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What we’ll cover
  1. Keep moving
  2. Be careful lifting
  3. Exercise
  4. Tell us

Backpain during Pregnancy

If you experience pregnancy related low back pain, call us on (03) 9571 6888 or fill in our online form

Back pain during pregnancy

Current research indicates that up to 70% of women experience low back pain at some point during pregnancy.  This can be a burden on expectant mothers when it begins to impact on daily tasks, work or sleep.

The combination of hormonal and physical changes results in increased laxity and reduced stability around the back and pelvic areas.  This resultant instability can lead to increased susceptibility of low back pain.  If you experience back pain during pregnancy, here’s several things you can do to reduce and prevent back pain.

Keep moving

Staying in one position for too long increases the risk of pregnancy related back pain.  Good habits include moving at least every half an hour.

Try standing up during the ad breaks of your favourite television show.  At work, consider a stand up desk.  Alternately, get up at regular breaks and try walking to the kitchen or doing a lap of your workstation or office.

When doing daily tasks try to alternate positions.  For example, when cooking, alternate between standing at the kitchen bench and sitting at the kitchen table.

Be careful lifting

Avoid lifting without bending your knees.  Bend from your knees, pushing through your feet.  Ensure that you try and lift objects directly in front rather than having to twist or rotate during lifting.

Be mindful of lifting with regular tasks.  For example, consider placing heavier and bulkier items closer to the edge of the car boot in order to allow easier access and avoid having to stoop over when lifting.

If you have young children, try alternating sides that you lift and carry them on.

Exercise

Appropriate exercise is crucial during all phases of pregnancy.  It is important to prepare the body for childbirth.  Maintaining appropriate core strength and conditioning has been proven to reduce the likelihood of injury post partum.  Safe and beneficial exercise options during pregnancy include clinical pilates or water based exercise.

Key points to remember include:

  • Avoid high intensity exercise.  Due to an increased heart rate at rest, it is important to monitor heart rate and intensity of exercise.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Perform exercises in a cool environment to avoid overheating.
  • Monitor the position of exercises.  Exercising for sustained periods lying flat on your back should be minimised and monitored.

Tell us

It is important to seek help early.  Pregnancy does not mean that you have to accept back pain as being inevitable.  Your physiotherapist is well placed to address your back pain and provide a range of safe exercise options.

At Malvern East Physiotherapy, we can assess your back pain by performing a series of simple tests and provide a tailored treatment approach to manage your pregnancy related back pain.


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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