Prenatal and Postpartum Physical Therapy with Motus PT…

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! It is so important for all moms to get physical movement during the postnatal period. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the exercises that are safe for you may vary depending on your specific birth story and any physical issues you may be experiencing postnatally. A physical therapist trained in post-natal care can provide advice and exercises that are tailored to your current strength levels and impairments evaluated in your new mom body. The assessment should screen the entire body, with a special focus on the core, hips, and pelvic floor regions. A good post-natal PT will support you in returning to all physical activity safely in the weeks to months after giving birth. From walking, swimming, and running to yoga, Pilates, and weight training, it is important to find the activity that is right for you and fits into your current level of abilities. With guidance from your PT and by taking precautions such as listening to your body, you can safely start exercising! As always, if you have significant concerns or you are not sure if you have any limitations to returning to certain activities, it is safest to consult your doctor about what limitations there may be and what is the best course of treatment for you.

Exercise during pregnancy is one of the key factors believed to contribute to a healthy and safe pregnancy. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as the exercises that are safe for you could vary depending on your specific medical diagnoses and pregnancy conditions that may make it unsafe to exercise. If you are healthy and your pregnancy is considered normal, it is typically considered beneficial for both you and baby to be. Movement improves circulation, muscle strength, sleep, and energy levels along with reducing pain and easing constipation for pregnant women. With proper guidance about physical activity during pregnancy by a physical therapist trained in pre-natal care, you can have both a safe and rewarding experience! As always, if you have significant concerns or are not sure if you have any limitations, it is important to check with a doctor to ensure which activities are safe for your pregnancy before beginning any exercise program.

A diastasis recti, or ab separation, is a condition in which the connective tissues between the two parallel bands of abdominal muscles are lengthened, resulting in a gap between the two parts of the rectus abdominis. A separation of 2 cm or less is considered within normal range. It is reported that by 35 weeks of pregnancy, 100% of women will incur some grade of diastasis recti. Therefore, it is not bad that you may have one. The concern comes when the tissue in that area cannot sustain control with exercise or activity. Some of the physical impairments it causes may lead to decreased stability and even physical pain in some cases; however, this will depend on the severity of your particular ab separation and the density of the fascia. In some individuals physical therapy and movement-based approaches can help lessen the symptoms of diastasis recti, while in other cases surgery may be appropriate. As always, if you have significant concerns or your diastasis recti is preventing you from doing the activities you want to do, it is safest to consult your doctor and/or physical therapist about the best course of treatment.