Pregnancy Physiotherapy | Keilor Road Physiotherapy
Specialist Pregnancy Physiotherapy Essendon, Niddrie and North West Melbourne.
Pregnancy can bring many changes to the body, and at Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we offer expert pregnancy physiotherapy to help you navigate these physical changes. Whether you're experiencing back pain, pelvic pain, abdominal separation (DRAM), or musculoskeletal discomfort, our team of specialists is here to provide non-invasive, effective treatments tailored to your needs.
Under the guidance of Specialist Physiotherapist Jenny Hynes (FACP), who is a leading clinician in the field of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain, we have developed strategies that aim to keep you functioning as normally as possible for as long as possible.
We proudly serve the Melbourne suburbs of Essendon, Niddrie, Keilor, Keilor East, Tullamarine, Aberfeldie, and Airport West, providing personalised care and physiotherapy for expectant mothers in these local communities. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy we can offer you the most comprehensive, holistic care throughout your journey by combining women’s health with specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy care, as well as pregnancy Pilates and exercise classes.
Rather than solely concentrating on what you can’t do, our focus is to empower you to be as strong and mobile as possible so that you can look after your body as well as your baby.
Pregnancy Physiotherapy can get you feeling your best throughout your journey.
What is Pregnancy Physiotherapy?
Pregnancy physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on addressing the unique physical changes and challenges experienced during pregnancy. As your body undergoes significant transformations, pregnancy physiotherapy aims to support your well-being and alleviate the discomfort that can arise due to these changes.
Key Goals of Pregnancy Physiotherapy:
Pain Management: Pregnancy can cause musculoskeletal discomfort, including back pain, pelvic pain, sciatica, and joint stiffness. Pregnancy physiotherapists use a range of techniques to manage and relieve pain safely.
Maintaining Mobility: As your body changes, it can lead to a loss of flexibility or mobility in certain areas. Physiotherapists help maintain and improve mobility through targeted exercises.
Preparing for Labour: Physiotherapists work with expectant mothers to strengthen key muscle groups that play a role in labour and delivery, helping to improve your ability to cope during childbirth.
Pelvic Floor Health: Strengthening the pelvic floor before and after childbirth can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and other pelvic issues. Pregnancy physiotherapists use techniques like RTUS (Real-Time Ultrasound) to monitor and retrain pelvic floor muscles.
Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, physiotherapy can help restore core strength and improve posture, ensuring a safe and effective recovery.
Why Is Pregnancy Physiotherapy Important?
Pregnancy brings about changes in your posture, hormone levels, and physical structure that can lead to discomfort or pain. Physiotherapy provides a non-invasive, safe approach to managing these changes and supporting your physical health, not just during pregnancy, but also for long-term wellness post-delivery.
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, our team of specialist physiotherapists offers tailored treatments for pregnant women, using a variety of hands-on techniques, exercise-based programs, and Pregnancy Pilates to ensure your comfort and mobility throughout this transformative period.
Benefits of Pregnancy Physiotherapy
Pregnancy puts unique demands on the body, often leading to musculoskeletal pain, joint discomfort, and pelvic floor issues. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we provide treatments specifically designed to manage and alleviate these discomforts, helping you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.
Relieve Back and Pelvic Pain: Pregnancy-related back pain and pelvic discomfort are common, especially as the body adjusts to carrying a growing baby.
Improve Posture and Stability: Our specialists help you maintain proper posture, reducing strain on your back, pelvis, and legs.
Prepare for Labour and Delivery: Physiotherapy can help prepare your body for the demands of childbirth, making the process smoother and more manageable.
Postpartum Recovery: We also offer tailored recovery programs to restore strength and function after childbirth.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation with RTUS
What is RTUS?
RTUS (Real-Time Ultrasound) is an advanced, non-invasive technique used to retrain and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we use RTUS technology to provide a clear, real-time image of your pelvic floor muscles during exercises, ensuring proper activation and strengthening.
Benefits of RTUS for Pregnant Women:
Accurate Assessment: RTUS allows us to assess the strength and function of your pelvic floor muscles, enabling us to develop a targeted rehabilitation plan.
Enhanced Recovery: Strengthening the pelvic floor before and after childbirth can reduce the risk of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic issues.
Personalised Treatment: With RTUS, we can tailor exercises to your specific needs, ensuring safe and effective training.
Non-invasive pelvic floor retraining Melbourne.
Common Musculoskeletal Problems During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about many changes that can lead to various musculoskeletal problems. These may include:
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Often incorrectly referred to as pelvic instability, this condition causes pain in the pelvic region, typically around the sacroiliac joints or the pubic bone. It can make everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed painful. This is a common issue during pregnancy and can be managed with physiotherapy to stabilise the pelvis and reduce discomfort. Read more in our blog for further insights and management tips.
Lower Back Pain: As your body adjusts to the growing baby, the additional weight can strain the lower back, leading to pain and discomfort. Changes in posture, combined with loosened ligaments, make lower back pain one of the most frequent complaints during pregnancy.
Coccyx Pain: Also known as tailbone pain, this condition can occur as the growing uterus puts pressure on the coccyx. It can be aggravated when sitting for long periods or during certain movements.
Neck Pain and Associated Headaches: As pregnancy progresses, changes in posture and muscle tension can lead to neck pain, often accompanied by tension headaches. These headaches are typically linked to poor posture and can be relieved with targeted physiotherapy and posture correction exercises.
Thoracic and Rib Pain: Postural issues associated with pregnancy can contribute to pain in the thoracic spine (mid-back) and ribs. This can be exacerbated by breastfeeding positions, lifting techniques, and ways to settle a newborn. Physiotherapists can help correct these issues by teaching proper body mechanics and exercises to reduce strain on the spine.
Abdominal Separation (DRAM): Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRAM) is the separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy, which can lead to a bulging or "pooch" in the midline of the abdomen. This is a common occurrence as the uterus expands, and the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles stretches. Physiotherapy can help manage this condition through specific exercises designed to strengthen the core and encourage proper muscle re-approximation, particularly after delivery.
Modification of Exercise Programs: Maintaining fitness and strength during pregnancy is important, but it must be done safely. Physiotherapists can modify your exercise program to ensure that it supports your changing body and prepares you for labour. This includes safe Pregnancy Pilates and pregnancy-specific exercises designed to strengthen the core, improve pelvic stability, and maintain overall fitness without overloading the body.
Hand and Wrist Conditions: Pregnancy often leads to hand and wrist issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and general wrist pain. These conditions are usually caused by fluid retention, changes in body posture, and repetitive movements. Physiotherapy can help manage these conditions through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises.
Pregnancy Physiotherapy Services We Offer
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we provide a variety of services designed to support expectant mothers throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period:
Pelvic Floor Retraining (RTUS): Non-invasive pelvic floor rehabilitation using real-time ultrasound (RTUS) technology for optimal results.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatment for musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica.
Pregnancy-Specific Exercises: Strengthening exercises tailored to your stage of pregnancy.
Postural Correction: Guidance on maintaining proper posture to reduce strain and discomfort.
Postpartum Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs designed to help you recover and regain strength after childbirth, especially after abdominal separation or DRAM.
Pregnancy Pilates: A specialised Pilates program designed to help you stay strong, improve flexibility, and manage musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy. Our expert physiotherapists lead these sessions, focusing on core strength, pelvic stability, and postural alignment, ensuring safe exercise throughout your pregnancy.
Why Choose Keilor Road Physiotherapy?
At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, our specialist physiotherapists have in-depth musculoskeletal knowledge, including expertise in pregnancy-related musculoskeletal issues. We use a holistic approach to care, providing personalised physiotherapy treatments that are both safe and effective for both expectant mothers and postpartum women. Just select either Senior Physiotherapy or Physiotherapy when scheduling your appointment with us.
Get Started with Pregnancy Physiotherapy in Melbourne
If you're experiencing pregnancy-related pain or discomfort, Keilor Road Physiotherapy is here to help. Our pregnancy physiotherapists are dedicated to providing expert care in Essendon, Niddrie, Keilor, Keilor East, Tullamarine, Aberfeldie, and Airport West. Book an appointment today for a comprehensive assessment and find relief from musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pregnancy Physiotherapy
1. What is pregnancy physiotherapy?
Pregnancy physiotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that focuses on helping expectant mothers manage the physical changes and challenges associated with pregnancy. This includes managing pain, improving posture, maintaining mobility, and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to support a smoother pregnancy and recovery postpartum.
2. What are the common musculoskeletal problems treated during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can lead to a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including:
Back pain: Especially lower back pain due to changes in posture and weight distribution.
Pelvic pain: Conditions like pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
Sciatica: Nerve pain caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Abdominal separation (DRAM): A condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, often causing a bulging in the midline of the abdomen.
Knee and hip pain: Due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the joints.
Pregnancy physiotherapists use safe, non-invasive techniques to manage and alleviate these symptoms.
3. How can pregnancy physiotherapy help with pelvic floor health?
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy is essential for reducing the risk of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic issues. At Keilor Road Physiotherapy, we use RTUS (Real-Time Ultrasound) to assess and retrain the pelvic floor muscles, ensuring proper activation and strength. This helps prepare your body for labour and can speed up recovery postpartum.
4. What is RTUS, and how does it benefit pregnant women?
RTUS (Real-Time Ultrasound) is an advanced, non-invasive technique used to assess and retrain the pelvic floor muscles. By using ultrasound imaging, we can provide a real-time view of the pelvic floor’s function during exercises. This allows us to tailor exercises more effectively, ensuring safe strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, which is crucial for maintaining pelvic health during and after pregnancy.
5. Is pregnancy Pilates safe?
Yes! Pregnancy Pilates is a safe and effective way to maintain strength, flexibility, and stability throughout pregnancy. The exercises are designed to focus on strengthening the core, improving posture, and stabilising the pelvic floor, all while ensuring the exercises are tailored to your individual needs and stage of pregnancy. Keilor Road Physiotherapy offers specialised Pregnancy Pilates classes led by experienced physiotherapists.
6. When should I start seeing a pregnancy physiotherapist?
It’s never too early to see a pregnancy physiotherapist. Many women start seeing a physiotherapist during the first trimester to prevent pain and complications later on. Whether you're experiencing pain, discomfort, or simply want to optimise your health during pregnancy, physiotherapy can be helpful at any stage.
7. Can pregnancy physiotherapy help with recovery after childbirth?
Yes, pregnancy physiotherapy is beneficial for recovery after childbirth. After giving birth, your body will need time to heal and regain strength. Keilor Road Physiotherapy offers postpartum rehabilitation, including pelvic floor exercises, core strengthening, and postural correction to support recovery and help you regain your physical health post-birth.
8. How can pregnancy physiotherapy help with preparing for labour?
Pregnancy physiotherapy can help prepare your body for the demands of labour by strengthening key muscle groups and teaching you proper breathing techniques. We focus on exercises that improve core strength, pelvic stability, and posture, all of which are important for labour. The goal is to improve your strength, stamina, and flexibility so you feel more prepared and confident during childbirth.
9. How often should I see a pregnancy physiotherapist?
The frequency of appointments depends on your individual needs and the stage of your pregnancy. Some women benefit from regular visits (e.g. weekly or fortnightly) to address specific issues, while others may only need a few sessions. Your physiotherapist will assess your needs and create a tailored plan for you.
10. Is pregnancy physiotherapy covered by private health insurance?
In most cases, pregnancy physiotherapy is covered under extras or ancillary cover by private health insurance providers. Be sure to check with your provider to see if your sessions are covered.