For those who like to incorporate naturopathy and alternative forms of wellness care, osteopathy may be of interest. According to the Mayo Clinic, osteopathy “is a distinctive system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones” [1].Osteopathic doctors are fully trained and licensed to practice medicine, and are listed as DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
What does an osteopathic doctor do?
A DO uses hands-on resistance and pressure to stimulate different parts of the body (muscles, tissues, ligaments, and organs) and to relieve pain. This is called Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment. OMT operates from the belief that your body is more than the sum of its individual parts, making it a holistic treatment.
How safe is OMT during pregnancy?
OMT is drug-free and noninvasive. Certain treatments such as cranial osteopathy and vibrotherapy are commonly prescribed.
Your DO can also help you prepare for childbirth by practicing breathing exercises and beneficial stretches. Activities that increase pelvic and abdominal flexibility may help during childbirth, as well.
What are the benefits of OMT during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the dramatic physical, hormonal, and emotional changes put a strain on your whole body, and OMT may help.
Earlier in your pregnancy, its greatest benefit may be alleviating headaches . Later, as your baby bump grows and puts pressure on your pelvis and spine, you may need more focus on lower back and muscle pain. Your growing uterus also pushes your internal organs out of their usual place, so OMT may focus on restoring their normal function. Stress (aggravated by hormones) often causes muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping may have you twisting yourself into awkward positions that have you hurting in the morning.
Therefore, the most common conditions treated include aches and pains (especially in your neck and lower back), abdominal area pain, nausea, heartburn, neuralgia, and sciatica.
What about after childbirth?
DOs can treat both mother and baby after birth. The benefits for mama are focused on healing strains and misalignments, while some DOs will also provide a check-up for baby to assess any effects from vaginal birth.
Does it hurt?
No. OMT is intended to be gentle and relaxing. Always communicate openly with your doctor. Discuss what is and isn’t comfortable or desirable, and speak up if you are in any pain.
*This article of "amma pregnancy tracker" reflects a naturopathic perspective on the management of pregnancy and childbirth. The information it contains does not relate to evidence-based medicine and is not supported by research data.
