Online Help - July 2007
Osteopathy during and after pregnancy
During pregnancy, lots of physical and biochemical changes occur in a short space of time, and the body's adaptive mechanisms can have trouble keeping up. Old injuries may also flare up as the body is put under more strain from carrying 20lb of baby, and fluid around!
This can result in aches and pains as well as other symptoms such as: breathing problems, anxiety, neck ache, headache, persistent nausea, heartburn, swollen legs and varicose veins.
Osteopathy can help by focussing on the mechanical function of structures such as the diaphragm, ribs, pelvis and cranium (skull) and by easing out biomechanical restrictions to circulation.
What can osteopathy help withOsteopathy can help with: morning sickness, breathing difficulties, anxiety and stress, low back pain, pelvic and coccyx pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD), postural changes, symptoms of varicose veins and swollen legs, neck-ache, fatigue and headaches, plus other conditions.
Treatment of pelvic pain can help to realign the pelvis and make labour a little easier. After the baby is born, osteopathy can also help you to return to normal, physically and mentally, by releasing strains from both pregnancy and labour, and from lifting, carrying and feeding your baby.
Is osteopathy safe in pregnancy?
Yes! Your osteopath will take into account your current symptoms, stage in pregnancy, history of previous pregnancies, health issues and traumas to build a comprehensive profile.
Treatment is very gentle, non-invasive and adapted to make it as comfortable and safe for you and your baby as possible.
Spinal manipulation (the “clicks”) of the upper back can be used safely and is usually very beneficial.
However, as your ligaments and joints soften through the pregnancy in readiness for labour, only very gentle treatment is usually required to help your body find it’s own healthy balance.
All osteopaths undergo four or five years training before qualifying, and then must be deemed competent to register with the General Osteopathic Council.
Osteopathy is the only complementary therapy that is regulated by statute and only persons registered with the GOsC may call themselves an osteopath, or describe what they do as osteopathy.
Testimony
"I started to have problems with my back fairly early on in my pregnancy. I came to see Victoria at about 16 weeks,and after a couple of sessions my back problems eased significantly and I began to enjoy my pregnancy again.
I have continued to see Victoria every month or so through my pregnancy and
each time she has been able to sort out some 'pregancy niggle'. I've had
problems with my asthma and a blocked nose, both of which responded really
well to osteopathy, to the point where I have been able to reduce the
medication prescrbed by my doctor.
I am planning to see Victoria again at 36 weeks when I'm hoping she will do
all she can to help for an easy labour."
Louise Towers, Cambridge.
For more information, call Victoria and Jill on 01223 295 345 or email us at info@victoriadavies.com
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