Your new bundle should only create joy, not pain
Nothing is more exciting than bringing home your new bundle of joy! All you want to do is hold, love on, and keep that baby in your arms forever. However, what some may not realize is, when it comes to caring for a child, your body is put through constant strain and pain with the simplest everyday task. Every day is a workout when you're taking care of your child. With such an enormous task already on your hands, aches and pains should be the last thing on your mind. With physical therapy, you can let your therapist worry about your pain so you don't have to.
The American Physical Therapy Association has developed simple strategies to keep in mind when you are raising a newborn.
When lifting your child from the floor:
• Remember to use your legs instead of your back
• Tighten your stomach muscles, creating a firm core
• Keep your child close to your body, distributing the weight
When carrying your child:
• Hold your baby close to your body, keeping weight evenly distributed
• Avoid holding your child on your hip, creating a balanced center is important
• If using a child carrier, keep your back and shoulders straight to avoid strain
When picking up toys from the floor:
• Keep your head and back straight
• Bend at your waist instead of your back
When pushing a stroller:
• Stay close to the stroller, this will keep your back straight
• Use your entire body to push your stroller, this will evenly distribute your force
The best way to elevate these pains associated with movements that you are not yet accustomed to, as well as make sure that you incorporate correct practices in the future, is to see a physical therapist. Physical therapists often identify particular movements and positions that will lessen and control pain. A physical therapy treatment program that is geared toward instructing the patient in self care techniques and back injury prevention is vital to returning the patient to a pain-free, active and healthy lifestyle.
If you want to enjoy all those things you have been waiting to do with your newborn, pain free, call one of the leading back pain specialists in North Idaho, Pinnacle Physical Therapy. We offer two convenient locations, extended hours, and guaranteed appointments within 24-48 hours of request.
Call today to schedule your initial evaluation - Post Falls (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene (208) 665-2000.