April 15, 2023

Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy in Calgary?

Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy in Calgary?

First off, congratulations. You are probably excited and overjoyed. And nervous and and overwhelmed all at the same time. It is such a joy to welcome a child into the world. A joy that also has taxing effects that can cause pain on the body. You may be seeking ways to decrease your pain, and may be wondering is Osteopathy safe during pregnancy? Read along to learn more about how Osteopathy is a very safe treatment.

It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when you’re pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, you might feel more pain. Besides back pain, you may also experience hip, pelvic, and knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinus congestion, or leg cramps. These are common symptoms during pregnancy. But don’t worry, seeing an Osteopathic Manual Therapist can help reduce your discomfort. Osteopathy is a natural therapy that helps your body heal itself. It can ease your pregnancy-related pain before and after childbirth. If you’re pregnant, your aim is to have a comfortable and peaceful pregnancy. It’s a safe and natural way to manage the pains that come with pregnancy.

woman standing with arms around her pregnant abdomen

What Can You Expect From Osteopathic Care During Pregnancy?

If you choose osteopathy, you’ll start with an assessment. You’ll talk about your pregnancy history, symptoms, and treatment needs with the therapist. Then, they’ll examine the areas of your body that are most affected (such as your neck or back). This will help the therapist determine the best treatment for you. You can expect a gentle hands-on approach in a welcoming environment that will make you feel much better.

Common Symptoms of Pregnancy that Osteopathy Can Help

  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Hip pain
  • Swollen ankles and feet
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Constipation
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Leg cramps
  • Symphysis Pubic dysfunction (SPD)
  • Diastasis Recti
  • Stress incontinence

Is Osteopathy Safe During Pregnancy?

Osteopathy is a very safe, gentle and effective treatment for you while pregnant. During your initial appointment your therapist will go over your detailed history to ensure they are tailoring the treatment for your specific needs and concerns.

While treatment is safe during the entire pregnancy, it is recommended you seek continual care after the first trimester. If your pregnancy is considered low risk with limited aches and pains it is recommended you come for monthly appointments from weeks 12-34. After 34 weeks you will typically start to experience more physical discomfort and treatment is recommended every 2 weeks right up until delivery around 40 weeks.

Treatment at (or even after) your due date can be very beneficial to ensure your body is prepared to go through labour and encourage the little one to come out. While we do not “induce” labour, we have some tricks up our sleeve to encourage the process to start. Much like seeking acupuncture for care at this time, osteopathy can be very beneficial as well.

Where Should I Go For Osteopathic Care in Pregnancy?

Osteopathy is still unregulated in Alberta, but don’t worry we are trying hard to change that. The Osteo’s at Prairie have received the highest level of education in Canada. Christine completed her studies at the Canadian College of Osteopathy in Vancouver. She is a member of the Alberta Association of Osteopathic Manual Therapists.

Christine specializes in prenatal and postpartum care. During her fertility journey (with the outcome of 4 kids including triplets) she had the first hand experience how osteopathy allows you to have a healthy pregnancy. She is an open book about her journey, with a gentle effective touch, and would love to share her tricks with you.

Prairie Therapy operates out of Encompass Holistic Health in Calgary’s SW.

What Can I Expect at my Visit?

At your first visit you can expect a detailed history. This is done to see what your body has been through and to give your therapist an idea of where they will find tension. You will then be asked to do a few movements such at bending forward to try and touch your toes, and sidebending. These movements are done so your therapist can see how the joints in your back and pelvis are moving. Then, depending on how far along in your pregnancy you are your therapist will either get you to lie on your back or your side to complete the treatment. During the treatment you will feel the therapists hands moving around different parts of your body. This will range from moving your joints around, to feeling massage like techniques.

Osteopathic techniques include muscle, bone, and joint work, as well as visceral manipulation, and cranial sacral therapy. None of these techniques should ever cause you pain.

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