Prenatal in La Crosse

Prenatal Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Support in La Crosse

Pregnancy is an exciting and rewarding time in a woman’s life. However, the physical changes your body undergoes can also lead to pain, discomfort, and dysfunction. At O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness, our highly trained physical therapists provide personalized prenatal care to help women prevent or treat issues related to posture, core strength, pelvic floor health, and more during pregnancy and postpartum.

A Natural, Holistic Approach to Prenatal Body Support

Pregnancy places extra weight, pressure, and strain on your muscles and joints — especially in the pelvic region. The hormonal and musculoskeletal changes can throw your alignment out of balance and cause aches, limited mobility, incontinence, and other pelvic floor disorders.

Rather than mask your symptoms with medication, our O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness physical therapists take a gentle, holistic approach. We use hands-on manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and self-care education tailored to your unique needs and stage of pregnancy. This helps relieve discomfort while also strengthening the deep core and pelvic floor to support the demands of carrying and delivering your baby.

You’ll feel empowered with the knowledge and tools to care for your changing body with compassion. Our end goal is helping you continue pursuing your daily activities with joy and ease.

Key Benefits of Working with Our Prenatal Physical Therapy Team

What can you expect when you choose O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness for specialized prenatal physical therapy in the La Crosse area?

• Muscle Realignment & Joint Mobilization – The extra weight and changing body mechanics during pregnancy can throw your pelvis, spine, hips, and other areas out of optimal alignment. We gently work to realign your joints and relax tense muscles. This immediately decreases pain while enhancing mobility.
• Neuromuscular Re-education for Pelvic Floor – One of the most important and overlooked areas impacted during pregnancy is your pelvic floor — the group of muscles providing support to your core. We incorporate neuromuscular exercises to enhance coordination, strength, and control. This prevents issues like incontinence while also facilitating labor and delivery.
• Core & Postural Strengthening – Carrying your baby impacts posture, balance, and core stability. We design a customized strengthening program for the deep and superficial abdominal muscles, as well as key postural areas like the shoulders, neck, back, and glutes. This prevents inefficient movement patterns that lead to pain and dysfunction down the road.
• Diastasis Recti Correction – Diastasis recti occurs when the large parallel abdominal muscles separate to accommodate your expanding uterus. We show specific corrective exercises to bring those muscles back together postpartum. This restores muscle function and appropriate intra-abdominal force transfer.
• Body Mechanics & Ergonomic Training – Proper body alignment and movement principles are essential knowledge for expectant mothers. We teach optimal ways to sit, stand up, pick up items, get in and out of bed, lift your baby, and perform daily tasks. This empowers self-care while preventing future strains.
• Take-Home Wellness Tools – We provide options like supportive braces or belts, topical analgesics, and hydrotherapy techniques. Our pelvic floor workbook also gives tailored stretches, strength training, and self-treatment programs for home wellness between appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal Physical Therapy

If you’re interested in our pregnancy-specialized rehabilitation services, you likely have some questions. Here are answers to a few of our most common inquiries:

What Happens During a Prenatal Physical Therapy Session? – The first visit starts with a thorough evaluation as we tune into your musculoskeletal and biomechanical landscape. Then we design a customized treatment plan based on your changing needs and symptoms during each trimester. Hands-on manual therapy helps relax tissues and restore optimal alignment while we coach stabilizing exercises. We also spend time educating and equipping you with wellness tools for self-care.

Follow-up appointments blend manual, corrective, and neuromuscular techniques to progressively meet your goals. We tackle current challenges while preventing future issues — all in a supportive environment. Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities!

What If I Feel Uncomfortable During Certain Exercises? – Our physical therapists speak up right away if we notice you struggling through movements that don’t feel right. We offer modifications or alternatives that respect your changing physical abilities while still allowing progressive strengthening as possible. Just voice any discomfort you experience, and we adjust accordingly!

Prenatal wellness is all about support and knowing your limits. You should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Trust we’ll provide a therapeutic program that fits your unique needs.

Meet Our Passionate Prenatal Physical Therapy Team

O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness has carefully curated a team of expert physical therapists who specialize in the complex physical changes occurring prenatal through postpartum. Our staff stays sharp through advanced coursework and professional development so you access leading-edge, evidence-based care.

Dr. Patrick licensed physical therapist

With over 10 years of experience, they focuses on pelvic health and core rehabilitation for expecting and postpartum women. They also treats pediatric concerns like torticollis, plagiocephaly, and developmental delays.

Dr. Patrick licensed physical therapist

Our resident diastasis recti expert, they incorporates the latest corrective strategies into multifaceted prenatal recovery programs. They also teaches fitness courses for new moms.

Dr. Patrick licensed physical therapist

Certified as a Women’s Health Clinical Specialist, they provides compassionate manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for common pregnancy-related musculoskeletal issues. They also specializes in C-section aftercare and scar tissue mobilization.
Take the First Step Toward Prenatal Wellness

If you’re struggling with pelvic, low back, hip, abdominal, or other pain during pregnancy, O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness’s prenatal physical therapy can help. Reach out and schedule a consultation today to discuss your questions and challenges. We look forward to supporting you on the journey toward motherhood!

About The Author

Conquering {Specific_Condition} with personalized care is Dr. Jill O’Brien’s passion. This licensed Physical Therapist specializes in pelvic health, drawing upon {Experience} years of experience to help individuals overcome {Specific_Condition} and its challenges. At O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness in La Crosse, Dr. Jill O’Brien employs a patient-centered approach, wielding cutting-edge techniques and bespoke care plans to empower individuals to reclaim their physical well-being.