Dr. Shuna Gong, Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at Am-Sino Healthcare, has commenced clinical services at Shanghai Am-Sino Women and Children's Hospital, in addition to continuing services in our Dingxiang and Worldpath locations. Dr. Gong provides personalized and systematic pain management and functional rehabilitation programs for pregnant and postpartum women, supporting them in scientifically addressing physiological and musculoskeletal challenges and restoring comfort, strength, and vitality.
Severe pubic bone pain that makes walking difficult? Persistent back pain after birth that won’t let you stand up straight? These symptoms are common during pregnancy and2 postpartum- but they are not something you simply have to "put up with". In many cases, it can be relieved with the correct assessment and treatment.
Dr. Shuna Gong, Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at Am-Sino Healthcare provides personalised pain management and functional recovery programs for pregnant and postpartum women, helping mothers regain comfort, strength, and confidence.
Why Does Pregnancy and Postpartum Pain Happen?
During pregnancy and after childbirth, the body undergoes major structural and hormonal changes. These changes, combined with physical strain, can lead to pain.
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Common Pregnancy-related Pain
Low back pain due to a forward shift in the centre of gravity
Pelvic girdle and pubic symphysis pain caused by ligament relaxation and joint instability
Common Postpartum Pain
Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), leading to ongoing back pain
Pelvic floor dysfunction, sometimes with urinary leakage or pelvic heaviness
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causing lower back and pelvic pain
Wrist and elbow pain from repetitive lifting and feeding positions
A Scientific, Individualised Approach to Recovery
Temporary pain relief without addressing the root cause is rarely effective. Similarly, treatments without a thorough assessment is also limited in effectiveness. Am-Sino Healthcare follows a rehabilitation approach of thorough assessment and personalised treatment plans, tailored to each person’s stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
✅ Manual therapy (safe during pregnancy and postpartum) may include gentle joint mobilisation, myofascial release, and nervous system–calming techniques to reduce pain and restore movement.
✅ High-energy laser therapy (postpartum) is a non-invasive option that helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote soft tissue healing. It is particularly useful for pubic symphysis pain, sacroiliac joint pain, persistent low back pain, post-caesarean discomfort, and wrist or elbow overuse injuries.
Exercise Rehabilitation: The Right Timing Matters
During pregnancy:
Focus on safety and gentle core and pelvic stability exercises, avoiding high-impact or abdominal compression movements.
After birth:
Recovery progresses in stages- from breathing and core reactivation in the first weeks, to strength rebuilding, and finally a gradual return to daily activities and exercise.
All exercise programs should be guided by professional assessment. If pain worsens or new symptoms appear, training should stop and advice should be sought.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Consider a professional assessment if pain:
Interferes with sleep or daily life
Is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or radiating leg pain
Persists beyond the early postpartum period
Includes ongoing urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, or worsening joint pain
Practical Tips for Self-care
Helpful Breastfeeding Positioning: Use a nursing pillow to raise baby’s height and raise your feet (with knees bent) on a foot stool to keep the spine neutral, and reduce lower-back strain.
Posture-mindful baby-holding: Engage your core intentionally before picking up the baby, and alternate the side you hold them on to avoid prolonged one-sided loading.
Soothing heat therapy: Apply a 38–40°C (100–104°F) heat pack to the lower back or painful joints for 15 minutes at a time to help relax muscles.
Relieve pubic symphysis pain: When lying on your side, place a pillow between your knees to reduce ligament strain.
Protect your wrists: Minimize repetitive gripping motions, rest as needed, and wear a wrist brace for support if necessary.
Through a multidisciplinary team (MDT) model, Am-Sino Healthcare brings together obstetricians and rehabilitation specialists to support women from pregnancy through postpartum recovery.
If you are experiencing pregnancy or postpartum pain, consider giving yourself the opportunity for a safe, professional recovery. Book an assessment and begin a personalised path toward lasting recovery.
This article is for general education only. Individual needs vary, and treatment should follow professional medical advice.
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Time: Every Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Shanghai American-Sino OB/GYN & Pediatrics Hospital – 4th Floor
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