Supporting your body during pregnancy with osteopathy
Osteopathy is a safe and effective way to support your body during pregnancy. We are very privileged to play a role in being able to safely treat musculoskeletal pain associated with pregnancy as well as provide education, reassurance, and support for our patients across all trimesters of pregnancy and beyond.
- Did you know that between 1-2 in 4 patients experience pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy?
- It is estimated that during pregnancy, 60% of women experience mild-moderate pain and 20% severe pain
Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you should be experiencing pain and discomfort. There are a number of changes that impact all systems in the body, including the musculoskeletal system during pregnancy.
Changes that occur during pregnancy:
- Anterior tilt of the pelvis
- Changes to your centre of gravity
- Changes to the curves in your spine
- Stretching of the abdominal muscles
- Changes to the way you walk
- Changes in hormone levels, leading to an increase in ligament laxity as the pelvic girdle prepares for the birth
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) is an umbrella term that encompasses several specific musculoskeletal conditions which involve the sacroiliac joints (SIJ), pubic symphysis, and the surrounding connective tissue. Pregnancy-related low back pain (PLBP) refers to pain that arises from the joints and surrounding tissues of the lumbar spine (low back). Both PPGP and PLBP can occur simultaneously in the same patient. The onset of PPGP can happen at any time during your pregnancy, but it will most often occur between 18-36 weeks. Pregnancy-related pain may not always be present in the pelvic or low back regions. Other pain-causing tissues during pregnancy can include round ligament pain (pulling, sharp, stabbing pain in the abdomen, groin, or hip), wrist/hand pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
As osteopaths, we are trained to identify modifiable risk factors and know when to refer to specialists. Osteopathic treatment can help patients enjoy their pregnancy, prepare for labour, prevent further issues, and recover efficiently from delivery or C-section. Here at Byron Central Osteopathy, we can support you and your baby throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
What we can help with:
- Reducing pain
- Improving postural balance
- Improving fluid dynamics including blood flow, venous return, and lymphatic drainage throughout the body
We do this through a variety of techniques ranging from soft tissue work and stretching to joint articulation as well as exercise to help offload and support areas of hypermobility.
What to expect at your appointment:
- A thorough assessment to identify any musculoskeletal or postural issues
- Development of a management plan that consists of manual therapy and exercise to prepare your body for labour and birth
- Individualised treatment that encourages movement and reduces pain and tension during pregnancy
- Specific exercise, positioning, and postural advice to aid with comfort and reduce postural fatigue
- Liaison with your midwife, obstetrician, or GP and provide appropriate referral, if necessary
For further information on how our team may assist you throughout your pregnancy, please give us a call in the clinic at (02) 6685 5515, or you can visit https://whatisosteo.com/osteopathic-care-during-pregnancy/
Sources:
Pain and Pregnancy presented by Liz Howard, Osteopath & Pain Management Specialist (Bowerbird CPD)
Osteopathic Approach to managing the pregnant patient. Ash Bolton & Daniela Aiello (Osteo Life Winter Edition 2021)
What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy Australia