Aches & Pains
During pregnancy and early parenthood, your body undergoes enormous changes as it does the incredible job of growing, birthing & then caring for your baby. These not only include significant emotional changes – but also physical changes – to almost every body system, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive and skin changes. Then, there are shifts in body weight as well as massive hormonal and postural changes. And let’s not forget to mention the impact of childbirth!
With all these body changes, it's no wonder aches and pains during this time are common. These can include pelvic & back pain, varicose veins, leg cramps, round ligament pain, swollen ankles, wrist and thumb pain and difficulty sleeping. It’s an awful lot.
Now, keep in mind, if your pain is severe or persistent, you should see your doctor. Mild aches and pains, however, are normal during pregnancy and during early parenthood. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. When left untreated, they can feel very uncomfortable, affecting everything from work to exercise – and importantly – your ability to enjoy this special time of life. And pregnancy needn’t be so uncomfortable.
We’re here to support you.
Please know that you're not alone – and the good news is that our experienced team are here to support you. (Plus, most people with these concerns can be helped.) Our postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapists fully understand how pregnancy and early parenthood aches and pains can affect your life in the craziest of ways. So at Pelvic Health Matters, you’ll find the expert care and genuine support you need to feel confident and truly enjoy your pregnancy and early parenthood.
Pregnancy & early parenthood aches and pains can include back pain, varicose veins, leg cramps, round ligament pain, swollen ankles, wrist and thumb pain and difficulty sleeping. It’s an awful lot. But fortunately, our expert team can support you.
Common types of pregnancy & early parenthood aches & pains
Everyone’s experience is different, but if you suffer from these aches and pains, you’re probably familiar with some of the following:
- Low back pain
- Pelvic Girdle pain
- Neck or upper back pain
- Varicose veins, in the legs or vulva
- Difficulty sleeping
- Leg cramps
- Swollen ankles
- Thumb or wrist pain
- Worry about sex or decreased libido
Our Proven Pathway for Treating Pregnancy & Early Parenthood Aches & Pains
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
We begin by taking the time to learn all about you – as a whole person, not just a patient. So, your postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your pregnancy or early parenthood aches and pains. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence you.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This may include a lumbar spine, pelvic and hip joint and muscle assessment, or possibly, a neck, abdominal muscle or thumb and wrist assessment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your aches and pains, we can explore how it all fits together. This may include understanding how the long-standing position you hold at work is impacting your varicose veins and swollen ankles or how your breastfeeding posture is impacting your neck pain.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals, such as:
- Manage this ache myself, knowing it's not serious
- Enjoy my pregnancy without being bothered by leg cramps
- Feel refreshed after a good night's sleep
- Be able to rock my baby without thumb pain
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
This step is where we get down to business and give you the support you need. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your specific concerns. You’ll learn what works, what may not be working and what you can do to improve things.
Next, you’ll have a personalised program based on your needs. This might include strategies to reduce pain, such as soothing hands-on treatment and massage, activity modification, specific exercises, and advice on posture and the most appropriate general exercises for you. We might also fit you with a support brace or tapping – whatever’s best for you.
To top it all off, you’ll also be given excellent resources and tools to help you with your progress.
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
Step 3 is about ensuring you achieve all the meaningful goals you set at the beginning of your journey, so you can enjoy this special time feeling fit, healthy and happy. You’ll be equipped with the skills to address your aches and pain and can remain as active and healthy as possible in your pregnancy and beyond, without having to return for appointments.
Of course, life can throw the odd curveball, so occasionally, you might need to return for a reset. As with everything, as your baby grows, new challenges might arise – but whatever the case – we’ll always be here to help you.
Read about Lucy 32 yrs, Mia 32 yrs
More info on aches & pains
Other Related Conditions
Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au