Osteopathic Treatment may support and improve your muscle and joint aches and pains during pregnancy!
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort as your body changes with pregnancy? This is the case for many women. Pregnancy may cause pre-existing conditions (such as back pain) to flare up or you may suffer from other discomforts including:
- Neck and back pain as a result of changed weight bearing
- Headaches or migraines
- Respiratory issues – shortness of breath or difficulty with full breathing
- Circulation difficulties – including swollen feet or hands
- Nausea, heartburn and other internal issues
- Difficulty adjusting posture to find a comfortable lying, standing or sitting position
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy may be able to assist with postural changes due to pregnancy through manual treatment and appropriate rehabilitation, and strengthening techniques and advice.
Common issues during pregnancy include (but are not limited to):
- Pelvic girdle pain
- Pelvic instability
- Sciatic pain
- Groin and Hip Pain
- Lower back pain
- Mid and Upper back pain with associated shortness of breath
- Muscle strains, spasms and tightness
- Headaches and Migraines
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Complaints associated with pelvic floor issues
- Coccyx pain
- Heart burn (gastro-oesophageal reflux)
- Poor sleeping
- Frequent Urination
- Constipation
- Plantarfasciitis
Pain can often be due "normal" hormonal changes which cause the ligaments throughout the body to soften during pregnancy. This in turn can allow for the pelvic bones to separate slightly during the the pregnancy and then in turn the delivery to facilitate the passage of the baby's head through the pelvis. However, this softening affects the whole body and can make it more vulnerable to strain during the pregnancy, contributing to some of the symptoms listed above.
It is very important that you look after your body during pregnancy - in all facets that include your musculoskeletal system. Is is also important to consider your dietary requirements and intake, having enough rest, and doing appropriate exercise, and in general experiencing minimal stress. Our goal at St Kilda Osteopathy is to create optimal health for you and your baby, so you are assured your "hands on" treatment is tailored to your body, presentation of pain and your lifestyle.
Osteopathic treatment aims to help your body to make postural changes easily and can make pregnancy much more comfortable whist adapting to the constant changes that are occurring.
Pregnancy health advice and treatment for new mothers
Once your baby is born, you may continue to find new or ongoing pain issues. Lower back and neck pain is common for new mothers as there is so much lifting, bending and carrying involved. You may also require some treatment to help your pelvis recover post birth. Other complaints include (but not limited to):
- Wrist pain
- Elbow pain
- Headaches
- Muscle tightness
- Bladder leakage
Follow up treatments post baby may be beneficial for hands on treatment for postural complaints due to extended hours sitting, breast or bottle feeding, as well as carrying capsules/prams and your baby. We can advise you about how to care for yourself including:
- Strengthening exercises – particularly core strength
- Stretching techniques
- Postural advice
- Exercise recommendations
