Fertility, Prenatal and Postpartum Care

To support individuals from pre-pregnancy through postpartum and beyond.

Dr. Jennifer Lavin has received specialized training to help prepare your body for the physical demands of associated with pregnancy, and uses her expertise of the body as a Doctor of Physical Therapist, Pelvic Health Specialist, Certified Pilates and Yoga Instructor to give you the best quality care.

Fertility

Pelvic Physical Therapy during preconception can help you prepare your body for the physical demands of pregnancy. A physical therapist can assist in finding appropriate exercises to target specific problems and treat nagging injuries before the added stress and weight of pregnancy. Addressing flexibility and strength deficits prior to pregnancy can also make the experience much more comfortable

Many women also struggle with fertility and can have difficulties to become or remain pregnant. A recent study demonstrates the efficacy of manual physical therapy in reversing female infertility attributed to occluded Fallopian tubes, hormonal dysregulation, endometriosis, and unexplained infertility, and in addition has been shown to increase successful in vitro cycles (IVF).

By utilizing manual therapy techniques, the aim is to improve the mobility of the soft tissue structures of the pelvis, including the reproductive organs, improving circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid to aid in the treatment of both structural and hormonal causes of infertility. These techniques may include myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral mobilization, trigger point release (including dry needling), scar tissue mobilization, soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy techniques.

Prenatal

After becoming pregnant, the body undergoes significant changes both the fluctuating hormone levels and the dramatic physical changes can result in musculoskeletal concerns.

Pelvic and Obstetric Physical Therapy can help address concerns such as altered posture, shortened muscles, potential muscle imbalances, as well as changes in spinal mobility and bone alignment. You can expect treatment to include patient education, exercise instruction, and hands-on manual therapy to address each of these concerns.

Plus will help you prepare for labor and delivery by determining the appropriate labor and delivery positions and modalities best suited for your body to help minimize pain and maximize childbirth efficiency and recovery.

Postpartum

Following delivery, Pelvic Physical Therapy is often needed to heal the body from the birthing experience. Giving birth, regardless of how a baby is delivered (i.e. vaginal or cesarean) takes a toll on a the body. After childbirth hormones fluctuate again and the body undergoes additional physical changes that can effect joint mobility, potential muscle imbalances, weakness of the core stabilizers and altered spinal mobility and function.

Pelvic Physical Therapy treats a wide variety of postpartum issues some of which include back pain, diastasis recti (DR), scarring from c-Section, episiotomy, or perineal tearing, pelvic floor weakness, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain and pain with sexual intercourse.