Women undergo many musculoskeletal, physiological, and emotional changes during and after pregnancy. These changes can sometimes lead to problems such as low back pain, pelvic pain, joint discomfort, and incontinence. Safe exercise performed during pregnancy can help decrease stress on joints, ligaments and muscles, alleviating some of the discomfort associated with pregnancy. Prenatal exercise can also enhance body awareness, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. After giving birth, mothers can regain fitness and make exercise a joyful experience with their newborns through postpartum exercise.
The prenatal/postpartum exercise program at Rusk Institute consists of a comprehensive evaluation, followed by treatment designed to meet the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women. Individualized treatment programs may include:
Postural awareness and body mechanics - Focuses on activities related to child care and daily living.
Flexibility and strength training - Offers a program customized to meet the specific musculoskeletal needs of each woman.
Aerobic exercise - Promotes overall health through a program customized in accordance with guidelines established by the patient's physician.
Bladder incontinence management - Helps control and prevent the accidental loss of urine.
Treatment of maternity-related
orthopedic dysfunction - Focuses on the
patient's particular discomfort, which may include back, pelvic/sacroiliac,
foot, or neck pain.
