Osteopathy in Pregnancy and New Mums
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy involves physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, enhance blood supply to tissues and to overall help the body heal. It can help to detect, treat and prevent health problems.
During pregnancy, an osteopath can help the structure and function of the body to ensure a more comfortable and relaxed pregnancy journey.
What Happens During a Session
At the beginning of the session, your osteopath will discuss your current pregnancy, any previous pregnancies, any current and past health conditions including operations, medications you are currently taking, and your general lifestyle.
Following this, our practitioners will assess how you are currently moving. Change to ‘This will involve looking’ at including your range of movement and any pain or tightness of muscles. This may include simple movements, gentle palpation and appropriate orthopaedic tests if needed. We will then work with you to come up with a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
During your osteopathy sessions, we will use gentle, comfortable techniques that are adapted to your stage of pregnancy and you may be given simple exercises or lifestyle tips to help manage your symptoms in between our sessions.
Can Osteopathy Help In Pregnancy?
Throughout pregnancy, your posture and body changes to adapt to your developing baby. Your ligaments soften, the curves in your spine (especially through your lower back) may become exaggerated and your centre of gravity moves forwards. All these adaptations often put extra pressure on the joints, muscles and ligaments in your spine and pelvis and can cause discomfort or pain. Having osteopathy during pregnancy supports the body through these changes, especially during the mid to final stages of your pregnancy. Post-natal osteopathy can also help with post-birth issues, provide you with strengthening exercises and offer postural advice for new mums.
Osteopathy in pregnancy has been shown to help women maintain their proper structure whilst eliminating somatic dysfunction (where the bones, joints, muscles and tissue don’t function properly). As a gentle and safe treatment, osteopathy can help relieve
discomforts that come with pregnancy through careful adjustments in the body.
Our practice is in Haywards Heath within an easy walk from the station. We are perfectly placed to welcome patients from across Sussex.
Benefits of Osteopathy During Pregnancy
- It can ease muscle and joint aches from additional pressure on joints in various parts of the body such as the spine or pelvis.
- It can help to improve circulatory problems such as swelling in the legs.
- It can help relax pregnant women and improve their wellbeing if they have been experiencing physical or mental stress.
- It can offer exercises to stretch and strengthen the ligaments of the lower back and spine.
- It can help to relieve the stresses and strains on your body during pregnancy.
Is Osteopathy Right for Your Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a very exciting journey, but it can often bring discomfort and strain on the body. Osteopathy offers a gentle, hands-on way to support your body throughout this time.
If you are experiencing any of the following, osteopathy may be a good fit for you:
- You have back pain, pelvic pain, or sciatica
- You feel tense, stiff, or off-balance
- You want to relieve discomfort without medicine
- You want personal, gentle care that adapts to each stage of pregnancy
However, osteopathy might not be right for you if:
- You have a high-risk pregnancy or pregnancy complications (you should speak to your midwife or doctor first)
- You’ve been advised to avoid physical treatments for medical reasons
Post Natal Osteopathy
Following the birth of your baby, it is not unusual to experience aches and pains caused by the stress of labour as well as the new physical activities that caring for a new born entails such as carrying them, their car capsules and prams, holding them in their feeding position and bending to change your baby. Pregnancy hormones can continue to affect your muscles and ligaments for up to 6 months after birth.
Osteopathic treatment can help ease these aches and pains pain and help your body cope with your new role as mum! Alongside gentle treatment, you will also be advised on strengthening exercises, and improving your posture as to reduce stress on your body.
We treat new mums of all ages in Haywards Heath and across Sussex from our friendly and welcoming practice close to the station.
We recommend osteopathy as early as possible to catch any issues early, speed up your recovery and prevent any future problems. Osteopathy can be beneficial for you and your baby, so get in touch with us now for a consultation.
Pregnancy Osteopathy Testimonials
Our Practitioners
At Bansel Osteopathy, we have 3 talented and experienced osteopaths who can help in pregnancy osteopathy:
Jasi
Jasi the founder of Bansel Osteopathy graduated from the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy in 2000 with a degree in Osteopathic Medicine and a Naturopathic Diploma, meaning she is a fully registered osteopath. Jasi decided to set up her own practice in 2012 and has since built an incredible reputation in the local area. Taking a holistic approach to treatment by not only carrying out the treatment, Jasi also gives advice on nutrition, exercise and lifestyle based on the client’s condition.
Shani
Shani graduated from the University College of Osteopathy, is fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council and is a member of the Institute of Osteopathy. As a former professional dancer, Shani benefited from osteopathic treatments throughout her career and has since decided to help others in the same way. She practises both structural and cranial osteopathy, tailoring her approach to each individual’s needs. Aiming to build good patient/practitioner relationships, Shani works closely with every client to restore their health and wellbeing.
Faith
Faith is another of the clinic’s fully registered osteopaths and holds a Master’s degree in Osteopathy from the University College of Osteopathy. Faith brings extensive experience in assisted stretching. At Bansel Osteopathy, she uses a range of techniques including soft tissue massage and joint manipulation to effectively treat a wide variety of conditions.
Jackie
Jackie started her career in 2017 in bodywork after taking a course with the Jing Advanced School of Massage based in Brighton before studying for a Level 6 Advanced Clinical Massage Certificate. Jackie uses tailored techniques to help pregnant women and new mums to relieve tight backs and shoulders.
Why Choose Us?
Bansel osteopathy is run by Jasi Bansel, who opened the practice in 2012. Now, the practice is home to a team of incredible osteopaths and massage therapists who are dedicated to helping people feel more comfortable and relaxed. We’re located in Haywards Heath in a beautiful practice that is filled with natural light. Just a stone’s throw away from the station, we have easy access to many of our clients.
FAQs
Absolutely. Our osteopaths are fully qualified to perform osteopathy on pregnant women and have experience in prenatal care. Therefore, our osteopathy treatment is a gentle, safe and non-invasive treatment for both mum and baby.
Yes! Our osteopaths take a holistic approach to wellness and can advise the best supplements for you to take based on your issues. They can be recommended in conjunction with the bodywork, or treatment may be solely through supplements.
No, you don’t need a referral for osteopathy in pregnancy. However, we do recommend letting your midwife or GP know that you are receiving this treatment – especially for a high-risk pregnancy.
This is solely dependent on the issues you are experiencing. The average is around 3-6 sessions to treat specific issues.
Yes! Osteopathy can help improve pelvic alignment, mobility and relaxation, all of which can support a smoother birth experience.
You can book your session directly through the booking page on our website. Simply choose the osteopathy option and select the type of appointment you’d like. E.g. if you are a new patient, or want a follow-up appointment. You can select the practitioner you’d prefer before choosing the date and time that works best for you.
If you have any issues booking or would like help finding a suitable appointment, you can call us on 01444 441160.
Get in touch
For more information on any of our services or to request an appointment with our team, get in touch today on 01444 441 160 or use the contact form below and a member of the team will get back to you shortly.