What is my pubic bone exactly?

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a small space located at the wrist. It is formed by wrist (carpal) bones and a ligament which creates the roof of the “tunnel”. There are many structures that travel through this tunnel, including various tendons and most importantly, the median nerve. Nerves are responsible for the motor (movement) and sensory (your ability to s

Most of us know that one of the most powerful health and lifestyle changes you can make is to eat a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet.  But did you know that specific changes to the diet can improve fertility and support a healthy pregnancy?

On May 5, 2017 physical therapist Taryn Bader, PT, DPT of Onondaga Physical Therapy attended a full-day seminar in Syracuse, NY titled:  

The Fundamentals of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

The course was six hours of educational material focused on 

Diastasis Recti is a condition that typically occurs following a pregnancy in which the two halves of your abdominal muscle splits.  There may be a gap you can feel between the walls of the abdomen, usually around the belly button.  Occasionally there may be a bulge present, depending on the size of the diastasis.

Can it be fixed?

Prevelance:

It is estimated that approximately 50% of pregnant women will experience some kind of low back pain during their pregnancy, or during the postpartum period.  Of those that experience low back pain, only about 50% of them will seek advice from a healthcare professional; with only 70% of those women actually receiving treatment.

Causes:

• Mechanical:  Weight gain during pregnancy, increased abdominal size, shifting of the center of mass forward; all can increase the stress on the low back.  When the abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate the growing uterus, muscle fatigue typically occurs which results in an increased load on the spine.  Another common finding is weakness of their gluteus medius, or the outer glute/hip muscle.
• Hormonal:  Relaxin is a hormone secreted during pregnancy, and it causes your ligaments to get lax, which in turn can cause your pelvis to become unstable.  This includes not only the SIJ (sacroiliac joint), but the entire low back resulting in instability of the pelvis and poor alignment of the spine.

Symptoms:

• Avoid sleeping on your back. Add in a pillow between your legs, and shift to sleeping on your left side. This will help alleviate low back symptoms and ensure the baby and the placenta is receiving the most blood flow.
• Elevate your feet whenever possible. Getting plenty of rest and elevating your feet will help to reduce swelling and low back symptoms. 
• Shoes, shoes, shoes. Choosing footwear with adequate support can work wonders for reducing low back pain. Avoid high heels during pregnancy as they exaggerate postural changes that are contributing to your back pain.
• Wear a support brace. There are various types of abdominal support braces available for expectant mothers. These are sometimes called Sacro-Iliac Joint Belts or a prenatal cradle. A Physical Therapist can help you choose one appropriate for your symptoms, and issue one to you as well.

• A Physical Therapist can instruct an expectant mother on ways to relieve pressure from the low back.
• While each stage of pregnancy is different, a Physical Therapist can guide you through specific exercises tailored to each stage. They can also help to accommodate pregnancy complications if needed.
• Pain relief. A PT can help to relieve aches and pains through various manual therapy techniques. Many women also find relief from their pregnancy-related aches and pains with Aquatic Therapy.
• Strengthening. A PT can instruct you on strengthening exercises to prepare for labor and delivery.

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Still wanting some advice? Ask one of our therapists a specific question or request a Free 15 Minute Screening below.