Pregnancy is a beautiful, yet often challenging journey. As your body adapts to the changes of carrying a baby, you may experience physical discomfort, emotional stress, and other health challenges that can affect your overall well-being. At The Hetrick Center, we offer a holistic approach to prenatal care through integrated therapy services, combining chiropractic care, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, and massage therapy to provide comprehensive relief and support during this transformative time.
Here’s how integrated care can benefit prenatal patients and why The Hetrick Center is the perfect place for this journey:
Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Alignment
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing baby. This can lead to misalignment in the spine and pelvis, resulting in back pain, sciatica, or pelvic discomfort. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal health and realignment, which can help alleviate the strain on muscles and ligaments caused by pregnancy.
At The Hetrick Center, our chiropractors specialize in prenatal care and use gentle, non-invasive techniques to adjust the spine and pelvis. This can help reduce common pregnancy-related discomforts like lower back pain, headaches, and even improve the alignment of the baby, potentially aiding in a smoother delivery process. Regular chiropractic adjustments can also help you maintain better posture and prevent long-term complications.
 |
While all of our chiropractors are highly experienced in treating prenatal patients, Dr. Charlene Hobbie stands out with her special certifications in The Webster Technique and pediatric chiropractic, which involved over 200 hours of advanced training. This expertise extends beyond pregnancy—after your baby is born, Dr. Hobbie can assist with issues like sleep difficulties, colic, ear infections, immune system support, and overall recovery from the birth process.
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic method focused on optimizing pelvic alignment during pregnancy. It reduces tension in the sacrum and ligaments, improving uterine function and creating space for the baby. This gentle, non-invasive approach can alleviate discomfort and support optimal fetal positioning for a smoother pregnancy and birth. |
Prenatal Physical Therapy for Strength and Mobility
Prenatal physical therapy is an essential component of prenatal care that can help strengthen the muscles supporting your changing body. As pregnancy progresses, the body’s center of gravity shifts, and the extra weight can strain muscles and joints. This can lead to issues like pelvic girdle pain, knee discomfort, or difficulty walking.
Our physical therapists at The Hetrick Center work with prenatal patients to develop personalized exercises aimed at improving posture, strengthening core muscles, and enhancing flexibility. By targeting key muscle groups that support the pelvis and spine, physical therapy can improve mobility, reduce pain, and help prepare your body for labor and delivery. It’s also a great way to enhance overall fitness levels, which can contribute to a quicker postpartum recovery.
 |
One of our skilled massage therapists, Christy Carroll, specializes in pelvic floor therapy for prenatal and postnatal care. The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in supporting the uterus and maintaining bladder and bowel function, but it can become weakened or stressed during pregnancy and childbirth. Pelvic floor therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and control of these muscles, which is vital for a smoother delivery and quicker recovery. Whether you’re preparing for birth or recovering after delivery, our specialized pelvic floor therapy can help restore optimal function and comfort.
By addressing these specific needs, physical therapy and pelvic floor therapy work together to support you through pregnancy and beyond, promoting overall wellness and facilitating a healthier, more comfortable experience. |
Aquatic Therapy for Gentle Exercise
Water offers a low-impact environment that’s perfect for prenatal patients who want to stay active but may have joint discomfort or other physical limitations. Aquatic therapy uses the buoyancy of water to reduce pressure on the joints and allows you to engage in gentle exercises without the risk of injury. The water’s resistance also provides a natural way to strengthen muscles without putting undue stress on the body.
At The Hetrick Center, our aquatic therapy program is specifically designed for pregnant patients. Whether you’re dealing with swollen feet, back pain, or stiffness, aquatic therapy can provide relief and help maintain mobility throughout pregnancy. It’s an excellent option for staying active and managing discomfort in a safe, controlled environment.
Massage Therapy for Relaxation and Stress Relief
Pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster, and the physical toll it takes on your body can lead to increased stress, tension, and anxiety. Massage therapy is a proven way to promote relaxation, alleviate muscle tightness, and reduce stress hormones. During pregnancy, massage can target specific areas of discomfort, such as the back, neck, shoulders, hips, and feet.
At The Hetrick Center, our massage therapists are trained to provide safe and soothing prenatal massages, which help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and release muscle tension. A relaxing massage can also enhance sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and improve mood, which is essential for the emotional well-being of both the mother and the baby.
The Hetrick Center Advantage for Prenatal Physical Therapy
At The Hetrick Center, we focus on your entire well-being by addressing both the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. Our integrated approach combines chiropractic care, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, and massage therapy to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and promote overall health. By tailoring our care to meet your specific needs, we ensure the best possible experience for both you and your baby as you prepare for birth. Pregnancy is a transformative time, and we’re here to guide you through it—whether you’re managing discomfort, preparing for labor, or maintaining your health. Reach out today to experience the benefits of holistic prenatal care! Contact us today to learn more!
*Our patient was 38 ½ weeks pregnant at the time these photos were taken.