Physical Therapist Advice for Parents

Physical therapists can help parents avoid the minor aches and pains—and even significant injuries—that sometimes occur during pregnancy and childbirth, and after childbirth when parents are more focused on their newborn's health than their own.

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.

Find a PT near you!

Although parents are encouraged to meet with a physical therapist for specific prevention advice or treatment, the following resources can help contribute to painless parenting.

Parenting Tips

• Podcast: Painless Parenting

Infants and Toddlers

• Did You Know: Almost Half of Babies Have Flat Spots
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
• Podcast: Pediatric Treatment for Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly) | Tummy Time Tool

Children and Adolescents

• Activities to Promote Development in Children
• Amplified Pain Syndromes (APS)  | Podcast
• Backpack Safety

Teen Athletes

• Did You Know: Youth Athletes Are Seen In Emergency Departments 1.35 Million Times Per Year
• Physical Therapist's Guide to Concussion | Podcast
• Physical Therapist's Guide to Female Athlete Triad | Podcast
• Podcast: Girl Power: Keeping Female Adolescent Athletes Healthy and Prepared for Sports
  
  

For Mom

Before and During Pregnancy

• 5 Ways to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy
• Podcast: Pregnancy and Running
  
  

For Mom: After Childbirth

• Did You Know: Pregnancy Alters Running Form
• Podcast: Stress Induced Urinary Incontinence: Common, But Not Normal
  
  

Additional Information

Access our Health Center for Children and Health Center for Women.