Pregnancy and
Osteopathy
During pregnancy many changes take place in all the body systems, including the musculo-skeletal system.
A woman’s body will undergo significant changes in posture as the pregnancy develops. This leads to a temporary altered centre of gravity which can cause pain and dysfunction if the body cannot easily accommodate this.
Previous injuries and tensions can also play a part if this limits the mobility of a key area.
Osteopathy
can help by assessing the patient and addressing where patterns of tension or
restrictions are. A variety of different
treatment techniques can then be used to help restore a better sense of
balance.
A full case history will be taken, as with all patients, including progression of the pregnancy to date along with relevant scan results. The osteopath will then assess you by a number of different means such as simple movements and palpation and may take your blood pressure for example or take your reflexes. Palpation is a highly developed sense of touch that allows the osteopath to identify areas that may be under excess tension or strain or areas that are restricted.
The treatment plan is then developed from this once the osteopath has diagnosed the problem and is often complimented by gentle stretches or exercises for the patient depending on their situation.
Common problems in pregnancy that can be helped…..
Low back and leg pain
Sacro-iliac dysfunction
Neck and shoulder pain
Discomfort around the thorax and indigestion
Joint pain, for example in the wrists, knees and ankles
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction (
Post-natal problems of the pelvis