Prenatal Physical Therapy in Woodridge, IL

Prenatal physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that aims to provide relief and management of discomfort for individuals who are pregnant. Pregnancy comes with very unique changes to the body that can lead to significant discomfort and pain and can affect the strength and flexibility of different areas of the body. It affects every individual differently, so physical therapy will look a bit different from patient to patient as it is tailored to target the specific needs of each individual. The goal of prenatal physical therapy is to alleviate discomfort while improving the strength, flexibility, and overall well-being of pregnant individuals.

Physical therapy that is provided to those who are pregnant will typically focus on relieving common discomforts such as pelvic pain, back pain, and stiffness in the joints. Additionally, exercises and stretches can be used to improve the patient’s posture, strengthen their muscles, and improve their flexibility to provide benefits that will help with labor and delivery. There will also likely be a focus on prenatal physical therapy to help with relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises, as well as ensuring that the patient can maintain their overall health and fitness throughout the pregnancy.

Staying active and healthy throughout pregnancy is very important in ensuring healthy labor and birth, so at any point, after you have received a positive pregnancy test, you are encouraged to start incorporating exercises and stretches that are safe for pregnant individuals. However, individuals who are pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before commencing new exercises and will likely be recommended to seek out professional support for exercise programs from physical therapists who are specifically trained to work with pregnant patients. The physical changes and discomfort that arise through pregnancy are very unique and require specialized care to ensure the safety of the pregnant individual as well as the baby that is being carried. To manage the discomforts that come with pregnancy as well as to maintain overall strength and flexibility, prenatal physical therapists can provide patients with a personalized exercise program that is based on their specific needs and their medical history.

One of the best ways to ensure that any exercises or stretches that you do while pregnant are safe for both you and the baby is to receive guidance from a specially trained physical therapist. They will be able to provide you with prenatal exercises that are both safe and effective and are tailored to your specific needs throughout your pregnancy. The exercises and stretches that are included will provide you with techniques to relieve pain or discomfort that is commonly associated with pregnancy, such as relieving back or pelvic pain and swelling. They will also be able to provide you with some exercises or stretches that you can do at home throughout the pregnancy that will continue to be safe and accommodate your new body mechanics and physical restrictions.

Just as pregnancy comes with a variety of unique changes to your body, every individual will have varying needs throughout their pregnancy as well, so there is no set schedule or frequency for which patients should be going to prenatal physical therapy. The schedule and frequency of sessions will be determined by your physical therapist based on your individual needs and what schedule is likely to provide the most benefits without overdoing it. Some patients will most benefit from weekly sessions, whereas others will find that monthly sessions are enough, and will likely have more exercises or stretches that they can continue to do on their own at home. The most appropriate frequency for prenatal physical therapy sessions will be entirely dependent on your specific situation and how your body is changing due to going through pregnancy.

At Advanced Wellness Center, we offer specialized prenatal physical therapy to support mothers-to-be on their journey to motherhood. Pregnancy brings unique physical changes and challenges, and our team is here to provide personalized care tailored to meet your needs. With our expertise in prenatal physical therapy, we strive to enhance your comfort, promote optimal physical function, and prepare you for the demands of childbirth and motherhood. We are conveniently located at 6325 Main St., Ste. 120, Woodridge, IL 60517. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Woodridge IL, Darien IL, Downers Grove IL, Lisle IL, Naperville IL, and surrounding areas.