chiropractic and pregnancy
The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to reduce the interference to the nerve system so that the body can regain normal physiological and biomechanical function. Pregnancy can cause a lot of strain and interference to the nervous system in the low back and pelvic area. This is due to the quick weight gain in the belly, shifting center of gravity forward consequently changing the women’s gait. As the strain increases as baby grows, mom’s nervous system may not function properly leading to problems during pregnancy, during labor and during birth if not addressed. We encourage expecting moms to get checked throughout their pregnancy to keep their pelvis balanced so that the baby has room to grow and even more importantly drop into position when it is time for birth. Optimal pelvic function also allows for ideal opening of the pelvic cavity and fluid motion in the sacrum at the time of birth. The failure to progress during labor can be due to imbalance in pelvic function which chiropractic can help during labor or prevent from happening at all.
specific techniques
Webster Technique
A specific chiropractic adjustment that reduces nerve system stress, balances pelvic muscles and ligaments and optimizes the mother’s pelvic function in pregnancy and birth. This technique can be used on anyone who is weight bearing (walking around) and has shown to be very beneficial after birth to restore pelvic function after baby.
Montgomery Sacral Unlock Release
Can be used to help release a sacrum. This is a no force technique using the patient's body movement to release the stuck joint.
Sacrotuberous Ligament Release
A contact and correction that is complementary to the Webster technique. A tightened sacrotuberous ligament is a typical finding in an imbalanced pelvis. This is a great contact and release technique to use on infants and toddlers too especially if they are having troubles with pooping.
Pubic Symphysis Hold
This is another complimentary maneuver to the Webster technique. It is the correction of a high pubic symphysis due to pelvic imbalance and sacral subluxation. This is an especially important release for women dealing with SPD (Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction).
Psoas Muscle Release
This technique promotes relaxation of the piriformis and glute medius on the same side as the release. Therefore, allowing the biomechanics of the pelvis to normalize resulting in an increased range of motion of the sacroiliac joint (where the sacrum and pelvis connect).
