Back Pain in the Childbearing Year

Physical therapy treatment can offer relief of back pain during and after pregnancy.

Program Development

At Atlas, we have continued to research and develop a treatment program specifically for back pain in the childbearing year, and continue to provide treatments though our physical therapy clinical practice. It is now a pleasure to work along with physicians in offering a treatment option for women with pain. Still, not all doctors are aware of the benefits of physical therapy, and many times it is up to the patient to ask their doctor for a referral to a physical therapist.

Physical Therapy Evaluation

Our first visit in physical therapy begins with a thorough evaluation. This is important in order to determine the physical cause of pain, and to design the best treatment plan for each patient. We begin by listening to the patient and taking a detailed description of the pain and system behavior. Specific symptoms suggest possible causes of pain and lead the direction of the exam. We also screen for any concerns that would necessitate the referral, and we consider previous medical history. Next, we perform an objective exam to look at specific range of motion, postural changes or asymmetries, flexibility, and biomechanics of joint motion. From this we design a treatment plan.

Physical Therapy Treatment

The sooner the treatment is instituted the better. Treatment may include soft tissue massage and mobilization, instruction and advice on posture and back care, rest and relaxation, and therapeutic exercises. Specific exercises are prescribed based on the findings from position tests in the objective examination. Manual therapy techniques (including mobilization and massage) are helpful in addressing restrictions in movement and alleviating pain. With correct biomechanical assessment and diagnosis of the problem, pain can be treated with good outcomes.

Low back pain is a common problem during pregnancy and "the childbearing year". With a good evaluation and treatment plan, physical therapy has proven to be a very helpful treatment option for many women. Our goal is to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent future occurrences through treatment and patient education.