order. These exercises should be done on days when you have physical therapy appointments. More importantly, you should do them on the days that you do not have therapy. These exercises play a large role in the progression of recovery from back pain.

Doing your exercises on the days that you donโ€™t have therapy will help you recover quicker. Far beyond just physical therapy alone. They act as a one-two punch in your recovery, so to speak. In fact, you should do your home exercise program even after youโ€™re done with physical therapy. Itโ€™s important to prioritize these exercises at least 3 times a week. This will prevent your injury or condition from coming back as a result.

The therapist will also provide advice for after you give birth. They will show you common mistakes that can lead to injury. There may even be products they suggest investing in that will be beneficial to your recovery. For instance, a Moby Wrap or a carrier with straps. You will be able to carry your child in a safe way without causing pain. 

Click here to learn how to prevent back pain while pregnant.

About The Author

Jaime Curl

I've explored many different fields within physical therapy, including acute care and oncology at Troy Beaumont Hospital, elementary through high school levels in the Troy School District, and outpatient physical therapy. As the office manager and marketer, I am able to combine my love for health and exercise science with my people skills, all with a dash of marketing and personal training. My hobbies include spending time with friends and family, baking, crafting, and watching my favorite movies or tv shows.

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