Pregnancy-Related Pain Osteopathy in Crowborough and Rotherfield

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, and some women experience back pain, pelvic discomfort, hip pain or muscle tension during pregnancy. These symptoms can affect sleep, walking, work, exercise and everyday activities.

At TQ Osteopathy, Thomas Snook provides individual osteopathic assessment and care at his clinic in Rotherfield, near Crowborough, East Sussex. An assessment can help explore the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your discomfort and discuss suitable options for managing them during pregnancy.

Aches and pains are common in pregnancy, but it is important to seek advice from your midwife, GP or maternity service if you are concerned about your health or your baby’s health.

Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain

Back pain and pelvic girdle pain are common during pregnancy. As your body changes, changes in posture, weight distribution, joint mobility and muscle function may contribute to discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, hips, buttocks or thighs.

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), previously sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), may cause pain around the pubic bone, lower back, hips, groin, buttocks or tailbone. It can be worse when walking, turning in bed, getting in or out of a car, climbing stairs, or moving your legs apart.

How osteopathy may help

Osteopathy involves assessing movement and considering how muscles, joints and other tissues may contribute to symptoms. During pregnancy, assessment and care are adapted to your stage of pregnancy, comfort and individual circumstances.

Depending on your needs, your care may include:

Advice on movement, posture and everyday activities

Gentle hands-on techniques where appropriate

Individualised exercises and mobility recommendations

Guidance on pacing activity, sleep positions and daily tasks

Strategies to support comfort and function during pregnancy

Treatment is tailored to the individual. No particular treatment or outcome can be guaranteed. If your symptoms suggest that medical assessment, physiotherapy or maternity input is more appropriate, this will be discussed with you.

Frequently asked questions

Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?

Osteopathic care during pregnancy should always be adapted to your individual circumstances, stage of pregnancy and medical history. At TQ Osteopathy, assessment and treatment are modified for pregnancy, and I will discuss whether osteopathic care is appropriate for you before starting treatment. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy or your baby’s health, please contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit.

Can osteopathy help pregnancy-related back pain?

Osteopathy may help some people with pregnancy-related back pain by assessing movement and considering how muscles, joints and other tissues may be contributing to symptoms. Care may include advice, gentle hands-on techniques where appropriate, and individualised exercises. Treatment is tailored to the individual, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Can osteopathy help pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy?

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is common in pregnancy and may cause discomfort around the pubic bone, lower back, hips, buttocks or tailbone. Osteopathy may be appropriate for some people with PGP, depending on your assessment and symptoms. If your pain is severe, worsening, or making it difficult to walk or carry out daily activities, contact your midwife or GP for advice.

When can I have osteopathy during pregnancy?

Osteopathic assessment and care may be considered at different stages of pregnancy, provided it is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Please tell me how many weeks pregnant you are, whether this is your first pregnancy, and about any previous pregnancy complications, medical conditions or treatments. If osteopathy is not appropriate, I will advise you accordingly.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Please wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily. You may be asked to remove outer layers so that I can assess your back, pelvis, hips and posture effectively.

How many appointments will I need?

This varies from person to person. It depends on your symptoms, stage of pregnancy, general health, daily activities and how you respond to initial care. After your assessment, I will discuss a suitable plan and review your progress with you.

Can I still exercise during pregnancy?

For many people, staying active during pregnancy is beneficial, but exercise should be comfortable and appropriate for your individual circumstances. Avoid activities that significantly increase pain or cause dizziness, breathlessness or other concerning symptoms. If you are unsure, speak with your midwife, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional before starting or changing an exercise programme.

What happens at your first appointment?

Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, pregnancy, medical history and what you would like help with.

We will:

1. Discuss your symptoms, health history and stage of pregnancy.

2. Carry out an appropriate assessment, adapted for pregnancy and with your consent.

3. Explain the findings plainly. Discuss whether osteopathic care is suitable and agree a management plan.

4. Provide advice or exercises to support your comfort between appointments.

If you have any concerns about your pregnancy or your baby’s movements, please contact your midwife or maternity unit.

Practical self-care suggestions

Every pregnancy is different, so it is important to avoid anything that significantly increases your pain. General strategies that may help include:

Staying active within comfortable limits

Changing position regularly rather than sitting or standing for long periods

Sitting down to get dressed

Keeping your knees together when turning in bed or getting in and out of a car

Using a pillow between the knees when sleeping

Wearing supportive footwear

Asking for help with lifting, carrying or household tasks

Avoiding activities that make symptoms worse

When to seek urgent medical advice

Contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 urgently if you have back pain during the second or third trimester, particularly if it could be a sign of early labour. Also seek advice if you have back pain with fever, vaginal bleeding, pain when passing urine, or pain under the ribs on one or both sides.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain and lose feeling in one or both legs, buttocks or genitals.

If you have pelvic pain and find it difficult to move around, get out of a car, turn over in bed, or go up and down stairs, contact your midwife or GP for advice, as these can be signs of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

Osteopathy in Rotherfield and Crowborough

TQ Osteopathy is based in Rotherfield, East Sussex, conveniently located for patients travelling from Crowborough and surrounding villages.

Appointments are available at the clinic, with home visits also available by arrangement.

About Thomas Snook

Thomas Snook is an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

At TQ Osteopathy, the emphasis is on individual care: taking time to understand your concerns, explaining the assessment clearly and discussing appropriate options with you.

Arrange an appointment

If you would like to discuss pregnancy-related back pain, pelvic pain or musculoskeletal discomfort, please get in touch.

Telephone: 07493 796676

Email: tqosteo@gmail.com

TQ Osteopathy
Rotherfield, East Sussex