Treatment for Mothers and Babies
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Pregnancy Clinic
Clinic for expectant mothers
Pregnancy is a time of transformation. An expectant mother must adapt to accommodate her growing baby as well as meet the increased physiological demands on her body.
Pregnancy related pain is common, typically beginning in the mid-second trimester and peaking between 24 and 36 weeks. Most cases resolve within 3 months of delivery, however treatment in pregnancy can make for a more comfortable experience. Previous injuries, trauma, and strenuous work are all risk factors for pain in pregnancy. Those with a previous pregnancy history and those carrying more than one baby are at increased risk as are those of that are of shorter stature, obese or of young maternal age.
Pregnancy related pain is most often due to the increasing weight of the baby, shifts in the centre of gravity and ligament laxity associated with hormonal changes. Postural changes and reduced muscular support introduce novel strain patterns and such things as sacroiliac and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) can occur. Hyperlordosis, or deepening of the curve in the low back, and external rotation of the hips, or 'walking like a duck' are are seen commonly. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause symptoms radiating down the leg. Osteopathic techniques including soft-tissue and fascial release, joint mobilisation and manipulation may all be used to relieve pain and improve mobility during pregnancy. Pelvic mechanics can also be addressed through work with the deep fascia and the cranio-sacral rhythm.
Pregnancy features an increased blood volume and blood vessel laxity. Combined with pressure from the growing uterus, this can affect circulation, leading to swelling in the extremities and varicose veins. Many women find they need to remove rings due to finger swelling. Improving overall mechanics can positively influence venous and lymphatic circulation and osteopathy is often combined with manual lymphatic drainage to enhance treatment outcomes.Changes in posture and increased weight of the breasts can cause tension around the neck and shoulders, sometimes leading to headaches. In later pregnancy, growth of the baby under the ribs can affect breathing mechanics. As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the rib cage and diaphragm causing not only pain but also difficulty with deep breathing, indigestion and reflux. Pressure on organs such as the gallbladder and bladder can cause visceral pain and urgency and digestive transit can be slowed, leading to constipation.
Some babies have an unusual lie in the womb, more often than not concluding in Caesarean delivery. Expectant mothers can show more complex strain patterns in foetal presentations including breech, transverse and back-to-back lays.
Some expectant mothers seek osteopathic treatment for birth preparation. By addressing structural imbalances, osteopathy encourages an environment for optimal foetal positioning. In the later stages of labour, a nodding movement of the sacrum opens the pelvic outlet, allowing unobstructed transit through the birth canal. Osteopathy in pregnancy can help encourage the necessary pelvic mobility and alignment.
Osteopathy may help to relieve painful symptoms and train the body into a pattern where it accommodates and adapts to growth and maintains normal function while preparing for labour and delivery.
Acupuncture can be effective for a range of painful pregnancy complaints and is widely known to benefit morning sickness. Some points can induce uterine contractions and are forbidden in treatment. While not directly able to induce labour, there is reasonable evidence to suggest that acupuncture after 36 weeks promotes cervical ripening. This is thought due to release of the ‘mother love’ hormone oxytocin, which stimulates the release of cervix softening prostaglandins. Synthetic oxytocin and prostaglandins are used in hospital induction of labour where indicated.
Our treatments may include the use of essential oils, selected according to patient preference, stage of pregnancy and treatment intent.
We may prescribe yoga-based exercises as part of your treatment plan for self-management of pain and birth preparation. Our store features a range of vitamins, minerals and supplements to support your pregnancy at each stage. We endorse the use of organic supplements wherever possible and products that are free from fillers binders and other unneccessary ingredients
Post-natal Clinic
Clinic for those who have given birth in the last 18 months
The post-natal period is one of recovery, bonding and exploration as mum and baby get to know each other. This is a process with continual adaptation required to meet baby’s evolving needs and own little ways as they grow and develop.
Some women must perform their new role while contending with residual pains from pregnancy or complaints arising from the birth itself. Some babies are a new addition to an already existing young family and all the juggling that comes with it. While some new mums have a local family network, others do not and they may have little help available. Risk factors for developing postnatal pain include Caesarean section, grade three and four perineal tears, multiple pregnancies and carrying twins (or more!). Women who experience pain in pregnancy are also more likely to develop post-natal discomfort.
Care of the newborn involves plenty of lifting, for example in and out of a cot, bath or car seat. Car seats and prams need to be lifted in and out of the car and movements here that can be more awkward. Together, the deep abdominal muscles and muscles of the pelvic floor support the lumbar spine. They must recover and regain strength to allow mum to perform her duties without causing injury or discomfort. Those who have had a Caesarean or significant perineal tear will be advised to avoid lifting for 6 weeks; their lifting doesn’t start until baby has already gained around a kilo in weight.
Ligamentous laxity persists into the postnatal period, especially in breast-feeding mothers. Increased size and weight of the breasts, and sustained postures such as sitting to feed, cause rounding of the upper back and shoulders whether baby is at the breast or at the bottle. Pain and stiffness can spread to the neck, causing headaches in some.
However post-natal discomfort arises, our treatments aim to re-educate the muscles, to stabilise the joints and to re-establish connection with the supporting muscles of the deep abdomen and pelvic floor. Essentially, osteopathy offers a gentle and effective way to help the body recover from the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, allowing new parents to feel more comfortable and better able to care for their little one.
Our treatment plans may include yoga-based exercises for post-natal recovery. Our store features a range of creams and balms for self-management of pain and vitamins, minerals, supplements and probiotics to support post-natal health. We endorse the use of organic supplements wherever possible and products that are free from fillers binders and other unneccessary ingredients
Babies
Osteopathy is suitable for babies from newly born, our Baby Clinic is for babies from birth to 5 years.
There are several reasons why people seek treatment for their baby or toddler. Amongst other things, a traumatic birth, colic-like symptoms or feeding difficulties. Some parents just want to have their baby checked over.
Babies skeletons are softer than those of adults and gentler cranial techniques are often used in their treatment. These can be relaxing and calming and have a positive influence on wellbeing. Many of the newborns that we see in clinic present with colic-like distress patterns, digestive discomfort or feeding difficulties. We combine cranial work with structural body work to address any fascial patterns affecting free movement and function of the organs.
We teach infant massage and yoga-based exercises for interactive mother-baby practice. These can assist in early bonding processes and, once familiar, can be used as calming tools for unsettled babies.
Juniors
Osteopathy is suitable for children and adolescents at all stages of their development. Our Juniors Clinic is for children from 6 to 15 years of age.
There are several reasons why juniors attend our clinic. Skeletal maturity is not complete until our late teens/early 20s. Postural issues are a real problem causing discomfort in today's youngsters. Our active patients often present with sports injuries and growing pains. Some have biomechanical dysfunctions that make them prone to injury. Many more are just plain accident prone! Our more complex cases feature congenital and or developmental dysfunctions.
Whatever the reason for their visit, we encourage all our junior patients and support them to play an active role in their treatment and recovery.
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