A physical therapist doing a rehabilitation exercise with the patient

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Working Moms

If you’re a working mom, you may have experienced a decline in your physical activity levels or may be considering starting an exercise regimen. Fortunately, physical therapy at la clinica locations has several benefits for working moms that can help improve their health and quality of life.

Reduce Chronic Pain and Improve Mobility

Among the most important is the benefit of reducing chronic pain and improving overall mobility. A licensed physical therapist can assess your condition and recommend a plan of exercise and recovery for you. Then, a postpartum physical therapist can implement a regimen of targeted exercise and generalized workouts to help your body regain strength, flexibility, and functionality.

In addition, a physical therapist can evaluate the extent of your impairments, including any injuries or surgeries, and can work with you to develop a program that addresses your specific needs.

Physical Therapy can Help a Mom Before or After Giving Birth

Having a baby can bring many changes to a woman’s body. Physical therapy during pregnancy and postpartum can help women to prepare for labor and birth and address pain, weakness, and other physical issues. A physical therapist can also help women return to their activities after giving birth.

Another potential benefit of physical therapy during pregnancy is its ability to prevent postpartum depression. Research has found that physical therapists can increase strength, flexibility, and mobility. They can also teach patients how to care for themselves, including identifying and addressing impairments and developing strategies to enhance full-body functioning. Some physical therapists specialize in postpartum physical therapy.

Additionally, a PT can help to address pregnancy-specific issues, including pelvic floor weakness and alignment issues. During pregnancy, it’s also crucial to safely move around in various positions, including sitting, standing, and walking.

It can Maintain a Healthy Work-life Balance

Similarly, a PT can help a new mother avoid the common pitfalls of returning to work after giving birth, such as anxiety about returning to a career. Many employers offer paternity leave, and some plans include extended maternity leaves. However, most working mothers may compromise their interests to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Several studies have shown that women who become mothers experience a decline in their physical activity levels. Physical activity can increase a woman’s self-rated work productivity, and a PT can help working moms find the time to do this.

Better Mental Health

One study found that physical therapy was associated with better mental health in new mothers. Specifically, researchers found that physical therapy helped new moms to feel more confident in their ability to handle the demands of work and family. Another study indicated that a PT could reduce the use of opioids, a significant contributor to postpartum depression.

Many women, especially new mothers, prioritize caring for their newborn babies and thus may not make time to engage in a regular fitness routine. This is unfortunate, as it can lead to poor health and long-term disability. For this reason, women need to learn about the benefits of physical therapy for working moms, which can help them get back on their feet quickly.