Prenatal Physiotherapy Scarborough: Your Guide to a More Comfortable Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but for more than half of all women, it also brings an unwanted challenge: lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip pain, or sciatica. Even simple daily movements—turning in bed, getting up from a chair, or walking—may suddenly feel difficult.
The good news?
Pregnancy pain is common, but it is NOT something you must tolerate.
Prenatal physiotherapy offers a safe, evidence-based, and highly effective way to ease discomfort, support your changing body, and help you stay mobile and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
This guide explains why pain happens, how physiotherapy helps, what to expect at your appointment, and how targeted exercises and hands-on care can make your pregnancy far more enjoyable.
Why Pregnancy Causes Back and Pelvic Pain
Your body changes dramatically during pregnancy to support your growing baby. These changes—while necessary—can place significant stress on your spine, pelvis, and surrounding muscles.
The Three Biggest Contributors to Pregnancy Pain:
1. Shifting Center of Gravity
As your belly grows, your weight shifts forward, increasing the curve in your lower back. This creates:
-
Tight lower back muscles
-
Compressed joints
-
Increased strain on pelvic stabilizers
-
Irritated nerves (including the sciatic nerve)
2. Hormonal Changes (Relaxin)
Your body produces relaxin, a hormone that softens ligaments to prepare for childbirth.
However, relaxin affects all ligaments—not just those in your pelvis—leading to:
-
Decreased joint stability
-
Misalignment in the hips and pelvis
-
“Wobbly” or loose-feeling joints
-
Increased risk of pain and stiffness
3. Postural & Movement Changes
With weight gain, breast changes, and a growing belly, your posture adapts. These adaptations may cause:
-
Pelvic tilt
-
Increased lumbar curve
-
Weak abdominal support
-
Overworked back and hip muscles
Together, these changes create a strong foundation for lower back pain, pelvic girdle pain, SI joint issues, and sciatica.
Is Prenatal Physiotherapy Safe?
Yes. Prenatal physiotherapy is safe throughout all stages of pregnancy, including the third trimester, as long as it is performed by a physiotherapist trained in prenatal care.
Prenatal physios use:
✔ Gentle manual therapy
✔ Pelvic stabilization techniques
✔ Safe mobility and strengthening exercises
✔ Postural training
✔ Side-lying and supported positions
✔ A deep understanding of pregnancy-specific biomechanics
Every treatment is adapted to your trimester and comfort level.
However, physiotherapy may not be appropriate if you are experiencing:
-
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
-
Placenta previa or abruption
-
Severe preeclampsia
-
High-risk pregnancy complications
Always consult your OB-GYN or midwife before beginning any new treatment.
Your First Prenatal Physiotherapy Visit: What to Expect
A prenatal physiotherapy session is gentle, supportive, and designed around your unique symptoms and pregnancy stage.
1. Detailed Prenatal Assessment
Your physiotherapist will review:
-
Your pregnancy history
-
Areas of pain
-
Movement limitations
-
Posture
-
Sleep patterns
-
Work demands
-
Exercise habits
-
Pelvic floor symptoms
This helps create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
2. Gentle Physical Examination
This includes assessment of:
-
Pelvic alignment
-
Hip mobility
-
Core engagement
-
Lumbar movement
-
Glute activation
-
Rib and breathing mechanics
-
Balance and gait
The exam is gentle, safe, and does not involve lying on your stomach.
3. Comfortable Supported Positioning
Prenatal physiotherapy uses:
-
Side-lying pillows
-
Belly supports
-
Pregnancy wedges
-
Elevated tables
These ensure comfort while treating sensitive areas.
4. Safe, Pregnancy-Specific Treatment
Your treatment may include:
✔ Gentle joint mobilizations
✔ Soft tissue release for tight muscles
✔ Pelvic stability techniques
✔ Sciatic nerve gliding
✔ Myofascial release
✔ Pregnancy-safe taping
✔ Strengthening exercises
✔ Mobility routines
✔ Pelvic floor training
The goal is to reduce pain, improve alignment, relieve pressure on nerves, and keep your body functioning smoothly as your baby grows.
How Physiotherapy Helps During Pregnancy
1. Relieves Lower Back Pain
By improving muscle balance and pelvic alignment, physiotherapy reduces tension and improves joint motion.
2. Reduces Pelvic Girdle Pain & SI Joint Pain
Targeted stabilization exercises + hands-on therapy help decrease discomfort and restore stability.
3. Eases Sciatica
Releasing tight glute, piriformis, hip, and lower back muscles reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve.
4. Improves Pelvic Alignment
Keeping the pelvis balanced helps:
-
Reduce pain
-
Improve mobility
-
Support better posture
5. Supports Optimal Baby Positioning
Balanced pelvic muscles and ligaments reduce torsion and tension, giving the baby more space to move into an optimal position.
6. Strengthens Key Muscle Groups
Prenatal strengthening targets:
-
Glutes
-
Deep core (NOT crunches)
-
Hip stabilizers
-
Pelvic floor
-
Upper back
This promotes stability and reduces strain.
7. Enhances Labor Preparation
Physiotherapy supports:
-
Breathing mechanics
-
Pelvic mobility
-
Endurance
-
Postural strength
These factors can contribute to a smoother delivery experience.
Physiotherapy Treatments Used in Pregnancy
Prenatal physios use a combination of techniques to reduce pain and improve function:
✔ Manual Therapy
Light mobilizations, soft tissue release, and joint work tailored to pregnancy.
✔ Corrective Exercise
Safe, trimester-appropriate strengthening and mobility movements.
✔ Pelvic Floor Training
Guided techniques to prevent urinary leakage and prepare for delivery.
✔ Taping
Kinesiology taping for belly support, posture, and reduced strain.
✔ Breathing Mechanics
Training to help coordinate core + diaphragm.
✔ Ergonomic Coaching
Posture modifications for work, sleep, lifting, walking, and daily tasks.
How to Choose the Right Prenatal Physiotherapist
Look for a physiotherapist who:
-
Specializes in pregnancy & pelvic health
-
Has training in pelvic girdle pain, prenatal exercise, and women’s health
-
Uses pregnancy-friendly positions and equipment
-
Takes time to listen, educate, and explain every step
-
Works collaboratively with OB-GYNs, midwives, and massage therapists
At Atlas Spine Clinic, our physiotherapists treat prenatal patients daily and use clinically proven approaches to reduce pain and support movement at every stage of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I come?
Most women begin with weekly or biweekly treatments, then shift to maintenance sessions every 2–4 weeks.
Does physiotherapy hurt?
No. Prenatal physiotherapy is gentle, safe, and adapted to your comfort.
Can physiotherapy help with pelvic floor concerns?
Yes — pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective tools for pregnancy-related leakage, pelvic pressure, and core support.
Is physiotherapy safe in the third trimester?
Yes. Many women experience their greatest relief in late pregnancy.
Can physiotherapy help with breech positioning?
Physiotherapy helps balance the pelvis and reduce tension, giving the baby more room to turn naturally.
Feel Better Throughout Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy discomfort is common — but you don’t have to live with it.
With prenatal physiotherapy in Scarborough, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, support pelvic alignment, and prepare your body for a smoother, more empowering birth experience.
📍 Atlas Spine Clinic — Scarborough, ON
📞 Book your prenatal physiotherapy assessment today and feel the relief begin.
