Women often consider an osteopathy pregnancy treatment for a host of different reasons. From managing pre-existing conditions to treating new aches and pains associated with pregnancy, Osteopathic care can be of great benefit.
So when should a mother seek osteopathic treatment and is it safe to do so during the first trimester of pregnancy? We’ll explore what’s involved in an osteopathy pregnancy treatment and how it can help women during the early stages of their pregnancy.
What Is Osteopathic Treatment?
Osteopathy is a non-invasive form of holistic, body-based therapy that aims to improve a person’s overall health and wellbeing through gentle manipulation of the musculoskeletal framework. Osteopathic treatment is generally focused on the joints, muscles and the spine.
Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy?
Osteopaths are highly skilled and undergo a minimum of 4 years of study which requires a master’s level qualification in Osteopathy.
A drug-free and non-invasive approach which uses gentle massage, joint mobilisation and muscle energy and manipulation techniques, osteopathic treatment is perfectly safe during all stages of pregnancy for both mother and baby.
More importantly, no two osteopathic treatments are the same. Just like how every woman experiences pregnancy differently, osteopathic treatment plans are carefully chosen and specific to each individual’s needs – while taking into account any pre-existing conditions.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
Body aches and pains are a common complaint experienced by women throughout various stages of their pregnancy. As a woman’s body experiences various physical changes in order to prepare for baby’s growth in the womb and arrival during labour, aches and pains as well as discomfort can ensue.
A safe option for expectant mothers, osteopathic treatment can help manage pregnancy aches and pains while maintaining balance and ensuring optimal health throughout the entire body over the course of the pregnancy.
A few of the more common pregnancy conditions treated by osteopaths include:
- Lower back pain – this is normal and is commonly experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy. Lower back pain at this early stage of pregnancy usually arises from hormonal and postural changes.
- Pelvic pain – often results from stiffness or misalignment of pelvic joints.
- Neck and shoulder pain – changes in the spine can lead to shoulder pain and aches.
- Sciatica – a shooting or burning pain that often radiates from the hip to the foot, caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve.
Aside from treating the above pregnancy-related conditions, osteopathic treatment can also provide relief from the following:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- High blood pressure
- Gait issues
- Plantar Fasciitis
What About After My Baby Is Born?
Osteopath treatment isn’t just for women during the course of their pregnancy. Postpartum osteopathy treatment can be greatly beneficial as it can assist with post-pregnancy recovery.
Once baby is born, newborn mothers will experience postural changes and shifts in their body’s centre of gravity as they no longer have to carry their baby’s weight around their midsection. Osteopathic treatment can help these newborn mothers to more readily adapt and adjust to these bodily changes.
Osteopath pregnancy treatment can also help with alleviating post-partum depression.
Osteopathy Pregnancy Treatment In Brisbane
Queensland Osteopathic Clinic is here to provide specialist osteopathic treatment to expectant mothers in Brisbane. From the first trimester through the various stages of pregnancy and post-partum, Queensland Osteopathic Clinic can help provide relief from pregnancy pain and discomfort.
An osteopath pregnancy treatment with Queensland Osteopathic Clinic will often focus on:
- Removing any mechanical strains or imbalances
- Reducing pregnancy-related pain and discomfort
- Relieving muscle tension
- Increasing joint mobility within the spine and pelvis
- Enhancing the mother’s overall health and wellbeing
- Helping to support and align the body in preparation for labour
We offer a safe and convenient child-friendly environment where you can receive much needed osteopathic treatment while our administrative team keep a close eye on your little ones in our spare treatment room.
Reach out to our friendly team on (07) 3202 5963 to find out more about osteopathy pregnancy treatment or book an appointment today!