If you’re a woman experiencing pelvic pain, you may be wondering whether you should opt for pelvic floor physiotherapy or chiropractic care. They both offer highly valuable support for women experiencing pelvic pain, but they take different approaches to address your concerns. Understanding these differences can help you determine which treatment might best address your specific needs.
Key Differences in Approach
Chiropractic care focuses primarily on joint alignment and movement as the foundation of treatment. This approach examines how your pelvis, sacrum, and spine work together, then addresses soft tissue and muscle imbalances that may be contributing to your discomfort.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy takes a different route, concentrating on soft tissue work, targeted exercises, and home care programs. Depending on your stage of pregnancy, pelvic floor physiotherapists can also perform internal examinations to evaluate internal muscle imbalances.
When to Choose Chiropractic Care
Dr. Marie Perron explains when chiropractic intervention is most beneficial: “When the component of alignment is more obvious, then chiropractic would be the best option.” This approach is particularly effective when joint misalignment is a primary factor in your pain.
Chiropractic care becomes especially valuable when other treatments have plateaued or when symptoms return as your pregnancy progresses. A growing belly and changing posture can create new alignment challenges that specifically benefit from chiropractic care.
When Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Is Preferable
Pelvic floor physiotherapy excels when internal dysfunction is the primary concern. This specialized approach is particularly effective in addressing muscle imbalances within the pelvic floor and in providing comprehensive exercise programs tailored to your specific needs.
Why Many Women Choose Both
When pelvic floor physiotherapy provides some relief but symptoms persist or worsen as pregnancy progresses, adding chiropractic care can address the structural alignment issues that may be underlying the problem.
Postpartum Considerations
After delivery, both approaches remain valuable. Chiropractic care helps ensure your pelvis closes properly and everything falls back into place as your body recovers. Pelvic floor physiotherapy becomes essential for addressing internal changes, scar tissue from C-sections, or internal damage that may have occurred during delivery.
Most women can begin chiropractic care immediately after giving birth, while pelvic floor physiotherapy typically starts after the six-week recovery period.
Gentle, Pregnancy-Safe Care
Understandably, many moms-to-be are concerned about the safety of chiropractic care during pregnancy. Rest assured that Dr. Marie uses incredibly gentle chiropractic adjustments. Our practice also features specialized tables that accommodate your growing belly. The hormone relaxin actually makes adjustments easier and more effective, requiring minimal force.
Finding the Right Support for You
The choice between chiropractic care and pelvic floor physiotherapy doesn’t have to be an either-or decision. Many women find that combining both approaches provides the most comprehensive care for their changing bodies during pregnancy and beyond.
Contact Optimum Family Chiropractic today to discuss your specific needs with Dr. Marie and discover how chiropractic care can support your pregnancy and postpartum recovery.