overall well-being in all three of these areas. Believe it or not, pregnancy is largely viewed as a disease in the conventional medical establishment. Physical, mental and emotional stressors weaken the im-
mune system. Pregnancy may lead to many life stresses that may be detrimental to a woman’s overall health. By taking the time to develop a personal relationship with each patient, the Os- teopathic physician seeks to understand each patient’s unique health goals and is well equipped to help the patient address the less tangible aspects of her medical care. The body has the ability to heal itself. Osteopathic physi-
cians believe that the body’s natural tendency is towards health and healing. While conventional medicine focuses almost en- tirely on the diseased part, the Osteopath acknowledges this part while also noticing the vast health within the body. By creating treatment plans that remove hindrances to the body’s natural healing mechanisms, Osteopathic physicians support the self- healing process. Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., founder of the Osteopathic profession, believed “ it is the object of a physician to find health, anyone can find disease.” Rather than focus ex- clusively on pregnancy as a “condition”, the Osteopathic physi- cian seeks to find and support health within a woman’s body.
What is Osteopathic
Manipulative Medicine (OMM)? OMM is a form of hands-on diagnosis and treatment. It is
used to help relieve strains that alter physical structure. This treatment assists the body in regaining optimal function. The Osteopathic physician learns how to restore health by applying Osteopathic principles in the practice of OMM. The major difference between OMM and many other
hands-on modalities is that the Osteopathic physician is trained to evaluate the difference between a purely structural abnor- mality and a structural abnormality that is being caused by an underlying internal problem. For example, a structural abnor- mality found on physical exam, such as a tight muscle or a rib that is slightly out of place, may be due to a minor trauma or just sitting funny in front of the computer; however, it may also be due to an inflamed organ deep within the body. The Osteopath- ic physician is trained to tell the difference and is well versed in ways to treat the underlying cause and promote overall health. Cranial Osteopathy is an expansion of the general princi-
ples of Osteopathy that includes a special understanding of the central nervous system and a mechanism called primary res- piration. Those who wish to practice Cranial Osteopathy train intensively through post-graduate studies.
OMM During and After Pregnancy
Can Be Beneficial In A Number of Ways: • Easing some of the physical discomforts of pregnancy. • Preparing for the demands of labor. • Helping the mother to recover after birth.
Common Symptoms Pregnant
Women Seek Osteopathic Treatment For: •Low backache including sacroiliac joints and the coccyx •Hip pain
•Sciatica and aching legs •Pain in the front of the pelvis over the pubic area •Groin pain •Varicose Veins •Edema
•Upper back pain and neck ache •Carpal tunnel syndrome •Headaches
•Difficulty getting comfortable at night •Digestive symptoms and urinary frequency •Muscular tension •Heartburn
Aches and Pains For many pregnant women, it's inevitable. As the pregnan-
cy progresses, tasks that involve the low back often get more difficult. It is harder to bend over, lift, sit or walk for long periods of time. Aches and pains become common as the body changes shape to accommodate the increasing size and weight of the uterus. As the fetus grows and the uterus expands, the center of gravity shifts forward, which causes changes in the positioning of the spine and pelvis, and may also affect the motion of the hips and legs. These postural changes also have consequences such as low back pain and decreased ability to function at the normal level. Considerable changes to posture while standing, sitting,
and walking and sleep position occur. Postural changes may cause backache, neck ache, headaches, aching legs and fatigue. If the mother has existing back problems, or strains in her body
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