Women’s bodies are complex and ever changing. From our early teen years we dramatically change our hormone profile as our body moves through puberty, menarche, pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, middle age and menopause. These hormonal changes have a lasting impact on the health and stability of our bodies and this results in functional changes in our biomechanics
At Oak Tree Osteopathy we consider addressing and treating these changes a top priority. Often it is the women in our families who take a lead role in keeping track of everyone else’s medical appointments. Our osteopaths go to great lengths to ensure these women have our utmost care when it comes to managing their own health.
Stress and Tension
Female bodies are incredibly adaptable but if muscle strain and tension is left to build up over a long period of time it can begin to cause a range of ongoing complaints. Headaches, postural strain, low back ache and very commonly foot pain are a few of the ways in which this building tension can begin to cause nagging pain. Osteopathic treatment is aimed at reducing this developing strain with hands on treatment while thinking of ways to effectively incorporate stretching and strengthening into your everyday life in a manageable and productive way.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth are challenging times for a woman’s body, causing it to change and adapt in ways it never has before. A growing bump causes pressure on the lower back and pelvis, while breastfeeding often impacts the mid back and neck. Ligament laxity towards the third trimester also presents another challenge often leading to pelvic instability, pain and joint strain. In conjunction with appropriate perinatal medical care, osteopathy may be used to reduce the burden of pregnancy on important joints and ligaments.
Pre and post menopausal changes
By the time a woman is premenopausal, she has likely already faced many hormonal and functional changes in her body. Osteopathic assessment and treatment can include risk assessment for development and prevention of osteoporosis, early management of joint wear and tear, consideration of pelvic floor health and overall pelvic strength. Our osteopaths can encourage and facilitate appropriate exercise programs considering the specific needs of a woman as she transitions through menopause.
