HeadOsteopathy for Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery: Gentle, Expert Care
Osteopathy for Pregnancy & Postpartum Recovery: Gentle, Expert Care
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring about monumental changes in a woman’s body, affecting hormonal balance, weight distribution, and especially structural integrity. While these changes are natural, they often introduce significant musculoskeletal discomfort, including severe back pain, pelvic instability, and pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD). At Lochend Clinic, our experienced practitioners offer specialised, gentle techniques designed to support both mother and baby throughout this transformative period. Our goal is to provide safe, non-invasive treatment that promotes whole-body balance and facilitates an effective postpartum recovery.
Osteopathic Support During Pregnancy: Managing the Shifts
As the baby grows, the body releases relaxin, a hormone that softens ligaments in preparation for birth. While essential, this hormonal shift can compromise joint stability, particularly in the pelvis and spine. Consequently, the anterior shift in the centre of gravity and increased weight gain exacerbate these effects.
1. Addressing Pelvic Girdle Pain (SPD)
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), including SPD, is a common condition causing pain across the pubic bone and/or in the lower back and hips. Our osteopathy treatment focuses on:
Pelvic Balance Restoration: Using very gentle manual techniques to ensure the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis are moving symmetrically, reducing shear forces.
Releasing Tension: Easing tension in the deep hip and pelvic floor muscles that are pulling the unstable joints out of alignment.
2. Easing Chronic Backache
The change in spinal curves (increased lordosis) places significant strain on the lower back. Therefore, we use safe, positioning-modified hands-on techniques to:
Improve Thoracic Mobility: Ensuring the upper and mid-back can move well, preventing the low back from having to compensate.
Diaphragm Release: Optimising breathing mechanics by releasing the diaphragm, which often becomes restricted due to abdominal pressure, contributing to back strain.
Osteopathy for Postpartum Recovery: Rebuilding the Core
The journey does not end with delivery. Postpartum recovery is a crucial period for restoring the body’s structural integrity and strength. Whether you experienced a vaginal delivery or a C-section, the body requires expert guidance to return to its optimal state.
1. Restoring Pelvic Stability
After birth, relaxin levels remain high for several months. Our gentle techniques focus on guiding the joints back into alignment and recommending safe, targeted exercises to activate the core and pelvic floor muscles. This is essential for preventing long-term wellness issues like incontinence or chronic low back pain.
2. C-Section Scar Management
A C-section scar, while healed externally, can create deep restrictions in the underlying fascia connection and abdominal wall. Consequently, this fascial tension can alter posture and even contribute to bladder or bowel issues. We use specialized, non-invasive treatment to gently mobilise the scar tissue, improving elasticity and reducing its pull on the rest of the body.
3. Addressing New Musculoskeletal Discomfort
New mothers often develop neck, shoulder, and wrist pain (e.g., "Mommy Thumb") from feeding, lifting, and carrying the baby. We treat these aches and strains by addressing the compensatory patterns related to poor feeding posture and repetitive movements.
Why Classical Osteopathy is the Best Choice (List)
Classical osteopathy is uniquely suited for perinatal care due to its inherent qualities:
Safety First: Techniques are modified to be ultra-gentle, respecting hormonal changes and abdominal pressure.
Whole-Body Focus: We treat the hips, spine, diaphragm, and even the cranial system, supporting the entire systemic changes.
Hormonal Awareness: Our approach works synergistically with the body's hormonal state, promoting natural healing and enhanced recovery.
Experienced Practitioners: Our team has the specialized knowledge and training required for this sensitive stage of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We offer clear answers about seeking specialized care during and after pregnancy.
Q: Is it safe to have osteopathy in the first trimester of pregnancy? A: Yes, it is safe throughout the entire pregnancy. Our certified practitioners take utmost care, using only the safest gentle techniques. Treatment in the first trimester can be highly beneficial for easing early nausea and fatigue by supporting the nervous system and the body's adaptation process.
Q: How soon after giving birth can I come in for my first postpartum recovery session? A: You can usually come in very soon. For a standard vaginal delivery, we often recommend booking 2-4 weeks postpartum. However, for a C-section or more complicated delivery, we typically advise waiting 6-8 weeks, or after your final check-up with your healthcare provider.
Q: Can osteopathy help if I am struggling with Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation)? A: Yes. We work to restore the deep structural integrity of the core by addressing the tension and position of the ribcage, pelvis, and surrounding fascia. Therefore, this prepares the area for targeted exercise, which is essential for correcting the separation.
Q: My pain is severe, but I am nervous about hands-on treatment while pregnant. What assurance can you give? A: Your comfort and safety are paramount. We use specialized pillows and side-lying positions to ensure you are fully supported and comfortable. Furthermore, we use the lightest possible non-invasive treatment forces, focusing on releasing the restrictive tension rather than forcing movement.
Q: Will osteopathy help prepare my body for labour? A: Absolutely. By ensuring the pelvis is balanced, the sacrum is mobile, and the lower back is relaxed, we optimise the structural capacity of the birth canal. Consequently, this not only reduces pain but also gives the baby the best chance for a smooth and efficient descent during labour.
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Ready to experience this gentle, effective approach to whole-body balance? Your personal journey to restoring balance and vitality begins today. We invite you to explore our comprehensive General Services page to discover how classical osteopathy and our certified practitioners can transform your wellbeing. We maintain the highest standards while providing our services and testimonials and feedback is very important to us. Please check our latest reviews on Google.
Lochend Clinic - Suitor House
Address: Suitor House, 1004 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0M4, Canada
Phone: +1 587-600-4945