11 Jan Health Matters Issue 4
Welcome Note
Happy New Year!
Welcome to the Summer edition of Health Matters –
South Eastern Osteopathy’s seasonal newsletter.
It is our goal to promote health through education on how our bodies work, why they break down and what can be done to prevent or manage these conditions when they occur.
We would like to welcome our new Osteopath Dr Tim Crowe who has joined South Eastern Osteopathy in 2010. Tim treats people of all ages and also works as a professional sports coach on the Gold Coast.
Further news, Dr Mark Papallo will no longer be working on a Tuesday as he has taken a teaching position at Southern Cross University in Lismore.
Health Promo
Get fit in the water this summer. Aqua fitness is a great alternative for our hot climate. There are a number of activities that enable you to maintain your fitness whilst enjoying some time in the water. Activities include:
Swimming is great for all ages and low impact. It helps maintain muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
Aqua Aerobics is aerobics in the water therefore also low impact. It involves a variety of movements to help strengthen joints and give you an all body workout.
Deep Water Running is a fantastic class. It is a great body and core workout as you run and twist in the deep water with the aid of a floatation belt.
To find out about local lessons contact the Palm Beach Currumbin Pool on 07 5534 4188 or pbpool@ozemail.com.au.
This Issue’s Topic: Osteopathy and Pregnancy
There seems to be a pregnancy contamination in the Gold Coast water. Many of our patients have begun to experience the joys of parenting over the last year with some to come in 2010. Therefore we would like to bring to your attention the benefits of Osteopathy pre, during and post pregnancy.
The most common complaints seen during pregnancy are:
Lower back pain
Sciatica
Neck and shoulder pain
Hip Pain
Osteopaths aim to limit or prevent the above symptoms through management of postural and biomechanical factors. Keeping an efficient biomechanical balance to help a woman’s body adapt effectively to the physical demands of the pregnancy, therefore minimizing stress on a growing uterus and developing baby.
Spinal Changes in Pregnancy
First of all it is important to ensure all of the curves of the spine are in proportion to each other. An imbalance between these curves may lead to altered muscle coordination patterns and cause strain on the spine as pregnancy advances, therefore predisposing to painful syndromes.
During the first trimester:
-The pelvis rotates backwards
-The weight of the uterus is taken by the bladder and pelvic floor
-There is upward pressure against the small and part of the large intestines as the uterus grows
-There will be extra strain on the hip flexors, upper abdominals and lumbar spine muscles
-The abdomen begins to change shape at the end of the first trimester
The majority of breast changes occur during the first half of the pregnancy and may lead to strain on the upper back and neck. The next lot of spinal changes occur near the end of the second trimester and into the third.
Third trimester changes:
-The pelvis starts to rotate forward causing the spinal curves to change
-Tension increases on the front abdominal wall as the uterus pushes out against them
-The organs start to move to the sides and to the back of the abdominal cavity which changes the shape of the cavity.
-The ribs, rib muscles and diaphragm need to accommodate the abdominal cavity change
-Most of the weight is carried on the pubic bone or the pelvic floor
-The lumbar spine curve is exaggerated to allow the head to sit correctly.
-Increase in the base of support (wider stance)
What is optimal fetal positioning?
Optimal positioning is whether the fetus can align itself within the uterus for an easy, low-stress vaginal delivery. Anterior occipital presentation (back of head facing the pubis) is the most common and best position for the baby prior to birth.
http://doulamomma.wordpress.com/2009/06/10/optimal-fetal-positioning-for-a-better-birth/
Our Osteopaths at South Eastern Osteopathy aim to have a positive impact on the labour and birth outcomes for both mum and baby.
Please contact Katrina by email: Katrina@seosteopathy.com.au
with any further questions.
Your Questions?
Who needs magnesium supplements?
Magnesium is used to help relieve muscle cramping (night cramps), period pain, fibromyalgia, nervous tension and mild-anxiety. It also promotes stamina and muscle relaxation, reduces fatigue and can help reduce the onset of migraines. It is also a good supplement to take throughout pregnancy. South Eastern Osteopathy have a range of magnesium supplements available, please ask one of the staff for more information.
Until Next Quarter
We sincerely hope that you will continue to enjoy and learn from this quarterly newsletter.
As always, feedback on our newsletter is greatly appreciated.
Contact info@seosteopathy.com.au.
Remember – regular maintenance treatments and movement are advised, as prevention is better and much less painful than an injury.
Mark Papallo, Katrina Papallo & Tim Crowe