Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago

Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago

Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago is ideally equipped to support women during their reproductive years. As primary care providers, physical therapists have an opportunity to meet with patients once per month for at least 12 months of the woman’s life (the typical reproductive lifespan). Women of childbearing age consult physical therapists for a number of conditions, many of which may become exacerbated or more complicated during pregnancy. A physical therapist who is familiar with the changes that a woman’s body typically undergoes during pregnancy and postpartum can offer excellent care to her patients as they go through this intriguing process.

Pregnant Woman go to Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago to strengthen and stretch their bodies.

In late pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity shifts, she begins to experience occasional round ligament pain, and her abdominal muscles relax in preparation for delivery. In early pregnancy, women may find themselves more clumsy, with exaggerated lumbar lordosis (inward arching of the lower spine), accompanied by a forward-tilting pelvis. As the fetus grows, a woman’s center of gravity shifts forward, causing her to begin walking with shorter steps, more heel strike, and increased lumbar extension (arching of the lower back). These changes are necessary for balance during pregnancy. Some women may experience pelvic or low-back pain during this time, and a physical therapist can advise them on how to stand, walk, and exercise throughout their pregnancy.

Post partum women go to Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago to strengthen and stretch their bodies.

As the mother recovers from birth, her abdomen changes again as she loses that “pregnancy pooch.” A diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) occurs in about 50% of all women; a condition that may increase during pregnancy and further separate as the uterus shrinks after birth. A physical therapist can teach her how to engage her transverse abdominis, the deep muscle that connects the rib cage to the pelvis, to improve abdominal strength and support.

As their bodies change, pregnant women often find that their shoe size changes, along with the shape of their feet. During pregnancy, the expectant mother’s body produces a hormone called relaxin, which softens connective tissue in preparation for birth. This loosens the ligaments around the foot to create space for the growing fetus and allow room for delivery. After giving birth, women may experience plantar fasciitis or heel pain related to the changes that occurred in their feet while supporting themselves during pregnancy. A physical therapist can teach them exercises that improve flexibility and strengthen the foot and lower leg muscles.

Pregnant woman go to Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago for pelvic floor dysfunction problems.

After birth, women begin to experience urinary incontinence, loss of bowel control, and pelvic floor dysfunction problems. These conditions are related to hormone fluctuations, vaginal swelling, perineal trauma during the birth process or episiotomy, and weakened pelvic floor muscles that can impact a woman’s daily activities for months after giving birth. A physical therapist can teach them how to properly cough and bear down to prevent these problems by strengthening and retraining the affected muscles.




Sciatica is known as lower back pain and discomfort that runs along the sciatic nerve. Most often, sciatica affects only one side of the body. Pain caused by sciatica can be severe; however, it can typically be resolved with non-operative treatments such as physical therapy, limited bed rest, and medicines. If you are experiencing pain caused by sciatica, you should consider contacting Free Body Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment. Our Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago will evaluate your condition and create the perfect treatment plan for you.

What Are Some Sciatica Symptoms?

A symptom that is most commonly caused by sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower spine down to your glutes and travels down your leg. Pain can range from a feeling of mild discomfort to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. The problem can worsen with quick sudden actions such as coughing or sneezing. Some people also experience tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the affected leg. Many individuals may also experience pain in one area of their leg but numbness in another part.

Causes of Sciatica

The main cause of sciatica is a herniated disc in your spine. Another cause is an overgrowth of bone on your vertebrae. Both overgrowths of the bone and a herniated disc cause the sciatic nerve to become pinched. Another possible cause of sciatica is when the nerve is compressed by a tumor or damaged by a disease such as diabetes.

Risk Factors

There are multiple risk factors that can lead to the beginning of sciatica. Those key risk factors include:

  • Age- age-related changes in the spine can cause herniated disks and bone spurs that lead to sciatica.
  • Obesity- causes increased stress on the spine and can contribute to spinal changes that trigger sciatica.
  • Occupation- jobs that require you to twist your back, carry heavy loads, or drive for long periods may play a role in causing sciatica.
  • Prolonged sitting- individuals that sit for long periods of time or live a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than people who live very active lifestyles.
  • Diabetes- increases your risk of nerve damage.

It is vital that you play your part in helping to mitigate your risk of sciatica. Preventing sciatica can be done through exercising, focusing on maintaining good posture, and using good body mechanics. 

How Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago Can Help 

Physical therapy is the most common treatment for easing sciatica pain and preventing it in the future. After an evaluation physical therapists can develop a stretching and exercise routine that will help to improve your posture and take the pressure off of your sciatic nerve. 

Contact Our Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago

Free Body Physical Therapy can help tackle your sciatica pain that you’re experiencing. Our office treats various ailments and offers sports rehab and pre and post-surgery rehabilitation as well. Our skill team of therapists can help you through the whole process and will do our best to assure you stay injury free! If you are looking for a Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago, our team at Free Body Physical Therapy has the tools to help you feel better than ever. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.  

Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago

These uncertain and challenging times have caused us to rethink and reevaluate every little aspect of our daily lives. With technology advancing and evolving at a rapid speed, many different fields have taken advantage of this and their power. From education to medicine, to socialization, we’ve had to adjust and adapt in every way possible. Looking for reliable care but do not feel comfortable with an in-person visit so soon? You may benefit from Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago! Free Body Physical Therapy is now offering virtual telehealth appointments to give you the proper care and guidance you need to get back on your feet, pain-free. 

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth services are described directly as the use of digital information and communication to access remote health care services, as well as manage your healthcare all in one place. These technologies may include videoconferencing, the internet, imaging, streaming media wireless communications, and more, and can support both local and long-distance health care services. Additionally, telehealth is the broader version of telemedicine, going beyond clinical services, serving non-clinical services, training, administrative meetings, and medical education. Here at Free Body Physical Therapy, we are here to help you using Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago.  

Benefits of Telehealth Communications

Telehealth communication services have been available for quite some time, however, it wasn’t until just recently that these services began to skyrocket. Not only is telehealth so beneficial during uncertain and challenging times, most people now have access to high-speed internet, allowing for these interactions to become a possibility. This approach to medicine is very appealing to a large group of patients due to its many advantages, which may include but are not limited to: 

  • No transportation time or costs 
  • You do not have to take off from work 
  • You can still uphold your family responsibilities, including child and eldercare 
  • A variety of on-demand options, allowing you to still meet with your preferred doctor of choice 
  • Access to specialists 
  • You’re less likely of catching any new illnesses 
  • Less time in the waiting room; wait in the comfort of your own home! 
  • Better health overall when you’re able to have constant access to your doctor without having to keep visiting the office 
  • Convenient and cost-effective 

Contact Us: Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago

Looking for Pregnancy Physical Therapy Chicago? Visit our website or schedule an appointment by contacting Free Body Physical Therapy today!