Pregnancy is a whirlwind of emotions and changes, and sometimes, those changes include the not-so-welcome addition of knee pain.
While pregnant women may choose from many remedies, have you ever considered chiropractic care to relieve knee pain?
It might sound a bit off the beaten path, but chiropractic treatment is a tried-and-true method numerous moms swear by.
Chiropractors offer a hands-on approach to make your journey to motherhood a little less painful by aligning the body and providing relief to those stressed knee joints!
3 Causes of Knee Pain during Pregnancy
For starters, as your baby grows, so does your weight.
The increased weight puts additional pressure on your knees. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go; after a while, you’re bound to feel it in your legs and knees.
Furthermore, pregnant bodies go through wild hormonal changes during pregnancy.
One such change is the release of a hormone called relaxin. This hormone loosens the ligaments in the pelvic area to make room for the baby and prepare for childbirth. It also travels throughout the body and causes other joints to become more relaxed and less stable, leading to pain and discomfort.
Some pregnant patients experience knee pain right from the get-go—in their first trimester. The pain occurs due to the surge of pregnancy hormones causing knee swelling. As the body adapts to the newness of pregnancy, the knees bear the brunt of these changes.
Lastly, the body’s center of gravity shifts as the belly grows, altering how a pregnant woman walks or stands.
Does Knee Pain Go Away after Pregnancy?
We talked about how knee pain haunts some pregnant women, but here’s the million-dollar question:
“Does pregnancy knee pain bid adieu once the baby arrives?”
For many women, the answer is a hopeful “yes.”
Once the baby is born, a myriad of the factors contributing to knee pain begin to fade. The extra weight reduces as the body starts returning to its pre-pregnancy state.
Also, those pregnancy hormones that were causing all sorts of body changes level out after giving birth. Especially the hormone relaxin, which makes the ligaments looser, decreases in the system. Therefore, the knee ligaments regain their strength and stability.
While many women might feel their knee pain vanish after pregnancy, some might still experience pain. Factors like the speed of weight loss, the intensity of physical activity after childbirth, and even genetics determine how quickly pregnancy knee pain disappears.
For those still facing discomfort, we recommend seeing a doctor or a physical therapist, who may offer exercises or stretches to alleviate knee pain.
How Does Chiropractic Care Address Knee Pain during Pregnancy?
Let’s dive into how a knee pain pregnancy chiropractor, like Dr. Doerr, is a game-changer for expecting moms experiencing those bothersome knee pains.
First off, Dr. Doerr will point out that the spine and pelvic region play a considerable role in knee pain during pregnancy.
When your spine and pelvis are misaligned, they cause a ripple effect throughout your body, reaching down to your knees. This misalignment occurs due to the extra weight and changes in posture that come with pregnancy.
By gently adjusting the spine and pelvic ligaments, chiropractors balance out that ripple effect, relieving knee pain.
Another awesome thing about chiropractic care is its holistic focus on the body.
Dr. Doerr doesn’t just look at your knee and call it a day. Instead, he’ll assess your entire body’s mechanics. This comprehensive approach ensures that the root cause of the knee pain is addressed rather than just managing it on the surface.
Chiropractic care is also beneficial for women with severe knee pain. Techniques like soft tissue therapy reduce inflammation in the knee area. Plus, chiropractors offer advice on exercises and stretches tailored for pregnant patients, further helping in mitigating discomfort.
Beyond physical therapy and adjustments, chiropractors also provide guidance on proper footwear and orthotic supports. The right support will make a world of difference in how your knees feel!
Can I Visit My Chiropractor during My Second and Third Trimester?
The answer is a resounding “yes”!
In fact, many chiropractors specialize in prenatal care, meaning they’ve got the know-how and the skills to safely treat pregnant women, no matter what stage they’re in.
One fantastic aspect of seeking chiropractic care in the second and third trimesters is that it’s not just about the knees. While the goal might be to address knee pain, the adjustments also help with overall alignment, potentially easing other pregnancy-related discomforts.
While numerous women benefit from chiropractic care during their second trimester and third trimester, it’s essential to discuss this with your primary care physician or OB/GYN.
5 DIY Ways to Treat Knee Pain during Pregnancy
Especially as you hit your second and third trimesters, knee pain will feel like it’s taking center stage. But don’t fret, as our DIY ways will address this pain and keep you moving smoothly throughout your pregnancy journey!
Get Moving, but Gently!
Exercise is your friend, even during pregnancy.
Light activities like swimming or prenatal yoga may be your ticket to knee pain relief. Water-based exercises take the weight off your joints. So, while your belly grows during the second and third trimesters, take a dip in the pool and let the water work its magic!
Kick Your Feet Up!
Elevation does wonders when it comes to reducing swelling.
If you’ve been on your feet all day, take a few minutes to relax and elevate your legs. This simple action reduces the pressure on your knees, giving them a much-needed break.
Watch Your Weight (But Don’t Stress Too Much)
Gaining weight during pregnancy is healthy and expected. But keeping an eye on excess weight gain is recommended as extra pounds add stress to your knees.
Comfy Shoes Are Key
Let’s be honest; those high heels were probably lost in the closet anyway.
Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes during pregnancy will make a world of difference for your knees.
Consider investing in a good pair of supportive sneakers or flats. Your knees (and feet) will thank you!
Gentle Stretches
Stretching, especially with guidance from a physical therapist or a prenatal yoga instructor, provides much-needed pain relief. They’ll be able to show you the best moves to relieve tension and keep your knees feeling good.
Is Pregnancy Giving You Weak Knees? Chiropractic Care Comes to the Rescue!
Every pregnancy is unique. What works wonders for one person might not work for another.
Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes or if the pain persists.
Pregnancy is all about listening to your body and finding what’s best for you and your growing baby. Keep rocking that baby bump, and know that you’ve got this!
At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care for knee joint pain during pregnancy!
References
- “5 Ways Chiropractic Can Help Reduce Pain during Pregnancy.” Chiropractors, 23 Dec. 2020, www.drckennedychiro.com/5-ways-chiropractic-can-help-reduce-pain-during-pregnancy/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
- “Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy? Here’s What You Should Know.” Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Should Know: Trace L Alexander, DC, FNP: Chiropractic Physician, www.drtracealexander.com/blog/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy-heres-what-you-should-know. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
- “The Facts about Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy.” OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group, 31 July 2023, ocwellnessphysicians.com/the-facts-about-chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
- Ultimate Guide: Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy, www.chiropractorwimbledon.com/blogg/903-ultimate-guide-chiropractic-care-in-pregnancy. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
