Pregnancy back pain osteopathy
Gentle, hands-on treatment for back, pelvic and hip pain during and after pregnancy. Safe, side-lying positioning. At 32 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace SE19.
What is pregnancy-related back pain? The combination of postural shift, weight gain and hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause back, pelvic and hip pain — often felt in the lower back, the front pubic area or the buttocks. Hands-on osteopathic treatment is safe throughout pregnancy and can significantly reduce the pain.
Common pregnancy-related conditions we treat
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) / SPD
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Sciatica during pregnancy
- Mid-back and rib pain
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Hip and groin pain
- Postural pain from carrying the bump
- Round ligament pain
- Postnatal back pain
- Postnatal pelvic recovery
- Tension from feeding postures
How treatment is adapted for pregnancy
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Comfortable positioning
From the second trimester onwards, patients are typically positioned in side-lying with pillows supporting the bump, hips and knees. Lying flat on the front is avoided. Treatment is comfortable at every stage.
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Gentle, hands-on techniques
Articulation, soft-tissue work and joint mobilisation are gentle and safe. High-velocity adjustments are not used during pregnancy. Pressure is adjusted to suit the trimester and the patient's preference.
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Tailored home advice
You'll usually leave with practical advice — sleeping positions, sitting setups, gentle stretches you can do at home — to support recovery between sessions and reduce flare-ups.
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Postnatal care
Once you've had your six-week check, treatment can support your body's recovery — re-aligning the pelvis, releasing tension from feeding and carrying postures, and rebuilding strength gradually.
Practical bits for pregnant and postnatal patients
How long is the first appointment? One hour. That gives Virginia time for a thorough history (including pregnancy details and any complications), examination, treatment and questions. More about your first appointment.
How many sessions? Many patients find a single session significantly reduces pain. For ongoing pregnancy-related conditions, treatment every 2–4 weeks through the third trimester is common.
Can I bring my baby? Yes — newborns are welcome in the clinic. We can arrange the appointment to fit feeding and naps where possible.
Do I need a GP or midwife referral? No referral is needed. If your pregnancy has any complications we'll discuss whether liaising with your midwife or GP would be helpful.
When pregnancy back pain needs urgent attention
Most pregnancy-related back pain is musculoskeletal. Please contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit straight away if you have any of the following:
- Severe pain that doesn't ease with rest or position change
- Pain combined with vaginal bleeding or fluid loss
- Pain combined with regular tightening before 37 weeks
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness in the saddle area (between the legs)
- Reduced fetal movements
Areas served
Patients regularly travel to the clinic from Crystal Palace, Upper Norwood, West Norwood, South Norwood, Dulwich, East Dulwich, West Dulwich, Anerley, Penge, Sydenham, Beckenham, Bromley, Forest Hill, Norbury, Croydon and Thornton Heath.
Book a pregnancy appointment
Same-week appointments usually available. Texting is the fastest way to reach us.
See also: general back pain treatment · sciatica · your first appointment · fees · FAQ · about Virginia