Osteopathy can help mums-to-be, new mums and babies before, during and far beyond birth.
Benefit of Osteopathy during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through tremendous changes. The posture adapts with the growing foetus and increased weight. The release of the pregnancy hormone Relaxin softens the ligaments and tissues which can lead to additional stress on joints in various parts of the body. Typical symptoms such as pain in the lower back, pelvis or hips, aches and pains in the upper back, neck and shoulders and joint swelling may appear. Osteopathy can be very helpful to alleviate discomfort during pregnancy and prepare expectant mothers for the birth. Our osteopaths will use gentle and safe manual therapies, joint mobilisations, soft tissues release and cranial osteopathy techniques, to relieve strains and pains in your body, and insure your hips, lower back and pelvis remain mobile and comfortable through the various stages of pregnancy. They can also provide health information and advice on breathing techniques, stretches and exercise to help maintain your health and wellbeing during pregnancy.
Benefits of Osteopathic treatment after Birth
Mechanical strains from the pregnancy or labour may be present after delivery. It is also common to experience back pain due to the breasts increasing in size and weight. Osteopathy can help relieve these extra strains and stresses and help your body regain strength and flexibility. Our Osteopaths may also help resolve issues that arise in caring for the new baby, such as providing postural advice related to breastfeeding.
Osteopathy can help to resolve strains within the Baby’s body that may have remained from pregnancy or delivery and that may lead to the baby being uncomfortable or contribute to feeding or digestive difficulties.
Osteopathic techniques are suitable for children at all stages of development. As the baby grows our osteopaths can check for musculo-skeletal imbalances, stresses or pains that could restrict motor development or reduce the body’s inherent ability to fight issues itself.
Will Osteopathy hurt or harm my baby?
Our Osteopaths use safe and gentle techniques for mother and baby. They are also trained in Cranial Osteopathy. This is a safe, gentle and non-manipulative osteopathic treatment which focuses on relieving stress and tension throughout the body. Because it is such a gentle form of therapy, it can be practiced on new-borns and pregnant women.
Physio for All antenatal, postnatal and baby services
At physio for All we have a holistic approach to treatment. Our osteopaths and physiotherapists specialised in women’s health and paediatrics work together to provide the best care during this wonderful but sometime challenging time. For further information, you can browse our website and search for Osteopathy, Mother and Baby clinic and Paediatric physiotherapy.
Research and Evidence
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment of back pain and related symptoms during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19766977) Licciardone JC, Buchanan S, Hensel KL, King HH, Fulda KG, Stoll ST, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2010 Jan;202(1)
Osteopathic manipulative treatment slows or halts the deterioration of back-specific functioning during the third trimester of pregnancy.
