The Natural Way To Feel Great During Pregnancy

Between 50 to 70 percent of all women experience back pain, during and after pregnancy*. What they don't know is they do not have to endure the pain! Physical therapists understand how the body functions and can help alleviate pain without the use of medication. Many women experience the following conditions:

Why do I have low back pain?

•  

  • Increased hormones – hormones released during pregnancy allow ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birthing process which affects back support.

•  

  • Center of gravity – the center of gravity gradually moves forward as the uterus and baby grow, causing posture to change.

  • Additional weight –both the pregnancy and the baby create additional weight and pressure on the back.

  • Posture or position – poor posture, excessive standing, and bending over can trigger or escalate back pain.

  • Stress – stress usually finds weak spots in the body, with pelvic area changes, back pain can increase during stressful periods.

Do I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

•  

  • Tingling or numbness in fingers or hands, especially the thumb and index, middle or ring fingers. The sensation often occurs while holding a steering wheel, phone or newspaper or upon awakening. Many people "shake out" their hands to try to relieve their symptoms. As the disorder progresses, the numbness may be constant.

  • Pain radiating or extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use. This usually occurs on the palm side of our forearm.

  • A sense of weakness in the hands and a tendency to drop objects.

What is Sciatica?

While symptoms vary, sciatica may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or a burning sensation. Typically, the symptoms in your leg are only felt on one side of the body.

•  

  • Numbness can occur

  • Muscular weakness in one leg

  • Pins and needles or tingling and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg.

Often times, symptoms progress and changes throughout the pregnancy and can leave residual irritation or even dysfunction after delivery.

Austin HealthWorks Can Help

Physical therapists can provide a natural alternative for treating these and many other issues. Therapists assess and treat pain, range of motion, strength and endurance. Much of the treatment includes education and self help techniques that can provide benefits for months and even years after the onset.

To find out if Physical Therapy can help you, call 892-7900 or email info@austinheathworks.com

*According to the American Pregnancy Association.