The joy of a mother is to bear a child, and infertility can be very devastating to anyone who wants to have a child. The good news is, the condition is treatable. New studies have shown that physical therapy can have an impact on the ability of a woman to get pregnant. The method is cheaper, less invasive and much easier than other techniques such as IVF. Below are the top 10 physical therapy to help fertility:
1. Fertility Massage Therapy
This is the most effective physical therapy technique for enhancing fertility. It is a powerful and natural non-invasive fertility treatment that can increase the chances of conceiving. The method increases blood circulation, which in turn increases the flow of oxygenated blood and nutrients to the ovaries. The therapy helps to eject useless tissues from the system and maintain proper hormonal balance. It also helps in strengthening the reproductive organs. All these contribute to a healthy life with enhanced fertility.
Physical therapy is one of the best methods for enhancing fertility in women. It is a safe, non-invasive and cost effective remedy to fertility problems. If you have a problem with your fertility and are looking for the best way to tackle the issue, the above physical therapy techniques will be the best options to start with.
2. Pelvic Floor Strengthening
Strong pelvic floor muscles are needed during the pregnancy, while in labor as well as during child birth. These muscles can help you to push the baby during birth. They also help in preventing the urinary incontinence after birth. Kegel exercises can help you to strengthen your pelvic muscles before and after birth. It involves squeezing muscles around the vagina for about ten seconds, then relaxing them without holding your breath.
3. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
Exercise is critical to a woman’s preconception health. It helps the body to keep fit and remain healthy before conception. This can help her to carry the pregnancy without feeling worn out. Taking time to exercise daily can help the body to support ovulation, conception as well as pregnancy. Some of the beneficial exercises include; walking, hiking, riding a bicycle, jogging and aerobics.
4. Post-isometric Relaxation
This is another effective method for combating the problem of acute tension in the soft tissue, which may preclude sudden spinal adjustment. It is particularly effective in women with abdominopelvic adhesion formation. The remedy works by reducing the muscle tension. The procedure involves bringing muscles to their maximum length without having to stretch them. The patient is required to resist “isometrically” with minimal force. He/she is then compelled to breathe in for about ten seconds before relaxing the muscles and exhaling slowly.
5. External and Internal Trigger Point Management
If you are experiencing pelvic pain, you are likely to be having trigger points near or within your pelvic floor muscles. Trigger points are basically small and tout patches of forcefully contracted muscle fibers within muscles fascia. They can restrict blood flow to nearby tissues, making it hard for someone to conceive. Before treating the condition, a physiotherapist must evaluate the patient’s muscles and the muscle fascia, both external and internal, from the naval up to the knees. Trigger points can be eliminated through manual release techniques, dry needling and administering trigger point injections.
6. Relaxation Exercises
Studies have shown that constant stress produces cortisol, prolactin and other hormones. These can interfere with regular ovulation, hence affecting a woman’s ability to become pregnant. To achieve a peaceful state of mind and increase your chances of conceiving, try relaxation exercises such as breathing deeply for some prolonged sessions. You can also find a special and comfortable place, where you can visit and have quiet moments. Meditation and prenatal yoga pose can also help to relax your mind and let out whatever is troubling you.
7. Spinal Mobilization
Studies have shown that spinal imbalance can actually affect a person’s fertility. Note that spinal movement is what causes the cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The two normally help in regulating hormones that are responsible for a person’s fertility. However, if there is an interruption to the flow of the fluid, for instance due to an accident, the two organs can be affected. Spinal mobilization which might involve rolling exercises, floor twists as well as using thumbs and fingers on the spine can help to align the spine properly. This allows the cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely. This in turn regulates the hormonal cycles, making it easier for one to conceive.
8. Manual Pelvic Physical Therapy
This is a gentle hands-on non-invasive approach to fertility issues. It works by decreasing restriction, improving motion as well as organ function. Some of the manual pelvic physical therapy techniques for the mechanical infertility may include:
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- I. Myofascial Release; which decreases restricted muscles and fascia (a web-like covering which surrounds body muscles, organs and nerves). This in turn eliminates the pain and restores motion.
- II. Visceral Mobilization; which improves organ mobility and function.
- III. Pelvic Lymphatic Drainage; which reduces pelvic congestion.
9. Acupuncture
The technique involves insertion of sterile ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body. These points reside on meridians or pathways that regulate how the body functions. Acupuncture normally addresses problems that affect fertility like an over-functioning thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an under-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism). It also improves the follicular and ovarian function, and increases the flow of blood to the endometrium, which facilitates a thick and rich lining. All these help in improving a person’s fertility.
10. Mercier Therapy
Mercier therapy, also known as the Mercier technique, is a soft-tissue visceral manipulation technique that is used to restore the health and overall well-being of a woman’s pelvis. It is a gentle and non-invasive method that helps a woman to reconnect to her divine feminine state. It allows the pelvis to reopen to healing and balance. During the treatment, a therapist manually manipulates the patient’s pelvic visceral organs from outside.
