Osteopathic Treatment Through Pregnancy
Osteopathic Treatment Through Pregnancy
Osteopathy is a gentle way of helping the body adapt to the changes experienced during
pregnancy. It can help alleviate the aches and pains that is commonly experienced by
mothers as the baby grows.
Osteopaths can provide relief for the following symptoms:
● Lower back, pelvic girdle and leg pain
● Neck and shoulder pain
● Indigestion and discomfort in the thoracic region (between the shoulder blades)
● Wrist pain
● Post natal problems of the pelvis
● Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
Pelvic girdle pain is a term used to describe all pelvic pain, including pubic pain which used
to be described as symphysis pubic dysfunction (SPD). Pain can be experienced in the
lumbar spine region to the thigh, the front and the back of the pelvis and the groin.
It is a common presentation during pregnancy due to the relaxin hormones secreted during
pregnancy which results in ligaments becoming softer (to enable the pelvis to open during
labour), as well as changes to the posture and to the centre of gravity which increases as the
baby grows.
Women that have a history of lower back pain, problems with their
pelvis/hips/knees and ankles have an increased risk in experiencing pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.
Symptoms of pelvic girdle pain:
● Pain on weight bearing on one leg, such as climbing stairs
● Difficulty walking, or a ‘waddling’ gait
● Pain on abducting hips
● Clicking in the pelvic region
● Difficulty performing straddling movements such as getting out of the car
● Pain when turning over in bed
● Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse.
It is important to be diagnosed as soon as possible. Seeing an osteopath can help diagnose
the cause of the pain and offer treatment to help manage the symptoms, which may include
exercises to help improve core strength. The osteopath will help realign the pelvis, rebalance the ligaments surrounding the symphysis pubis and sacroiliac joints.
Managing the symptoms:
● Sit with both feet flat on the floor. Don’t sit cross legged.
● Walk nice and slowly, taking small steps.
● Sit down and rest as soon as you start feeling discomfort. Move often.
● Avoid bending and twisting (careful when hoovering)
● Try alternate ways to climbing stairs such as the pain free leg first.
● Sleep with a pillow between your knees, and one under your bump.
● Avoid sitting in low chairs
