Gentle And Effective Treatment For The Whole Body

Pregnancy

During pregnancy your body will undergo many changes, both physical and emotional, as your baby develops and your body prepares for giving birth. You will probably be aware of many of the more obvious changes, which can result in heartburn, indigestion, morning sickness, sciatica, back ache and tiredness. The gentle nature of McTimoney Chiropractic is especially suitable for pregnant women. Its whole body approach to treatment can enhance the health and well being both of the expectant mother and the developing baby. Treatment from the third month onwards in pregnancy can help you overcome pain and discomfort, and help your body prepare for the birth of your baby.

Many of the aches and pains associated with the changes your body undergoes during pregnancy can be helped by chiropractic treatment. One of the most noticeable aspects which often causes back pain is the change in your posture, when the expectant mother’s stance is adapted as the months progress in order to accommodate the growing baby. Realigning your spine and pelvis can help to take some of the strain off of your joints, shoulders, lower back and legs, which are the areas usually most affected by changes in posture during pregnancy. Another change, which occurs naturally in pregnancy, is the softening of the ligaments. Whilst this process is perfect for giving birth it does mean that your joints can come under additional stress. Through regular chiropractic treatment these symptoms can be kept to a minimum, and the pelvic girdle can be maintained in its optimum position, in readiness for the delivery of your baby. Your McTimoney Chiropractor may also offer you some advice on posture, simple stretch exercises, and advice on how to lift and carry in order to prevent injury. As well as specific improvements as a result of treatment during your pregnancy, you may also notice relief from non-pregnancy related complaints such as migraines, neck and shoulder problems, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and relief from lower back pain and sciatica.

A full case history will be taken regarding your general health background as well as details of your symptoms. All of the joints in your body, from head to toe, will be thoroughly examined using only the chiropractor’s hands and the appropriate adjustments made where necessary. Normal treatment involves lying on both the back and stomach but your chiropractor will work with you to help find a suitable and comfortable position. Wherever possible your McTimoney Chiropractor will work in cooperation with your GP and midwife, and a letter is normally sent to your doctor informing him of your treatment. If your chiropractor discovers or suspects a problem which requires medical investigation they will refer you to your GP.

Chiropractic treatment can start even before you conceive. A treatment plan will be discussed with you, which could involve monthly visits until the last four weeks of your pregnancy when weekly visits might be advised. More misalignments tend to occur in the last month of pregnancy, either due to the action of the hormones or the increasing size and weight of the baby. Your chiropractor will also recommend how soon after the birth you should return for treatment to re-establish the natural position of the joints, muscles and pelvis.

Once you are back to full health and any problems have been resolved your chiropractor will recommend regular check ups to keep your spine and other joints functioning well. In addition, you might consider the benefits your baby will receive from the gentle McTimoney Treatment after the stress of being born.