416 Ilam Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8052

Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 8pm

416 Ilam Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8052

Clinic Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-8pm

Pregnant And In Pain…Can Osteopathy Help??

Published by Better Health Osteopathy on 16 April 2016, Pregnancy

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an Osteopath is the opportunity to help a pregnant woman in pain, and to assist her throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy can be an amazing experience, but it also brings with it some challenges and various levels of discomfort and pain.

Research has shown that over two-thirds of pregnant ladies experience back pain. This is a significant percentage, but it does not mean that women should suffer pain needlessly throughout their pregnancy.

Pain is a sign that your body is struggling to adapt to the physical demands being placed upon it by your growing baby. Help is available, and Osteopathy can help alleviate some of the discomfort experienced during pregnancy, by using gentle and safe techniques to support mum and baby throughout pregnancy.

How Can Osteopathy Help Me During My Pregnancy?

Osteopaths don’t just treat back and pelvic pain. We can advise and assist you with some of the most common ailments experienced during pregnancy which includes:

  1. Headaches
  2. Sciatica
  3. Back Pain
  4. Round Ligament Pain
  5. Rib pain
  6. Breathing and diaphragm issues
  7. Plantar Fasciitis 
  8. Pubic symphysis dysfunction

Osteopathic Treatment And Pregnancy

Osteopathic treatment during and after pregnancy is a safe, and drug-free approach and can be beneficial to pregnant patients by:

  • Easing low back and pelvic pain
  • Easing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy
  • Preparation for the demands of labour
  • Assisting the mother to recover post-delivery

Preparation for Labour

During pregnancy we will thoroughly examine your spine and pelvis, to ensure that the pelvic bones and muscles are aligned and balanced, providing optimum conditions for positioning, descent, and passage of the baby through the birth canal during delivery.

We regularly teach breathing techniques, stretches, and exercises you can do throughout your pregnancy to help with the delivery and encourage overall health and wellbeing.

Post Pregnancy

Whilst labour is the most natural thing in the world, it can take time for a woman to recover from the birth, recover from the postural strains gained throughout pregnancy, and deal with the stresses of caring for a new baby.

Following a vaginal delivery, we normally check that the pelvis and supporting tissues have returned to normal alignment, and treat any strains to the pelvis and low back which may have occurred during delivery. A well-aligned pelvis can provide the best platform for the pelvic floor muscles to heal post-delivery.

What Techniques Are Used During Treatment?

Gentle osteopathic techniques are utilised during treatment. They involve massage, myofascial stretching, manipulation, and articulation of joints. Various stretching and strengthening programmes can be devised and are tailored to the individual patient’ needs.

Do I Need A Referral?

You do not need a referral to see an Osteopath. Your GP and midwife may suggest you see an Osteopath. We work closely with local midwives and get many referrals from midwives in Christchurch.

If you are struggling with pregnancy-related aches and pains – Our Osteopaths are here to help you! Please do not hesitate to contact Lorraine Herity at Better Health Osteopathy in Christchurch today. Call 027 755 5700 or book online.

Better Health Osteopathy

Lorraine Herity is the Clinic Director of Better Health Osteopathy in Christchurch, New Zealand. She previously worked in Osteopathic clinics in London and Ireland, before moving to New Zealand. Lorraine trained at the British School of Osteopathy in London, where she gained her Master of Osteopathy (M.Ost). Lorraine is a dedicated and passionate Osteopath. Her main aim is to help her patients regain their health and to return her patients back to their everyday activities, in as quick a time as possible. Lorraine is also a clinic tutor on the Osteopathic Course in Ara and relishes the opportunity to teach the next generation of osteopaths.