Physical Therapy Blog

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects many aspects of health, including reproductive, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, as well as psychosocial and mental health. While PCOS is primarily managed through endocrinology, physical therapy can play a valuable role in alleviating musculoskeletal symptoms and improving quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore what PCOS is, the symptoms associated with the condition, how physical therapy can help, and how it fits into a broader PCOS treatment plan. With this information, you can decide whether physical therapy is a treatment option you’d like to explore further.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known condition that causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the hand and fingers. Many people experience CTS due to repetitive strain or prolonged computer use, but what some may not know is that it can also be common during pregnancy. Pregnancy brings about many physical changes as the body adapts to support the growing baby, and one of those changes can make women more susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and learning effective ways to manage carpal tunnel pain at home can help women experiencing this condition find much-needed relief. Additionally, physical therapy can play a significant role in reducing discomfort and enhancing function.

Back, hip, and sciatic pain can be common and challenging during pregnancy. These issues arise due to a mix of structural and functional changes as the body adapts to support the growing baby. Understanding the reasons behind these discomforts and how to manage them is essential for a more comfortable and healthy pregnancy journey.

Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes, one of which can be the discomfort of round ligament pain. As the body adapts to accommodate the growing baby, ligaments supporting the uterus stretch and shift, sometimes leading to sharp, jabbing pains. While round ligament pain is typically harmless, understanding what causes it and how to manage it can make a big difference in a mom’s comfort. Read on as we explore why round ligament pain occurs during pregnancy, common symptoms, home management techniques, and how physical therapy can offer relief.

Giving birth is one of the most significant experiences a woman can go through. For many expectant mothers, labor and delivery come with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and, understandably, some anxiety about the physical demands involved. Your breath is one of the most important tools you have during this transformative process. Breathing may seem simple—after all, it’s something you’ve been doing all your life—but during labor, using breath correctly can help optimize oxygen flow to both you and your baby. Understanding proper breathing techniques during labor can ease pain, reduce stress, and make the experience more manageable. In this article, we’ll explore why proper breathing is so crucial during labor, share tips on breathing techniques to use, and discuss how physical therapy can play a role in helping you prepare.

When preparing for childbirth, understanding the role of the pelvic floor muscles can help alleviate some concerns and better equip you for labor and recovery. The pelvic floor serves as a foundation for the body’s core, supporting organs, including the uterus, bladder, and bowel, while also playing an essential role in childbirth. During labor and vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor muscles undergo a series of complex changes and movements that facilitate the baby’s passage through the birth canal. In this article, we will explore how these muscles move and adapt during each stage of labor, potential muscle damage that can occur, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can assist in preparation for childbirth and recovery postpartum.

Pregnancy is a time of profound changes for a woman’s body, both physically and hormonally. While many of these changes are beautiful, some can bring discomfort. One common issue experienced by many pregnant women is sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. This pain can be both frustrating and limiting, often affecting mobility and quality of life during pregnancy. In this article, we'll explore why SI joint pain is common during pregnancy, what symptoms to watch for, and how to manage it, including the role of physical therapy in relieving pain and improving mobility.

When life takes us down a new path, we all respond differently. Some buckle down and resist change, while others approach it with resentment and doubt. When I think of a healthy way to respond to change, I think of Frozen 2. In the movie, Anna faces more change than ever before, with her beloved sister having an identity crisis and her romantic relationship with Kristoff evolving. But early in the movie, she receives an essential piece of advice from Pabbie, the patriarch of the magical trolls who raised Kristoff. He says, “When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing.” Doing the next right thing will guide Anna’s actions throughout the movie, and that sentiment is an excellent example for us all to learn how to navigate change.

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.