What is postpartum osteopathy?
Postpartum osteopathy is a branch of alternative medicine based on massage and joint manipulation applied to the postpartum period.
Why is postpartum osteopathy performed?
During pregnancy, the coccyx and sacrum reach their limit of elasticity and the bones, organs and muscles in the area change their position and, in many cases, do not readjust after delivery. This problem is called blocked sacrum, the main symptoms of which are:
- Permanent pain in the buttocks and thighs.
- Pain in the lower back and hips.
- Urinary incontinence
- Discomfort when urinating or having sexual intercourse.
- Pain in the cervical area
- Pain in the dorsal area
- Migraine or tension headaches
On the other hand, cesarean section can also produce a fixation in the uterine position and generate lumbar pain, menstrual pain, constipation or bladder irritation, which can be solved with osteopathy.
Another important point is that it is estimated that the blockage of the sacrum hinders the connection with the frontal lobe, which influences the patient’s mood. Thus, osteopathy can also treat postpartum depression.
What does osteopathy for postpartum consist of?
To align the sacrum, it is usually performed in a single session, gently and painlessly. The patient must lie on a table face up and the specialist slides his hand down the lower back to analyze each vertebra and detect any deviation.
The movements to accommodate the coccyx and sacrum are very gentle and are accompanied by the patient’s breathing, who must perform a deep inspiration and a long exhalation before each movement.
Post-treatment care
Both after delivery and after osteopathic treatment, it is recommended to avoid impact activities such as basketball, running or jumping, as well as those involving abdominal pressure. Instead, gentle activities that include postural re-education exercises are advised. Regarding posture, it is recommended to:
- Have a good posture when breastfeeding the baby.
- Lifting objects or weights from the floor by bending the knees and keeping the back straight.
- When performing daily activities, have a stool to support the foot and avoid overloading the lumbar spine.