How Can Prenatal Chiropractic Help Pregnant People Feel Better?
“Pregnancy is a beautiful journey…” *eyes glaze over*
Pregnancy is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. Musculoskeletal and nervous system issues start almost immediately and continue to get worse as pregnancy progresses. Pre-existing problems like headaches, joint pain, muscle tightness can get worse. I use many natural and non-invasive therapies to relieve pain and dysfunction that are exacerbated by pregnancy.
Here are some common issues I see in my clinic
Neck pain and stiffness
Thoracic pain and stiffness
Shooting pain, pins and needles or numbness into the arms or legs
Carpel tunnel syndrome- pain, pins and needles or numbness in the wrists and hands
De Quervain's- pain into the base of the thumbs
Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain, stiffness or swelling
And here is how I treat these issues
Listening and taking a detailed history. I want to hear your entire life story, from what sports you played growing up, to your fears and anxieties, to what your bowel movements have been feeling like recently. This helps me treat your pain and dysfunction holistically, addressing any hidden pain triggers from your past or in your current daily routine.
Myofascial release. I am trained with many different myofascial release techniques for the entire body, including internal jaw, pelvic floor myofascial release, abdominal myofascial release and visceral manipulation. Prenatal myofascial release utilizes gentle techniques to address muscle tension, swelling, and joint pain. Myofascial release also promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and reduces stress levels, contributing to a more comfortable pregnancy experience.
Cupping therapy involves placing suction cups on specific areas of the body to create a vacuum effect. After the first trimester, cupping can be used to relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling. It can also help alleviate discomfort associated with round ligament pain, sciatica, hip pain, pelvic pain, and upper back pain. I only use pressure cupping, known as dry cupping, in my clinic to provide a gentle yet effective approach to pain relief and relaxation.
Dry needling. Dry needling is a technique that involves inserting thin needles into trigger points or tight muscles to release tension and promote healing. During pregnancy, dry needling can be used to address musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, and hip pain. It can also help with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. By targeting specific areas of discomfort, dry needling can provide relief and improve overall comfort.
Chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments are another tool to help relieve neuromuscular tension during pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain by gently realigning the spine and pelvis. Additionally, chiropractic care can improve nerve function, enhance overall mobility, and promote a healthier pregnancy.
Strength training. I am a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism coach and incorporate breathwork, balance and coordination, strength training and pelvic floor rehab into all of my treatment plans. Most of your sessions will include a workout component to help strengthen muscles, retrain movement patterns, improve mood, decrease stress, improve sleep, and bolster your immune system.
I am a chiropractor who believes in medicine, is vaccinated and boosted, and wants to collaborate with your medical birth team. If you are pregnant and seeking natural and non-invasive methods to feel better, consider incorporating these therapies into your prenatal care routine with the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new therapies during pregnancy.