Pregnancy and Osteopathy

As someone who has been through the blessing of pregnancy and childbirth, I can confirm first-hand that your body goes through many changes. Some are pleasing, but there are many others, and some have a heavy load that can affect your every move. Unsurprisingly, as your child grows, your body can struggle to adapt to these changes. 

Many expectant mums can find that these changes affect their back and pelvic area the most, resulting in an increasing lack of comfort and pain that will inhibit mobility. If this sounds like you are left untended, this can make the whole journey unbearable at times. Ensuring that you keep fit and healthy while pregnant will help your body stay strong enough to cope with the myriad changes, but also taking the time to understand what your body is telling you is vital to managing "normal" pregnancy-related symptoms and pain. 

At my practice, I see many patients who are either trying to fall pregnant who are pregnant, as well as plenty of women who are in the postpartum stage. Some of the most common ailments I see are Sciatic nerve pain, shoulder pain, tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, girdle pain, instability—pelvic floor weakness or spasm, and pelvic pubis dysfunction (SPD). Let's look at how Osteopathy can help to alleviate the pain and help you stay happy and mobile, as there is much we can do! I use techniques in treating women for the above complaints, including. 

Massage

A go-to part of my osteopathic treatment is massage; it can relax, help expectant mothers feel a reduction in pain and help with any circulation issues and muscle tightness they may be experiencing.

Stretching

‍Stretching can help alleviate tightness and pain and is a vital part of warming your muscles to the stresses they will increasingly be under, helping you breathe more easily and move with greater ease. 

Muscle Energy Techniques

‍This is designed to help alleviate the pain from tight muscles and joints and gives you a fuller feeling of balance and range of motion.

Rehabilitation and Strength Work

As mentioned, ensuring you maintain and enhance your strength levels during pregnancy will significantly help with your additional load and strains. We work with you to develop a plan that addresses the pains you may be experiencing. Each woman will have a different experience during pregnancy; this is why each patient I see has a tailored treatment plan as per the stage of pregnancy or postnatal period they are at and their body needs. As such, we would never prescribe the same treatments to different patients. We also offer Pilates at the practice, both morning and evening. Pilates is great for increasing core strength and mobility and can be a great tool to have in your toolbox for combatting pain.

You can view more about the Pilates classes we offer at www.osteopathyoxford.oc.uk/pilates. 'KOP' works in conjunction with Pop-Up Pilates, Oxford. Contact me today if you have any questions, and please forward this to anyone who may benefit from Osteopathy.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the best, Sophie x

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