What is pregnancy physical therapy?
“While the process of labor and birth is often portrayed as passive (a woman lying on a bed), it is really quite a dynamic, active event. Just like any other physical event, the more someone has trained for it, the better she will perform.”
From the book: Pregnancy Fitness by Julia Di Paolo
Common pregancy-related conditions
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
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This condition causes pain and discomfort in the pelvic region due to the loosening of ligaments around the public bone, and shifts in the center of gravity as pregnant bodies grow and change.
Coccydynia
Pain in the tailbone area, often exacerbated by sitting or moving from sitting to standing.
Abdominal and/or Round Ligament Pain
Sharp pains in the lower abdomen or groin area, typically caused by the stretching of ligaments supporting the uterus.
Sciatica
Sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down one or both legs due to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Bladder Leakage
Involuntary leakage of urine caused by pressure on the bladder or weakened pelvic floor muscles.
SI Joint Dysfunction
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Pain in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis, can cause discomfort in the lower back and buttocks.
Pain in hips, low back, ribs, neck, and shoulders
General discomfort and pain in these areas are common as the body adjusts to accommodate the growing baby.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain resulting from increased weight and pressure on the feet.
Constipation
Difficulty in bowel movements often due to hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines.
Prepare for Labor + Delivery
At Well Women Physical Therapy, we use techniques from Spinning Babies and The Miles Circuit, combined with skilled manual therapy and therapeutic exercises, to help your body prepare for labor. Our goal is to improve the symmetry and stability of your pelvis, hips, and trunk, creating an optimal environment for your baby to move into the best birthing position—ideally head down and left occiput anterior (LOA).
Movement and Positioning Principles
Practice labor positions and comfort positions that support pelvic biomechanics during labor, as well as the seven cardinal movements of birth.
Breech Baby Support
Learn key movement patterns, stretches, positions, and exercises to help your baby turn head down or to support a successful External Cephalic Version (ECV).
Pelvic Floor Preparation​
Understanding the 5 S's of pelvic floor muscle function​, learn pelvic floor breathing techniques for pregnancy, labor, and birth ("push practice"), and engage in perineal massage to stretch and prepare the tissues, aiming to reduce the risk of perineal trauma.
Cheryl
"Seeing Dr. Jasia postpartum was the absolute best thing I could have done for myself. I loved going in to see her. She is friendly and personable. I felt immediately comfortable in her care. Her knowledge and expertise were able to work miracles on my body. Everything was customized to my body and my goals."
Postpartum Rehabilitation
Regain your strength and comfort with treatments for common postpartum issues at Well Women Physical Therapy. Our comprehensive approach ensures you’re supported in every aspect of your postpartum journey.
Perineal Trauma Recovery​
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Heal and manage scars from perineal tears.
Pelvic Symmetry​
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"Close" an open birth pattern in your pelvis for better function.
C-section Recovery​
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Manage scar tissue and recovery.​
Self Care + Ergonomic Training for Pain-Free Infant Care
Posture Retraining
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Get back to feeling like yourself with posture tips to help your body transition from pregnancy.
Lifting and Carrying Techniques​
Discover safe ways to lift and carry your baby to avoid injury.
Feeding Positions​
Learn comfortable feeding positions to ease neck and shoulder pain.
Movement Assessment​
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Prepare for your return to work and exercise with personalized movement guidance.