Dear Doc: I’m pregnant and my Hips & Low Back hurt! Can Chiropractic & Massage Therapy help?

As the mother’s center of gravity shifts forward with weight gain from pregnancy, a larger amount of pressure is put on the low back and the hips. Simultaneously, there is a hormone called relaxin, which relaxes ligaments in the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix (helping to prepare for labour).

Webster Technique to Relieve Pain

The Webster Technique is a gentle adjustment that focuses on the sacroiliac joint to ensure it’s moving freely and without restriction. A trained Chiropractor would adjust the SI area of mom-to-be to ensure that the neurological and mechanical functions are working in balance, which can diminish the chances of a difficult labour.

How can Massage Therapy help?

1. Ease Labour Pains
The Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario points out prenatal massage can relax patients and ease overall tension. Many women find labour to be shorter and less painful when they’ve received massage and chiropractic care.

2. Less Stress for a Healthy Baby
Findings from a Pregnancy and Labour Massage article note lower levels of cortisol, anxiety, and depression in patients who received regular massage treatments over a 16-week period. The decreases caused a reduction in fetal movement inside the womb, contributing to a lower incidence of premature birth.

OUR PRENATAL APPROACH
All of our Registered Massage Therapists are equipped to perform pregnancy massage. They are trained in special techniques and practices, which ensure your overall comfort and safety for the baby. We also offer customized Pregnancy Massage Pillows and Lavender Essential Oil to thoroughly relax you.

*POST-PREGNANCY APPROACH
Post pregnancy “Mom and Baby treatments” make recovery from labour easier and quicker following delivery. You are more than welcome to bring your baby with you to your treatment. Afterwards, you can choose to have a short lesson where you’ll get baby massage tips and techniques for your new bundle of joy!

*Only available at Kawartha Care Wellness Centre