One of the most common side effects of pregnancy is back pain. Gaining the weight that naturally comes with carrying a baby can lead to excess strain on the lower back and spine, and factors such as hormonal changes, a decline in posture, and excess stress can exacerbate this discomfort. Many women want to avoid things such as pain medication when they’re pregnant, but how can they safely and effectively manage back pain? Here are a few ways physical therapy — a natural remedy — can help. 

How Does Physical Therapy Help? 

Physical therapy involves hands-on treatments, education, and exercises that restore mobility and strength to reduce back pain. Treatments often loosen muscles and joints so they’re not too rigid or tense. A physical therapist will ensure treatments are safe for both pregnant women and the babies they carry.

Generally, a treatment plan will include “neuromuscular reeducation” —  a medical term that basically means exercise. The goal of these exercises is to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, and posture. Together, these improvements can eliminate the root cause of back pain, improving discomfort.

What Treatments Might a Physical Therapist Employ?

A physical therapist might use resistance bands to help improve flexibility, or have you sit on a stability ball and practice leg extensions to improve balance. Other low-intensity exercises that can even be practiced at home include walking, stationary cycling, light weight training, and water aerobics. The most important thing is for the woman to listen to her body and to stop an exercise if something feels wrong or uncomfortable. 

The only thing a physical therapist may avoid when treating pregnant women is modalities such as ultrasound or electric stimulation. There isn’t enough research into how these practices may affect a fetus, so they shouldn’t be applied.

What Are the Other Benefits of Physical Therapy Exercises?

Exercise is healthy for pregnant women. Not only does it support the body and help prevent pain, but it’s also beneficial for mental health. Exercising releases helpful neurochemicals such as dopamine and endorphins that can relieve pain and engender a greater sense of well-being. Additionally, the exercises and posture corrections learned during physical therapy can continue improving comfort and quality of life even after the baby is born.

Physical Therapy Specialists is the premier physical therapy facility in Dothan, AL. With more than 10 years of expertise, their team is trained and ready to help patients address and correct their areas of pain. Whether you need to recover from an injury or want to safely and effectively manage back pain during pregnancy, they’ll create a plan that will strengthen your body and help prevent issues in the future. Call today at (334) 673-2422 to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable member of their team.