Prenatal & Postpartum Physical Therapy in Portland, OR

Expert Prenatal & Postpartum Care Near You

Every pregnancy journey is unique, and so is every body's response to it. At Mendwell, our specialized physical therapists provide comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care to support you through pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. Whether you're experiencing pregnancy-related pain or focusing on postpartum healing, our evidence-based treatments can help you feel stronger and more confident in your changing body. We understand that the path through pregnancy and postpartum recovery can feel overwhelming, which is why we're committed to providing compassionate, expert care every step of the way.

How Can Prenatal & Postpartum Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy during pregnancy and postpartum periods can significantly impact your comfort, recovery, and overall well-being. Our approach focuses on preparing your body for the demands of pregnancy and childbirth while helping you maintain strength and mobility throughout your journey. Through specialized techniques and targeted exercises, we help:

• Reduce pain and discomfort during pregnancy
• Prepare your body for labor and delivery
• Support faster postpartum recovery
• Strengthen your pelvic floor and core muscles
• Help prevent common pregnancy-related complications
• Guide your safe return to exercise and daily activities

The benefits of specialized physical therapy extend far beyond immediate symptom relief. Our treatment approaches are designed to support long-term pelvic health, helping you build a foundation for an active, comfortable lifestyle both during pregnancy and in the years following childbirth. Many of our clients find that the strategies and exercises they learn become valuable tools for maintaining their well-being well into the future.

Prenatal Pain Treatment During Your Pregnancy

Our prenatal physical therapy in Portland emphasizes proactive care and pain management throughout your pregnancy. We understand the significant changes your body undergoes during these nine months and how these changes can impact your daily comfort and mobility. Our specialized treatment approaches help manage common discomforts while preparing your body for delivery.

Through hands-on techniques, exercise instruction, and education, we work to optimize your body's adaptation to pregnancy. This includes addressing postural changes, managing pelvic girdle pain, and maintaining appropriate muscle strength and flexibility. Our therapists also provide guidance on safe exercise during pregnancy, helping you maintain an active lifestyle while protecting your changing body.

During the third trimester, we place special emphasis on birth preparation, teaching specific techniques and positions that can help optimize labor and delivery. We work closely with your existing healthcare team to ensure our approach aligns with your birth plan and medical needs.

Postpartum Pain Management Supporting Your Body's Natural Healing Processes

The postpartum period brings its own unique challenges as your body heals and adapts to new movements and demands. Our postpartum physical therapy program takes a comprehensive approach to recovery, whether you've had a vaginal delivery or cesarean birth. We understand that every birth story is different, and we tailor our treatment plans to align with your specific experience and recovery needs.

Early postpartum care focuses on supporting your body's natural healing processes while gradually rebuilding strength and function. As you progress, we guide you through appropriate exercise progression and help you safely return to your preferred activities. Our therapists provide expert guidance on baby-care ergonomics, helping you protect your recovering body while caring for your newborn.

Many postpartum individuals experience concerns about their recovery timeline or worry about what's "normal." Our therapists take time to address these concerns, providing clear explanations and realistic expectations for your recovery journey. We believe that understanding your body's healing process is crucial for both physical and emotional well-being during the postpartum period.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Your treatment journey at Mendwell is as unique as you are. We begin with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific concerns, goals, and physical condition. Based on this assessment, we create a customized treatment plan that may include:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: Our detailed assessment considers your full health history, current symptoms, and future goals to create a targeted treatment plan. We take time to understand not just your physical symptoms, but also your lifestyle needs and personal goals for pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
2. Manual Therapy: Skilled hands-on techniques address pain, improve mobility, and promote tissue healing. This may include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and specific release techniques for the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles. Our gentle, effective approaches provide relief while respecting your comfort levels.
3. Exercise Programs: We develop customized exercise programs that evolve with your changing needs. These programs focus on building functional strength while respecting your body's healing process. Each exercise is carefully selected and modified to ensure it's appropriate for your stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
4. Education: Understanding your body's changes is crucial for successful treatment. We provide detailed guidance on proper body mechanics, daily activity modifications, and exercise progression. This includes practical strategies for managing common challenges like lifting and carrying your baby, nursing positions, and sleep positioning.
5. Pain Management: Evidence-based strategies help manage both pregnancy-related discomfort and postpartum pain, allowing you to stay active and comfortable throughout your journey. We combine immediate pain relief techniques with long-term management strategies to support your ongoing comfort and function.

When Should You Start Physical Therapy?

Timing is flexible and individual to your needs. During pregnancy, it's never too early to begin preparing your body for delivery and managing pregnancy-related pain. We recommend patients connect with a pelvic floor physical therapist as soon as they’re aware of the pregnancy to begin their birth preparation journey. After birth, it’s common to see postpartum patients six weeks following delivery, but earlier intervention may often be beneficial depending on your situation and type of delivery.  Even if you're months or years postpartum, it's never too late to address lingering concerns or prepare for future pregnancies.

Why Choose Mendwell for Your Prenatal and Postpartum Care?

Our commitment to specialized prenatal and postpartum care sets us apart. Unlike general physical therapy clinics, our team consists exclusively of physical therapists with advanced training and certification in pelvic health. This specialized expertise means we approach pregnancy and postpartum care through a comprehensive pelvic health lens, understanding how the entire body connects to and through the pelvic floor during the childbearing journey. We offer private, comfortable treatment rooms and one-on-one care with dedicated specialists who not only understand the unique challenges of pregnancy and postpartum recovery but have the specific training to address them effectively. 

Take the First Step

Don't wait to address your pregnancy or postpartum concerns. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how our specialized physical therapy services can support your journey through motherhood. Our Portland clinic offers convenient scheduling and a welcoming environment for new and expecting parents.