What do scoliosis and pregnancy have in common? It is a need for physiotherapy to treat postural problems. The period after childbirth is usually a time for new moms to take back their bodies. But it can also be a time of pain, discomfort, and not feeling like yourself. During pregnancy, your body goes through significant changes. It stems from the growth of the uterus, directly affecting joints, ligaments, and posture. Hormones cause laxity in the pelvis to allow space for the fetus, putting more pressure on the lower back. Core strength will be compromised as the muscles stretch, glutes weaken, hip flexors tighten, and pelvic stability is challenged. Therefore, women experience lower back pain during and after pregnancy and bad posture and alignment.
On top of the effects of childbirth, women must cope with hunching over to breastfeed and carry babies on their shoulders. This all leads to ‘postpartum posture’ wherein women develop slumped shoulders, an overly forward head, and neck, saggy bottoms, and tucked under tailbones. This type of posture not only ruins your appearance but also leaves you with neck pain, back pain, headaches, pelvic instability, and fatigue. A physiotherapist can help the postpartum body recover from postural issues. Like what happens in scoliosis correction, a therapist will create a personalized treatment plan with specifically designed exercises to restore weak muscles and improve posture.
Postpartum physical therapy is one of the most effective methods in treating the effects of the physiological challenges’ women face after having a baby. It can help you reduce and eliminate overtime the embarrassing symptoms of weak muscles. One example is urinary incontinence. You will be taught specific exercises, such as the Kegel exercise, to strengthen pelvic floor muscles before and after childbirth. Gentle and targeted core exercises are also used to improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Retraining your postpartum muscles takes you a closer step to feeling like yourself again. When to start these exercises should be discussed with your primary health care provider. Physical therapists can usually see patients as early as 2-3 weeks after delivery.
Apart from pelvic muscle contractions, low-intensity abdominal exercises and balance exercises are also essential to improve posture. Whereas functional rehabilitation is a restoration program for injured athletes, postnatal rehabilitation helps women recover following pregnancy and delivery. It allows mothers to return to enjoying a happy, healthy lifestyle. During your rehabilitation, you will become more aware of your posture and regain the correct alignment. You will also learn how to manage your body to give it the care it needs, preventing secondary complaints. While it’s understandable to want to get your pre-baby figure back, it is important to take it steady. Work with the right professionals to get guidance for your daily postpartum activities.
The dedicated team of NorAlign Functional Rehabilitation Center can help you safely achieve a full recovery of your body. We offer specialized services such as pain management, Schroth’s method, sports medicine, scoliosis treatment for adults, and more! We use evidence-based approaches to manage your condition with the right action plan. Contact +971 4 340 0017 to book an appointment today.