Osteopathy is guided by the principle that misalignments within the musculoskeletal system cause pain that is treatable through non-invasive manual therapies. At no point does the human body endure more postural and physical change, then when a woman is pregnant. These changes can bring about imbalances that can cause significant pain during and after pregnancy, but this needn’t be the case. Osteopathy can offer a welcome respite from chronic discomfort during pregnancy through various techniques.
How the body alters during pregnancy
The most obvious and visible change during pregnancy is the extra weight gained. As the pregnancy develops, abdominal muscles stretch to support the baby, and the frame of the body swiftly changes. The result can be a myriad of physical ailments such as sciatica, backache as well as pelvis, hip and rib pain. For a lot of people, the pain and discomfort can become debilitating to the point that even everyday activities such as walking or even sitting become uncomfortable.
How osteopathy can relieve pain during pregnancy
There are numerous ways in which osteopathy can help mitigate skeletal and muscle pains during pregnancy. Soft tissue massage can help manage the strain that pregnancy puts on the bodies muscles and joints. Distinct ailments like pelvic and groin pain can be eased with exercise and stretches that improve posture and aid body realignment. These techniques also work to manipulate the position of the baby so that labour becomes as uncomplicated as possible. In addition to antenatal care, osteopathy provides post-natal treatments to aid recovery by treating fatigued muscles and improving pelvic balance. From the initial consultation, the primary objective of the osteopath is to provide holistic care that allows women to embrace the experience of being pregnant.