Physical Therapy Blog

Labor is one of the most intense experiences a female’s body can endure. While many mothers say that their baby was worth every hour of discomfort, it’s important to go into giving birth knowing which labor positions might work best for your body and potentially help speed up the process. You can determine this with your OB/GYN and a physical therapist toward the end of your pregnancy - we love helping our expecting mothers at EW Motion Therapy figure out effective, comfortable positions for labor. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read on to learn more about why labor positioning is important, some positions to try, and how physical therapy can help.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that can affect women during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels that are first diagnosed during pregnancy. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but rather by hormonal changes during pregnancy that can make insulin less effective—a condition known as insulin resistance. Understanding this condition, its causes, risk factors, and how to manage it effectively, particularly through exercise, is vital for the health of both mother and baby. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy can create customized exercise programs that are safe during pregnancy and can help keep you active. You may decide that our services don’t fit your needs, but you can still read on to learn about gestational diabetes, how exercise can help reduce your risk of developing the condition, and how physical therapy can be a valuable intervention to keep your exercises safe and effective.

EW Motion Therapy has been serving the greater Birmingham area since 1999, and we are proud of our legacy as a company. We have helped thousands of patients/clients reach their goals, and we consider it a privilege to do this every single day at our six clinics. But I’m sure you’re wondering: who are the people behind this whole operation? How did the company start? Well, sit back and relax, grab a cold drink, and I will tell you the entire story.

Pregnancy is a profound journey that brings about life-changing experiences and significant physical alterations. One of the most notable changes is the transformation in posture. As a mother embraces new life, her body adapts remarkably, often leading to postural adjustments that can persist after birth. Understanding these changes and correcting your posture postpartum is vital for long-term health and comfort. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy loves helping new moms correct their posture so they can get back to their favorite activities and best care for their babies. Even if you decide not to pursue physical therapy with us, let’s explore the effects of pregnancy on posture, the importance of postural correction after childbirth, and the role physical therapy can play in this essential recovery process.

Pregnancy is a journey of profound transformation, not just emotionally and mentally, but physically. As the body adapts to accommodate new life, it’s common for expecting mothers to seek comfort and support in various forms. One such support form comes from using sacroiliac (SI) belts and other supportive bands. But, like any intervention, these tools come with their own set of pros and cons. Alongside these aids, physical therapy is a pivotal means to foster strength and mobility. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy can advise using these tools, along with other methods of strength-building during your pregnancy. Even if you decide not to pursue physical therapy with us, you can still read on as we explore how SI belts and physical therapy can work together.

Motherhood brings a myriad of changes, both joyful and challenging. For the female athlete, returning to sport postpartum can seem like a mountain to climb. Knowing what symptoms you might experience and how to prepare your body for athletic activities is a crucial part of the journey back to your sporting life. In addition to self-care, enlisting the right team of professionals can make all the difference. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy loves helping our postpartum athletes return to their sport safely and confidently. However, even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on to learn more about symptoms postpartum female athletes experience, tips on preparing the body for a return to sport, and the best professionals to guide your journey toward improved performance.

A C-section is a significant medical procedure requiring a well-thought-out recovery plan. The healing process involves physical restoration and emotional and psychological aspects you might not have considered before. Below is a guide to what you can expect after a C-section, possible symptoms, tips for recovering at home, and how physical therapy can assist your post-operative journey.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a condition that has been steadily gaining awareness, yet many individuals still find themselves unsure about what it entails. While the symptoms can be debilitating, the condition is highly treatable, often without invasive procedures. Physical therapy can often be integral to restoring pelvic floor function - our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy does this daily for our clients. But even if you decide that our pelvic floor physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, you can still read on as we define pelvic floor dysfunction, elaborate on the function of the pelvic floor, and explore the various dysfunction symptoms. Lastly, we'll delve into how physical therapy can serve as an effective treatment for this condition.

Breast cancer is a challenging journey affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Beyond medical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, there are various supportive approaches to help patients on their path to recovery. Physical therapy is an invaluable resource that plays a vital role in healing the body and mind during breast cancer recovery. In this article, we'll explore how physical therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors. We'll delve into a typical treatment plan, the crucial role that physical therapists play in this healing process, and how they can collaborate with other medical professionals during recovery.

We often focus on exercise, diet, and mental health when maintaining overall well-being. However, a crucial body component deserves equal attention: the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that forms a supportive hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis. One effective way to ensure the health of these muscles is through Kegel exercises. Our pelvic floor specialists at EW Motion Therapy can incorporate Kegels into your exercise program as appropriate to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Even if pelvic floor physical therapy isn’t what you’re looking for, you can still read on as we explore what Kegels are, their benefits and potential risks, how they contribute to pelvic floor health, and how they are used in pelvic floor physical therapy.