The Benefits of Osteopathic Treatment During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of great change – for the mum and the baby! As the baby grows, a variety of physical challenges can arise for the expectant mother. Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, with many women experiencing discomfort in areas such as the back, pelvis, neck, and even wrists. Osteopathic treatment offers a holistic approach to managing these symptoms and promoting overall well-being during pregnancy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of osteopathic treatment during pregnancy, focusing on common conditions like low back pain, middle back pain, neck pain, pelvic girdle pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions through manual therapy and hands-on techniques. Osteopaths use a variety of techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching, to improve circulation, reduce pain and restore function. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy is tailored to the unique needs of expectant mothers and aims to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and support the body’s natural processes and evidence suggests that manual therapy during this time is considered safe (Chen et. al, 2021).
What to expect at my appointment?
Much like any other consult, Osteopaths will take a detailed history. This is designed to ensure they get to know you and your health details thoroughly. Following the history, a full examination will be conducted to understand where you may be experiencing discomfort or concerns. Explanation of the findings and diagnosis will be provided to you with a summary of what treatment and management could look like going forward.
Furthermore, treatment can be performed ‘prone’ (face down in the table) thanks to our brand new pregnancy pillow. 
Common Conditions
How Osteopathy may assist
1. Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Low back pain is one of the most frequent complaints during pregnancy, affecting around 50–70% of the pregnant population, while pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is another common condition, impacting approximately 20% of the pregnant population. Sciatica, is another common condition experienced during pregnancy often related to the back, hip and pelvis region. As the uterus expands, the body’s center of gravity shifts, which can place additional strain on the lumbar spine and lower back muscles. The hormone, relaxin, which helps prepare the body for childbirth, also increases ligament laxity, further contributing to instability and pain.
Osteopathic treatment may help to alleviate low back pain by improving function, restoring mobility to the joints, and releasing muscle tension. Techniques such as spinal mobilisation and soft tissue therapy may help relax tight muscles and promote better posture, which may reduce strain on the lower back. A study by Liddle & Pennick (2015) found that osteopathic treatments significantly reduced low back pain and improved functional disability. Further evidence supports osteopathic treatment for low back pain and pelvic girdle pain during and post pregnancy (Franke et. al, 2017).
2. Middle Back Pain (Thoracic Pain)
As pregnancy progresses, many women experience pain in the upper back or thoracic spine due to changes in posture and the increased weight of the growing fetus. This pain can be exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing, leading to discomfort in the thoracic region.
Osteopathic treatment targets the thoracic spine to reduce stiffness, restore normal joint function, and ease muscle tension. By addressing restrictions in the ribs and thoracic vertebrae, Osteopaths focus on assisting breathing mechanics, attempting to reduce overall discomfort.
3. Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
Neck pain is another common complaint in pregnant women, often caused by postural changes, increased stress on the cervical spine, and tension from carrying additional weight. As the head and neck shift forward to compensate for the growing belly, the muscles of the neck and shoulders can become tight and painful.
Osteopathic treatment for neck pain focuses on releasing tension in the cervical spine, improving normal range of motion. Gentle techniques such as soft tissue massage and cervical mobilisation may help achieve this.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and fingers. Pregnancy-related changes, including swelling and fluid retention, can contribute to the development of this condition.
Osteopathic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome includes techniques to release tension in the wrists and forearms, improve circulation, and address any restrictions in the cervical spine and upper extremities that may contribute to nerve irritation. Burnham et. al, (2015) demonstrated that Osteopathic treatments could significantly reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms during pregnancy.
Summing it all up
Osteopathic treatment offers a safe, non-invasive approach to managing many of the common musculoskeletal conditions that arise during pregnancy. With its focus on improving structure and function, reducing muscle tension, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, Osteopathy may help pregnant women achieve symptomatic relief from low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, sciatica, thoracic pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
If you or someone you know has been wondering about whether Osteopathic treatment is suitable, feel free to give us a call or book an appointment.
Dr. Schae Harrison – Osteopath
References:
Burnham, T., Higgins, D. C., Burnham, R. S., & Heath, D. M. (2015). Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot project. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 115(3), 138-148. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2015.027
Chen, L., Ferreira, M. L., Beckenkamp, P. R., Caputo, E. L., Feng, S., & Ferreira, P. H. (2021). Comparative efficacy and safety of conservative care for pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Physical therapy, 101(2), pzaa200.
Franke, H., Franke, J. D., Belz, S., & Fryer, G. (2017). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 21(4), 752-762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.014
Liddle, S. D., & Pennick, V. (2015). Interventions for preventing and treating low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. The Cochrane database of systematic review, 2015(9), CD001139. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001139.pub4
