Pregnancy, labour and caring for a new-born are all physically demanding processes. Throughout this period the body is constantly having to adapt to the changing demands placed on it, and this can lead to a number of painful musculoskeletal symptoms both pre and postnatally such as:

• Low and mid back pain 
• Sciatica
• Pelvic / Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) / tailbone pain 
• Pubic symphysis or round ligament pain 
• Leg and foot pain
• Neck pain 
• Wrist and thumb pain (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis/Carpal Tunnel)
• Diastasis Recti
• Post surgical rehabilitation (c section, episiotomy etc.) 
• Pelvic floor weakness / urinary incontinence 

Physiotherapy is both safe and effective to start at any time during your parental journey. Your therapist will focus on preventing and treating symptoms, as well as providing options for you to self-manage your condition safely.   Your therapist might utilise a variety of techniques to encourage healing and restore quality of life, these can include: 

• Manual therapy techniques to improve joint movement 
• Soft tissue work such massage or trigger point release  
• Dry needling for pain relief and tissue healing 
• Adjunct technologies to enhance natural healing or provide pain relief such as ultrasound
• Heat therapies to reduce muscle tension and pain 
• Progressive strengthening programs to address movement dysfunction 
• Taping techniques to encourage muscle activity and joint support 
• Clinical pilates 

• Back and neck care advice regarding positioning, lifting and carrying techniques
• Prenatal / postnatal  exercise programme and advice

Complications arising from pregnancy, childbirth and childcare often go unnoticed or ignored due to the hectic nature of becoming a new parent – but you don’t have to live with pain.  Our team can help to guide you through each stage of the journey and get back to the activities you love.