Postural shifting during pregnancy creates uncomfortable strains for pregnant woman’s musculoskeletal system, particularly her weight-bearing joints, and is one of the most common reasons women will seek prenatal massage. But massage although is an excellent way to relax and regain some relief there is another approach that you may have overlooked for low back pain during and after.
The approach is recognizing and addressing dysfunctional patterns and adaptation that have taken place during and after pregnancy. This will help you identify if you have a weak and unbalanced core which is linked to low back pain.
If you have a weak core then it is common to think I will work out to strengthen it but the traditional crunches and sit-ups actually do more harm than good by increasing the separation of the rectus bellies. The missing link to abdominal strength and core integrity during pregnancy, postpartum recovery (as well as everyday life for everyone), is to recruit the deepest of the abdominal muscles, the tranverse abdominis (TrA) and if these muscles are weak other muscles will compensate.
A neuromuscular therapy session will include an assessment of TrA muscles strength and treat compensating patterns that have developed. The goal is to activate TrA and pelvic floor muscles that helps you hold good posture whilst you are breastfeeding, carrying and lifting your baby. It decreases the risk of back and hip pain and reduces possible post pregnancy incontinence.
Once the TrA muscles are active, you can progress to exercises for all the abdominal muscles and the core on your own.
Combining the benefits of two already well-established treatment protocols. Neuromuscular Therapy, NeuroKinetic Therapy™ recognizes and addresses dysfunctional patterns and adaptation that have taken place to restore balance during pregnancy and help post recovery.
Mara