Physical Therapy during pregnancy?

[annettemarie]

I think I am going to ask for a referral for PT at my midwife appointment on Thursday. I'm 30 weeks pregnant with twins and by the end of the day I literally can't walk. Also, lately my hips are killing me even if I'm not doing anything. I used to at least wake up feeling good, but for the past few days I wake up and my hips just ache like crazy. When the babies kick, I can hear my bones clicking. It creeps me out. Also, the babies are both transverse and it's been suggested to me that PT can help align things so I can at least maybe get Baby A head down.

Insurance will also cover chiropractic care, but (a) I don't have many choices around here, (b) I used to have a chiropractor who was great with pregnant mamas but she's moved away and (c) I just don't have the time or patience to find someone new with whom I would feel comfortable. Also insurance covers more for PT.

Has anyone here every had PT during pregnancy? What sort of things do they do? Did it help? I'd love to hear about your experiences.

[St. Margaret]

I've had terrible sciatica this pregnancy, so my insurance paid for PT for about 2 months. We obviously did stuff for the sciatica, but I bet a lot would transfer over to general pregnancy issues-- keeping the core strong, to help hold baby/babies in well supported. I got soft tissue work (which meant a nice lower back massage!) and did various gentle things like moving my legs in certain ways, gentle marches keeping hips balanced, work with the stretchy plastic bands and balls, even some squats... it was free for me which was nice, and I needed any help I could get. They did hint that there would come a point where we couldn't really do much, as I got to term, but I would hope they'd have someone good to help you out!

[CookAMH]

I am just about to start PT at 12 weeks, to hopefully avoid the pubic pain I had last time.

It would involve work on your part, I would imagine, with exercises. It does sound like they could do some manipulation.

Maybe you could do a quick post on your tribe for a chiropractor. It's hard to find one, but maybe you could get a quick lead. I do plan to do both PT and chiro care, and especially chiro care for alignment and positioning.

[WifeofAnt]

I think I have to do chiropractic. I just found out I bear 20 lbs more on one side than the other when I stand. Not so great for the skeleton. Plus the baby keeps going oblique if I don't have strict control over my posture.

[StarMama]

I just got permission to do physical therapy for my hip/pelvic pain. Now if I can just find the sheet with the phone number to call they sent home with me...

[annettemarie]

Ooh, the massage part sounds nice.

I need to call insurance today because once again, the helpful book is as clear as mud and I can't tell if I need a referral or not. I tried calling last week but was hung up on... twice... by the computer system.

[Breathless Wonder]

I did physical therapy during my second pregnancy.

At that time, it consisted of mostly ultrasound massage on my hip, and regular massage as well.

[Stayseeliz]

I did PT for sciatic issues with my youngest. She did messages, some manipulation and warm heat. It was heavenly!

[~Adorkable~]

im going to be asking for a PT referal at my apointment next week, i am just starting to feel pelvic issues and want to head it off before it gets bad.