During a woman’s childbearing year, and especially during pregnancy, the hormones relaxin, estrogen, and progesterone are released into the body causing changes in the ligaments and cartilage to prepare the body for delivery. Changes include widening of the pelvis that cause changes to the SI joints with an increase in joint play, which serves the purpose of preparing the pelvis for widening during childbirth. Relaxin causes the ligaments surrounding the SI joint to become more lax, which in turn allows for greater movement of the SI joint. While this movement is important for widening the birth canal, if the movement becomes too great (hypermobile), the joint becomes very unstable during everyday activities resulting in low back pain near the base of the spine. Back pain is a very common complaint in the later months of pregnancy for some women. Coupled with postural changes that occur during pregnancy, the pain cane become totally disabling for some women during the latter part of their pregnancies.
Prenatal & Pediatric Rehab
What are some common problems encountered during pregnancy?
Diastasis Rectus
What is Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA)?
- Separation between the two muscle bellies of the Rectus Abdominis along the linea alba
- Increase in inter recti distance (IRD)
Treatment Options – Joint Mobilization, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Neural Mobilization, Postural Enhancement Exercise, Flexibility Training, Strengthening and Stabilization Exercise, Modalities, Home Exercise Program, Prescription of External Supports
Treating Newborns & Infants
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition in which certain muscles in the neck are tightened in an infant causing the infant’s neck to side bend and rotate in opposite directions. The muscle that is most commonly involved is called the sternocleidomastoid. It may develop in infancy or in adulthood but is more common in infants. Untreated Torticollis may lead to flattening of the posterior aspect of the skull on one side, which may lead to facial asymmetries or deformities.
What is the cause?
The cause of Torticollis is unknown, but when it occurs in infants, it is usually due to the position of the baby in the uterus. Other causes include the mother having a smaller uterus, causing the baby to sidebend and turn his/her head the opposite direction to be comfortable or trauma sustained during delivery.
How is it treated?
At Southland Physical Therapy, we provide physical therapists who specialize in the treatment of infants with Torticollis. Treatments include educating the parents and caregivers on proper positioning, effective stretching techniques, soft tissue mobilizations, and integrated play to help strengthen the neck muscles.
Flattening of the Head:
Torticollis can lead to different types of flattening of the head in the infant. Southland Physical Therapy can help evaluate how torticollis plays a role in the development of the different types of flattening. They can also determine along with the pediatrician whether an evaluation for a helmet may be necessary.
Types of flattening:
- Plagiocephay: flattening of the back of the head on one side
- Brachycephaly: flattening of the full back side of the head
- Dolichocephaly: flattening of both sides of the head. Uncommon
