Osteopathic Management During and After Pregnancy

The changes to the body during pregnancy are huge! Spinal curves are constantly changing, the pelvis widens, there is more pressure on the hip joints and the abdominal muscles are challenged. All of which are suddenly changed after delivery.  A significant amount of pain during and after pregnancy can be due to weak muscles within the pelvis and lower back, such as the pelvic floor, deep abdominals and deep spinal muscles. It is no surprise that pain can occur, such as:

  • Lower back pain
  • Sciatic nerve irritation
  • Hip pain
  • Headaches
  • Incontinence

Osteopathy is a hands-on medicine that focuses on improving how the body moves to relieve and prevent reoccurring pain. Osteopaths are known for having a very ‘holistic’ or ‘whole body’ approach to looking at the body and how if functions. Since the body move as one connected machine, Osteopaths look at the body with a 3D approach, not just looking at the site of the pain, to find exactly where the pain is coming from,. Hands-on techniques include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, myofascial releases, muscle energy relaxation, and spinal manipulation to improve the body mechanics. Osteopathy is a safe and effective treatment for pregnancy pains, and helps recovery from labour.

Your Osteopath will also recommend exercises to strengthen important muscle groups to help reduce pain, increase strength and educate the body to prevent reoccurring pain. While pregnant the exercises will help the back and pelvis stay strong and mobile to perform the daily tasks and prepare for the birth process. When recovering from labour, these exercises will be designed to help strengthen the pelvic floor, deep abdominals and other muscles that are strained and possibly damaged during labour. to assist with  faster recovery and get you back on your feet to look after the new arrival.

Dr Emma Kopcikas, is an Osteopath at Vibe Natural Health Grange in North Brisbane. She practices Monday to Saturday and you can read more about Emma here.

To book please call our friendly reception team on 07 3366 7970 or online anytime

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