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Original poster

Anyone had osteopathy while pregnant?

14 replies

MegBusset · 23/01/2009 11:26

I have had an achy/clicky knee for a year or so, which my GP said to take ibuprofen for. Now I'm 6 months pg and can't take ibuprofen, plus the extra weight is really adding to the discomfort -- to the point where it's keeping me awake at night.

Just wondering if a visit to an osteopath might help, has anyone had treatment while pregnant for anything similar?

OP posts:
alicecrail · 23/01/2009 11:33

I saw my chiropractor twice when pregnant, once at 12wks and again at 32wks and was fine. I would go to a mctimony chiropractor as they are very gentle, i have seen 2 different ones (living in different areas) and both were fantastic

CarGirl · 23/01/2009 11:35

Yes I saw an osteopath for my last 2 pregnancies to improve my SPD, it was heaven!

They have also helped sort out my long term back and knee problems.

Have you had a referral to a podiatrist to check that it's not dropping arches or pronation causing the knee pain?

Original poster
MegBusset · 23/01/2009 11:36

what's the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?

OP posts:
Original poster
MegBusset · 23/01/2009 11:37

My GP wasn't very helpful when I saw him, he said to take ibuprofen and if the pain got very bad then paracetamol/codeine, but other than that there wasn't much they could do about it!

OP posts:
CarGirl · 23/01/2009 11:38

I was informed that a modern trained chiropactor is similar to an osteopath. However, Osteo works on the ligaments/muscles/tissue which helps move the bones to correct place whereas the chiropractor "pops" the bones in order to loosen/change the soft tissues IYSWIM. An osteo will do the bone popping thing too though if its appropriate.

Original poster
MegBusset · 23/01/2009 11:39

I've had the bone-popping thing done about 10 years ago, when I was having problems with my ankle. It freaked me out!

OP posts:
CarGirl · 23/01/2009 11:41

Is it the same leg that you now have the knee problem?

I've got those special insoles which have pretty much cured my knee pain.

AliandHerScallywag · 23/01/2009 11:43

I went to an osteopath at 16/17wks for a strain in the base of my spine, it made a big difference and sorted the problem out.

Osteopaths and chiropractors don't like each other much -. I once asked a friend who is an osteopath what the difference is and I got a long ranting email back. Her view in short was that chiropractors look only at the skeletal system whereas osteopaths are trained in and treat all body systems e.g. Nervous, muscular etc. It's a few years since I read the email so I might not be wholly accurate, and my lovely friend might be a bit biased. Hopefully a better informed person will be along soon to answer.

horribleperson · 23/01/2009 11:45

I saw a chiropractor when I was pregnant but I think what you've described would be more suited to an osteopath.

Original poster
MegBusset · 23/01/2009 11:46

No, the other one -- I used to do a lot of swimming and my wonky breaststroke caused strain in one ankle.

The osteopath I saw back then said I had terrible posture (a result of having twisted hips as a child and one leg slightly longer than the other!). I could feel him wincing as I walked down the corridor in front of him. But I couldn't afford to have ongoing treatment once my ankle was OK.

Now I'm trying to decide whether to push for an NHS referral (with a long wait) or fork out for a private appt with an osteopath.

OP posts:
CarGirl · 23/01/2009 11:49

I would do both - push for NHS referral and see an osteopath in the meantime! Look for one who has had specialist training for pregnant patients and as parking near by!! My spd was so bad I had crtches so the walking distance was a factor in my choice!

ladymac · 23/01/2009 12:06

Hi Meg. Looked at your profile to see where you live as I wanted to recommend this place. They only treat children and pregnant women and you can pay what you can afford. They are all trained osteopaths who are undertaking further study on babies and children.

I am 29 weeks pregnant and I was treated early in my pregnancy for neck pain which was causing awful headaches. After 3 sessions it was gone and touch wood has not bothered me since. I'll take the baby in when it's born as they like to give newborns the once over and also make sure mum is ok after the birth.

My 12 yr old and 21 month old dds have also been treated there.

Good luck.

ladymac · 23/01/2009 12:08

Meant to say that my 12 year old was being treated for having one leg longer than the other!

CarGirl · 23/01/2009 12:26

Yes that place in London is fab unfortunately I live too far away to make it worth going!

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