Physiotherapy & Osteopathy for:
Treatment for Pregnancy & Babies

Pregnancy is a natural part of life but can cause several aches and pains, some so severe that the mother-to-be can end up having to be wheeled around in a wheel chair or at least use crutches. This thankfully is not common but a good percentage of pregnancies will show up a milder form of these problems; as one example: Synthesis pubis dysfunction.

Synthesis pubis dysfunction (SPD) can occur in anyone but is more common in pregnant ladies, due to the hormone relaxing causing the ligaments to "relax" and therefore lengthen; this in turn allows bones of the pelvis to separate slightly which facilitates the passage for the baby's head during labour.

With the two pubic bones separating and making the synthesis pubis less stable, any extra tension going through either side of the body will have an effect on the loosened joint and will cause the affected side of the joint to shift slightly resulting in a misalignment of the two opposed pubic bones. This further stretching of the ligaments will cause irritation to their attachments of the synthesis pubis and therefore initiate pain. Untreated SPD tends to reoccur with subsequent pregnancies.

An osteopath can help the patient by discovering what is causing the issue e.g. one leg longer than the other, rotated pelvis, scoliosis or lesion of the spine leading to the weight of the bump to drop forwards putting pressure against the pubic bones, a rotated sacrum which had led to previous forceps delivery, sacro-iliac joint dysfunction etc.

He would then try to address the predisposing factors and the maintaining factors using gentle manipulations, articulations, massage and a special tape called kinesiology tape (which you would have seen on athletes at the London Olympics); he may also use acupuncture if it is deemed safe, as well as various other types of treatment including cranio-sacral treatment.

Osteopathy will also help with colic and other specific common baby issues but its main purpose is to get the whole of the patient to a "position" of health.

Not all pregnancy problems are suitable for osteopathic treatment and in this case osteopaths will refer patient to the appropriate medical professional even if it is back to their own GP. They will always ensure all their patients, young and old, seek the appropriate medical advice and treatment alongside their own osteopathic techniques.

So if you feel this is something for you or would like to enquire more about what osteopaths can help with, please do not hesitate to get in-touch with us 01737 247555.

Video: Reigate, Surrey - Pregnancey Back pain

For more information on shoulder pain or to book an appointment please call 01737 247 555 or email us at reception@parkviewclinic.co.uk

Powered by Physio123