Physical therapy can be a great asset to the care and well-being of the pregnant client. Education, exercise instruction, treatment of orthopedic conditions/pelvic floor dysfunction, and prevention of injury through postural and movement re-education are all areas where physical therapy can help. 2. Complaints of orthopedic pain, related to old pathology. This definitely points towards unresolved dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system, which should be addresses as early as possible. 3. Previous history of pelvic floor muscle tension, vulvar pain syndromes, interstitial cystitis, pelvic floor trauma, incontinence, and prolapsed. Physical therapy can help to reduce worsening of symptoms during pregnancy, and avoidance of further trauma during delivery. 4. Significant DRAM (Diastis Rectus Abdominis Muscle). Physical therapy can help to prevent worsening of DRAM during pregnancy. Prevention of further stress in this area can reduce secondary stresses on the pubic symphysis and pelvic floor. Good abdominal strength and control is important during the second stage of labor, and will be compromised if there is no education or treatment of the client with significant separation. 5. Nerve compartment syndromes such as carpal tunnel or thoracic outlet syndrome. This is due to edema, and patients can be helped with management and manual therapy to create more space around nerve structures. 6. Coccyx pain or significant previous coccyx injury. This could result from decreased mobility of the sacroccygeal joint which could create decreased space for passage of baby during delivery or increased risk of further injury to area during delivery. 7. Significant deconditioning. 8. TENS for labor and delivery. 9. TENS for pain relief post delivery i.e. pubic pain, c-section scar, coccyx injury, afterbirth cramps, and episiotomy pain. TENS can reduce the need for pain medication.
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