Physical Therapy Blog

Pregnancy often comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge that many pregnant women face is sciatica, which can present with various symptoms, sometimes including lower back pain. While sciatica is not uncommon, you can usually continue your favorite activities pain-free with a little modification. This is where physical therapy comes in - your therapist can tailor a treatment plan to help relieve sciatic pain that is safe for both you and your baby. We consider it a privilege to help our pregnant clients at EW Motion Therapy continue their favorite activities throughout pregnancy while managing pain and limitations. You may decide that our program doesn’t fit your needs, but you can still read on as we provide an overview of sciatica and explain why it is common during pregnancy. We will highlight the symptoms to watch out for, discuss general treatment options, and delve into how physical therapy can be a crucial component in managing and relieving sciatic pain.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized field focusing on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs. Various tools and techniques can be employed to address a range of conditions, from pelvic pain to incontinence. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy is trained to use tools to help patients relax their pelvic floor and reduce pain. This article explores some of the tools our team uses the most in pelvic floor physical therapy, including pelvic wands, dilators, lubricants, cupping sets, SI belts, and vaginal weights. We will discuss the use and benefits of each tool, what to do if you do not wish to use tools, and how physical therapists educate patients on their proper use.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing a sudden urge to urinate that can be difficult to control. While it shares some symptoms with incontinence, OAB is a distinct condition with its own set of challenges and treatment options. In this article, we'll explore the differences between overactive bladder and incontinence, the negative effects of OAB, various treatment options available, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing this condition.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey that brings a myriad of changes to a woman's body. As these changes unfold, maintaining physical fitness becomes crucial not only for the mother's health but also for the baby's well-being. One exercise regimen that has gained significant popularity among expectant mothers is Pilates. Known for its low-impact, controlled movements, Pilates offers numerous benefits during pregnancy, and you don’t need any special equipment to start. At EW Motion Therapy, we have multiple Pilates instructors who have worked with pregnant women in every trimester, and they can tailor a Pilates regimen for your unique needs no matter where you are in your pregnancy. You may decide that our Pilates program doesn’t fit your needs, but you can still read this article as we delve into the benefits of Pilates during pregnancy, how your Pilates practice can be modified by trimester, and provide recommendations on finding the best Pilates instructor.

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, both physically and emotionally. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes paramount as your body undergoes significant changes to nurture a new life. One key component of this lifestyle is cardiovascular exercise, commonly referred to as cardio. Regular cardio during pregnancy offers many benefits, but safe exercise during pregnancy is critical. A physical therapist can be an excellent resource for learning safe exercise practices and maintaining an active lifestyle as pregnancy progresses. Our women’s health specialists at EW Motion Therapy love helping our pregnant moms do this through customized plans and education on safety considerations. Even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, it’s essential to understand the safety considerations and complementary exercises to ensure both mother and baby thrive.

Pregnancy is a time of profound change, both physically and emotionally. As the body adapts to nurture and support the growing life within, it's crucial for expectant mothers to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Among the various fitness options available, strength training stands out for its numerous benefits during pregnancy. This guide will delve into why strength training is important, explore its benefits, discuss safety considerations, highlight other helpful exercises, and explain how physical therapy can ensure safe prenatal fitness.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process, but it has challenges. One often overlooked aspect is the mother's posture during breastfeeding. New moms are nursing up to 8 hours a day, and proper posture can significantly impact both the mother's comfort and the baby's ability to latch correctly. In this guide, we'll explore why good posture is essential during breastfeeding, the negative effects of poor posture, simple strategies for maintaining good posture, and how physical therapy can help enhance posture for breastfeeding mothers.

The journey of motherhood is filled with profound changes, not least of which are the physical adjustments your body undergoes following childbirth. No matter how you’ve given birth, the postpartum period is a crucial time for healing and adapting to life with your new baby. Understanding these changes and knowing how to adjust your daily activities can significantly enhance your recovery. Moreover, incorporating physical therapy into your postpartum care can be a game-changer in regaining your strength and health. We consider it a privilege at EW Motion Therapy to walk alongside new moms and help them work towards their goals. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can read on to learn about how your daily activities need to be adjusted after you give birth.

Labor is one of the most intense experiences a female’s body can endure. While many mothers say that their baby was worth every hour of discomfort, it’s important to go into giving birth knowing which labor positions might work best for your body and potentially help speed up the process. You can determine this with your OB/GYN and a physical therapist toward the end of your pregnancy - we love helping our expecting mothers at EW Motion Therapy figure out effective, comfortable positions for labor. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read on to learn more about why labor positioning is important, some positions to try, and how physical therapy can help.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that can affect women during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels that are first diagnosed during pregnancy. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but rather by hormonal changes during pregnancy that can make insulin less effective—a condition known as insulin resistance. Understanding this condition, its causes, risk factors, and how to manage it effectively, particularly through exercise, is vital for the health of both mother and baby. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy can create customized exercise programs that are safe during pregnancy and can help keep you active. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read on to learn about gestational diabetes, how exercise can help reduce your risk of developing the condition, and how physical therapy can be a valuable intervention to keep your exercises safe and effective.