Category: Women’s Health

Osteopathy Treatment during Pregnancy

Posted on by Karen Ramsay

What to expect.

To begin with your practitioner will take a detailed case history of your presenting symptoms, your medical history and some questions surrounding your pregnancy and what you are looking to achieve from the treatment. We will then run though an examination of the area where you are experiencing pain and any global postural patterns.

Treatment usually consists of massage mobilisation and sometimes where appropriate manipulation.

Keeping you and your bump safe and comfortable

Pregnancy Pillow

Our aim is to keep you and your baby as comfortable as possible whilst we deliver our treatment. We often will use a pregnancy pillow, this can be seen in the photograph to the right. We make sure you are supported on your front and that your bump is not being restricted in any way or touching the couch below. This can be a very comfortable position to receive treatment.  

Side laying

Side laying is more useful for some Osteopathic techniques as it allows the body to move in away that just isn’t achievable when you are lying prone. We use pillows placed between your knees and under your bump to make sure you are supported and comfortable. 

Sometimes we will work with you laying on your back especially when working on your neck and shoulders but the couch is usually propped up at around 45 degrees and we check regularly to make sure you are feeling well and comfortable throughout the session, however if this isn’t working for you most of these techniques can be done in a seated position too. 

Treatment is always adapted for you as an individual and we plan our treatment techniques to suit you and your pain presentation. This being said, if you would specifically like massage techniques using the pregnancy pillow please let your practitioner know and we will use it providing it is safe and comfortable to do so.

Osteopathy and pregnancy

Posted on by admin

Pregnancy is one of the most significant changes a woman’s body goes through. As well as her body’s shape altering dramatically, there are also physiological changes. For instance, increased hormones can cause ligaments to loosen. These factors lead to postural changes, joint strain and altered fluid movement around the body. As a result, pregnant women often experience:

  • Back and neck pain
  • PGP (pelvic girdle pain) or SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction)
  • Hip and knee pain
  • Sciatica

Osteopathy provides safe, gentle hands-on treatment which can alleviate pain, helping the body to adapt more comfortably to changes experienced during pregnancy. In addition, regular osteopathic treatment leading up to labour, is a good way to help the body cope with, and recover from the physical and psychological challenges ahead.

Post Natal

Following birth, a woman’s body will slowly return to its normal form. However, underlying changes in supporting muscles and joints, particularly around the pelvis, can make her more vulnerable to back pain. In addition, becoming a mum presents a whole set of new stresses: post-birth exhaustion, lack of sleep, lifting heavy car-seats and breast-feeding posture to name a few.  Osteopathy can help resolve aches and pains, women commonly experience after giving birth, ensuring that those early years can be enjoyed to the fullest.

Janine Norris our new Associate Osteopath is particularly interested in women’s health and has experience treating pre and post-natal women. She is also knowledgeable in nutrition and promoting the benefits of diet, exercise and lifestyle in preparation for labour.
 

If you would like an informal chat or to book a consultation please do call or message 07908 415376and we will do what we can to help.

Hannah Ramsay
Principal Osteopath